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Presents the research on cultural politics and battles in Egypt at the turn of the twenty first century. This work deconstructs the boundaries between culture drawing on conceptual tools in cultural studies, translation studies and gender studies to analyze debates in the fields of literature, cinema, mass media and the plastic arts.

In contrast to many books on Islam that focus on political rhetoric and activism, this book explores Islam''s extraordinarily rich cultural and artistic diversity, showing how sound, music and bodily performance offer a window onto the subtleties and humanity of Islamic religious experience.  Through a wide range of case studies from West Asia, South Asia and North Africa and their diasporas - including studies of Sufi chanting in Egypt and Morocco, dance in Afghanistan, and "Muslim punk" on-line - the book demonstrates how Islam should not be conceived of as being monolithic or monocultural, how there is a large disagreement within Islam as to how music and performance should be approached, such disagreements being closely related to debates about orthodoxy, secularism, and moderate and fundamental Islam, and how important cultural activities have been, and continue to be, for the formation of Muslim identity.  

This monograph explores and investigates narratives of physical, psychological, and emotional dislocation that take place within the Arab world, approaching them as manifestations of the Arabic word ghurba, or estrangement, as a feeling and state of being.

Through a close-reading of a corpus of novels featuring young protagonists in their path toward adulthood, the book shows how Bildungsroman impacted the formation of the Egyptian narrative. The book helps the reader to understand the key role played by the coming of age novel in the definition and perception of modern Arab subjectivity.

In this detailed examination of contemporary Iran, renowned scholars explore issues relating to politics, international relations and society, and the way in which the country is perceived by the outside world.

In contrast to many books on Islam that focus on political rhetoric and activism, this book explores Islam's extraordinarily rich cultural and artistic diversity, showing how sound, music and bodily performance offer a window onto the subtleties and humanity of Islamic religious experience. Through a wide range of case studies from West Asia, South Asia and North Africa and their diasporas - including studies of Sufi chanting in Egypt and Morocco, dance in Afghanistan, and "Muslim punk" on-line - the book demonstrates how Islam should not be conceived of as being monolithic or monocultural, how there is a large disagreement within Islam as to how music and performance should be approached, such disagreements being closely related to debates about orthodoxy, secularism, and moderate and fundamental Islam, and how important cultural activities have been, and continue to be, for the formation of Muslim identity.

Examines the issue of Israeli space and in particular looks at cities, suburbs, development towns and Zionist agricultural landscape. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this title contributes to the field of planning theory, political science, urban sociology, critical geography and Middle East studies.

A text on Kurdish nationalism that examines The Kurdish Worker's Party (PKK). Incorporating research on Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's long-time leader, it explores the organizational working of the party. It also presents insights into the nature of Kurdish social structure, thinking, and the particularities of the Kurdish ethnic distinctness.

An overview of the political economy and development of contemporary Egypt, focusing on the nature and extent of economic reform and restructuring in the last twenty years.

Examines the reasons behind the political and social chaos in Yemen. Comparing history with the events, this title provides essential historical background to understanding the situation as in large part an expression of authoritarian rule.

In comparison to other parts of the developing world education in Arab countries has been lagging behind. This book examines the impact of Western cultural influence, the opportunities for reform and the sustainability of current initiatives.

An examination of the civilisational interface between Christianity and Islam from the unique perspective as a zone of contact rather than a distinct boundary.

Presents an understanding of the dynamics leading to the consolidation of a Kurdish minority awareness in contemporary Syria. This book explores how conditions for a change in ethnic strategy, from one of 'dissimulation' to one of 'visibility', have emerged amongst Syria's Kurds.

In the light of the 'post September 11th' debates with focus on aspects of the 'clash of civilisation' thesis, the issue of Islamic identity is a crucial one. This book provides an insight into Friedrich Nietzsche's views on religion and shows that his philosophy can make an important contribution to what is considered to be Islam's key paradigms.

Examines, in comparative perspective, the different ideals about family and society and how they have impacted on real family life across a number of countries in the Middle East.

Questions over the compatibility of Islam and Human Rights have become a key area of debate in the perceived tensions between 'Islam and the West'. This volume seeks to engage with the various debates surrounding Islam and Human Rights, in particular, challenging assumptions of a 'standard' or 'essential' Muslim perspective on Human Rights.

Using philosophical analysis, this book explores the construction of gender in Muslim societies and its implication to the constitution of the self. It seeks to restructure the contradictory claims of gender hierarchy and egalitarianism and elaborate an alternative set of interpretations that is friendly and inclusive of women.

The Baha'i community of Iran is the country's largest non-Muslim religious minority. This book presents a study of the social and historical development of the Baha'i community, and its role in shaping modern Iran. It addresses both a gap in academic literature on the Baha'i Faith, and in the study of modern Iran in general.

This book provides a study of political thought in Islam from the viewpoint of history of ideas.

In this groundbreaking study, Stansfield identifies the principal dynamics of Iraqi Kurdish politics and analyses the record and potential of the 'Kurdish democratic experiment' and explores the development of the Kurdish political system since 1991.

Examines a range of roles the Arab world has played to various audiences on the modern and postmodern stage and the issues which have arisen as a result. Focusing on political, diplomatic and cultural issues, this book explores the relationship between the Arab world and the West and suits those with interests in Arabic and Middle East studies.

Shows that the clash of civilizations has become a cognitive scheme through which people look at the world, a practical image on the basis of which they act on it, as well as a drama which mobilizes passions and emotions. This book is suitable for scholars and students of political science, sociology, philosophy, Middle Eastern politics and Islam.