Middle East Resources
Center for Middle Eastern Studies (University of Texas at Austin)
This is probably the premier academic site in the United States. From here you can get to libraries, Middle East centers, and associations, such as the Middle East Studies Association. Many sites have bibliographies. There is also a list of countries. I suspect many of those llinks will lead to libraries and gopher sites. This is an enormous but well organized site. Worth browsing.
This is an Islamic site maintained by Muslims. It offers an introduction to Islam, with commentary on a number of fundamental concepts. Appears to reflect a single view. No effort (that I saw) to emphasize diversity of interpretation and practice.
Arab View (Independent Arab Opinion Page)
Calls itself the page of "independent Arab opinion." I assume that means "independent of Arab governments." I don't quite see how that can be true, since most of the writers seem to be living in the Middle East and working for newspapers and magazines there. My initial impression that this is a Saudi and Gulf site.
"Arabia" appears to mean "the Arab world." Site is paid for by Digital and some banks. I visited the Jordanian site, which is an official government site. It does offer copies of some documents. I notice one on human rights. Can't imagine that it is critical. Site gives access to a number of countries and a number of non-governmental agency sites. One link is to the "Arab woman's homepage."
AWAIR (Arab World and Islamic Resources)
"Arab World and Islamic Resources, Berkeley, California is a non-profit dedicated to the awareness of Arab and Islamic culture." Looks as if it is aimed primarily at grade schools. Reading list is modest and directed toward younger students. Probably not of much use to us.
This is a part of the Guardian site. Does that mean the Manchester Guardian? I don't know. in the Egypt site I found some great pictures of the pyramids and lots of references to ancient Egypt. That appears to be the focus. Perhaps modern tourism, as well. I didn't find much (in my very cursory search) that would help with politics, but I wouldn't want to bet heavily on that.
CIAS (Centre Information Arab Scandinave)
This is a Scandinavian site with references to about ten Middle Eastern countries. Appears to be for tourism only. "Visit before you go." Nice maps, lots of color, blurbs that may well have been written in Scandinavia. Harsh first impressions? Prove to me there is something more here!
This is a beautiful site maintained in Lebanon (or so I gather.) There are references to other countries, too. I pursued the Lebanon link and found 72 pictures of Lebanese castles, among other things. There seems to be some bibliography, perhaps some documents. Probably worth exploring.
Israeli Government Official Site
Extensive official site of the Israeli government. Want a copy of a recent speech by the Prime Minister? Want a copy of agreements between Israelis and Palestinians? You will find them here. Seems to be managed by the Foreign Ministry.
This is the home page of an Israeli political party, the Likud. Elegant and well maintained, as I guess befits the party in power.
Middle East Studies Association
The Middle East Studies Association is the leading scholarly organization in the field of Middle East Studies.
Please send comments or suggestions to: Bob Lee: rlee@cc.colorado.edu
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