Water security has always been an issue in the arid environment that characterizes most of the Middle East. Not until recently, however, has it been so serious. Although the Nile, Euphrates, Tigris and Jordan Rivers provide substantial agricultural, industrial and commercial support, the longevity of this scarce resource is being tested daily.

Performance of the pilgrimage to Mecca during the prescribed month is an obligation for all Muslims around the world at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford to go. This article explores the rites of the hajj in detail, and links with a Google Earth hajj tour.

MEOC's Middle East Book Awards recognize outstanding picture books, youth literature and nonfiction on the Middle East suitable for use in the K-12 classroom.

822 BCE: The Phoenicians establish the historic city of Carthage (in present-day Tunisia) and set up trading posts along the North African coast. c. 208 BCE: Massinisa becomes king of Eastern Numidian Massyli (east of current Algeria), succeeding his father Gala.

Daniel Bates of Istanbul Bilgi University and Amal Rassam of Queens College of the City University of New York consider communal identities in the Middle East from an anthropological perspective. A discussion of ethnicity, race, language and religion is followed by discussion of communities such as the Kurds, Maronites, and several others.