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This book is an exploration into the history, aesthetics, social
reality, regulation, and transformation of dance and dance music in
Egypt. It covers Oriental dance, known as belly dance or danse du
ventre, regional or group-specific dances and rituals, sha'bi
(lower-class urban music and dance style), mulid (drawing on Sufi
tradition and saints' day festivals) and mahraganat (youth-created,
primarily electronic music with lively rhythms and biting lyrics).
The chapters discuss genres and sub-genres and their evolution, the
demeanor of dancers, trends old and new, and social and political
criticism that use the imagery of dance or a dancer. Also
considered are the globalization of Egyptian dance, the replication
or fantasies of raqs sharqi outside of Egypt, as well as the dance
as a hobby, competitive dance form, and focus of international
dance festivals.
The ideology of violent extremists has been discussed frequently
since the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (9/11). It is clear
that an ideology of Islamist or Islamic political opposition and
radicalism has been key to understanding various events and
movements that go back even further, to the Islamic Revolution in
Iran, for example. Some policy analysts and public figures have
challenged Muslims to change or reform aspects of their beliefs
based on the aspects identified as "extremist." However, there are
many interpretations and misinterpretations of what those elements
are, and how Muslims should go about reforming their faith. Just as
controversial is the idea that there is a "war within Islam" and
that the United States should be promoting one army in that
war-ideological moderates-so they will defeat their foes. The
author of this monograph, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur, takes issue with some
of these assumptions, views, and attacks on basic precepts.
This monograph considers the changing fortunes of the Palestinian
movement, HAMAS, and the recent outcomes of Israeli strategies
aimed against this group and Palestinian nationalism external to
the Fatah faction of the Palestinian Authority. The example of
HAMAS challenges much of the current wisdom on "insurgencies" and
their containment. As the author, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur, demonstrates,
efforts have been made to separate HAMAS from its popular support
and network of social and charitable organizations. These have not
been effective in destroying the organization, nor in eradicating
the will to resist among a fairly large segment of the Palestinian
population. It is important to consider this Islamist movement in
the context of a region-wide phenomenon of similar movements with
local goals, which can be persuaded to relinquish violence, or
which could move in the opposite direction, becoming more violent.
The future of the Global War on Terror is now, and may continue
indefinitely to be, a key concern for U.S. military and
policymakers. Islamist terror has not arisen from a vacuum, but has
evolved over decades and requires more calibrated coordination and
a different type of strategic planning than other types of
conflicts. The author of this monograph, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur,
examines the intensity and diversification of extremist efforts and
outlines their "new jihad" and its relationship to the regeneration
of extremist leadership. She reviews "lessons learned" with regard
to Islamist extremist tactics, recruitment, and their relationship
to a broader Islamic awakening which must be factored into the U.S.
desire for democratization of the Middle East and the broader
Islamic world. The Strategic Studies Institute is pleased to offer
this monograph as a contribution to the national security debate on
this important topic.
The United States no doubt will be involved in the Middle East for
many decades. To be sure, settling the Israeli-Palestinian dispute
or alleviating poverty could help to stem the tides of Islamic
radicalism and anti-American sentiment. But on an ideological
level, we must confront a specific interpretation of Islamic law,
history, and scripture that is a danger to both the United States
and its allies. To win that ideological war, we must understand the
sources of both Islamic radicalism and liberalism. We need to
comprehend more thoroughly the ways in which militants misinterpret
and pervert Islamic scripture. Al-Qaeda has produced its own group
of spokespersons who attempt to provide religious legitimacy to the
nihilism they preach. Many frequently quote from the Quran and
hadith (the Prophet Muhammad's sayings and deeds) in a biased
manner to draw justification for their cause.
Egypt is a major power and political force in the Middle East, as
well as a recipient of significant amounts of U.S. aid for military
and economic purposes. It is triply important to American interests
in the region as a participant in an important peace treaty and
accords with Israel, in the ongoing Global War on Terror, and in
its own transition to a more democratic and prosperous nation. In
this monograph, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur argues that the Egyptian
government's efforts to retain tight control over the political
landscape is impeding the democratization process. In the name of
antiterrorism, these efforts may not put an end to sporadic
outbreaks of militant violence which reemerged after the 1999 truce
with the larger of these radical groups. The long-protested
official state of emergency which grants the Egyptian government
extraordinary powers has been extended, and that action required
constitutional amendments which were recently approved by
referendum.
U.S. foreign policy and the domestic concerns of Middle Eastern
states are influencing the pursuit of the global war on terror in
the Middle East. A close view of Saudi Arabia reveals the complex
interaction of these forces. The U.S. relationship with Saudi
Arabia and the global war on terror are important challenges to the
U.S. administration that have region-wide ramifications. Saudi
Arabia has been facing down Islamist insurgency along with other
challenges since September 11, 2001, and with even more urgency
since May 2003. The Kingdom clearly remains a major political and
economic force in the region. The income from its vast oil
resources primarily has funded its strong influence, and the
Kingdom has, in turn, sponsored poorer developing Arab nations.
Furthermore, its Islamic influence has been apparent in the broader
Muslim world, and the United States has maintained a strong
relationship with the Kingdom for many decades.
The Middle East is a tremendously important region of the world
today, and its history, politics and culture are greatly
misunderstood. This new study of the region explores the origins of
nationalism, national feeling and policies, and resulting
conflicts. The author, distinguished historian Sherifa Zuhur draws
on a wealth of sources to provide portraits of Iraqi, Syrian,
Iranian, Egyptian, Israeli, and Palestinian neonationalism as well
as that phenomenon's interaction with culture and gender issues.
This book describes all aspects of Saudi Arabia, including its
government, economy, society, and culture, as well as its role in
the Middle East and its position internationally. In this
comprehensive introduction to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, author
Sherifa Zuhur reveals the fascinating people, culture, politics,
and economic development of the largest Arab country of the Middle
East. The book provides a detailed summary of Arabian history from
the earliest settlements on the Arabian peninsula to the present
day, with a focus on the rise of the current Saudi regime. It
provides essential background on the oil politics of the Kingdom
dating back to the discovery of oil in the late 1930s, an account
of Saudi Arabia's subsequent economic advancement, and explanations
of emerging societal issues such as labor importation and the
changing roles of women. Saudi Arabia also details the Kingdom's
cultural and religious milieu, including its music, poetry,
architecture, legal system, and prominence in the Islamic world.
Provides a comprehensive bibliography full of suggestions for
further reading and materials to bolster research Includes a
glossary section that defines and describes important terms and
concepts
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