By Alastair Bonnett, Newcastle University | Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah is not the only man-made island to have emerged from the sea this century. Over the past 20 years, many islands have been built to accommodate both tourists and well-heeled residents – especially in the Arabian Gulf states and China. In an era of sea-level […]
Will Current Israeli-Lebanese Fighting derail Historic Land Border Agreement?
By Mireille Rebeiz, Dickinson College | – In October 2022, Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement brokered by the U.S., a move interpreted as the beginning of normalizing relations between two countries technically at war. The next step would have been the settlement of the long-running land border dispute. But then came the […]
Israel’s Army Exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox: A Jewish State divided over the Jewish Religion
By Michael Brenner, American University | – Just when you think nothing can surprise you anymore in Israeli politics, someone always comes along with a new twist. This time it was Yitzhak Yosef, one of Israel’s two chief rabbis. In response to debates over whether ultra-Orthodox Jews should be required to serve in the military, […]
Calls for a ‘Green’ Ramadan revive Islam’s long Tradition of Sustainability and Care for the Planet
By Noorzehra Zaidi, University of Maryland, Baltimore County | – For many Muslims breaking fast in mosques around the world this Ramadan, something will be missing: plastics. The communal experience of iftars – the after-sunset meal that brings people of the faith together during the holy month – often necessitates the use of utensils designed […]
The Meaning of the Ramadan Fast for those in Gaza and other War Zones
By Mahan Mirza, University of Notre Dame | – Ramadan in the Gaza Strip this year will be anything but “normal.” Malnutrition and disease are claiming dozens of lives. The Gaza Health Ministry said on March 6, 2024, that at least 20 people had died of malnutrition. Many others, it said, were “dying silently,” unable […]
Climate Crisis and Mass Extinction: Can Archeology tell us Which types of Species are most at Risk?
By Erin Saupe, University of Oxford and Cooper Malanoski, University of Oxford | – (The Conversation) – Many experts believe we may soon face a mass extinction event, with a high proportion of Earth’s species dying out. Projections indicate the climate will continue to change for centuries to come, and this is a significant threat […]
Joe Biden’s Gaza Aid Pier isn’t Enough: 6 More Things that Must be Done
By Sarah Schiffling, Hanken School of Economics and Foteini Stavropoulou, Liverpool John Moores University | – (The Conversation) – In his State of the Union address, Joe Biden announced an idea to alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. The American president said he is “directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to […]
Ramadan finds greater Recognition in America’s Public Schools
By Amaarah DeCuir, American University | – Ramadan – the Islamic month of fasting – is expected to begin at sunset on March 10, 2024. The likely first day of fasting will be Monday, March 11. Amaarah DeCuir, who researches Muslim student experiences, offers insights into how public schools can move toward greater recognition of […]
Israeli Peace Activists agree War must end with some form of Democracy for All
By Atalia Omer, University of Notre Dame | – (The Conversation) – The months since Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, have been excruciating ones for Israeli peace activists. As the country rallies behind the war effort, critics have been arrested and condemned by opponents who say the attacks proved how misguided the peace movement […]
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