Middle-East/Islam Today
By : Nicholas Barth and Ellie Skean
Israel & Palestine
Israel and Palestine have been having conflicts since the early 20th century and continues today. The conflict is between Jews and Arab Muslims. The neighboring Arab nations, mostly Islamic, are involved and generally pick Palestine's side. The opinions of the general public differ depending on whether or not you think the U.N.'s decision to allow Israel to become its own country was right.
Kenya
Terrorist attacks in Kenya have been active from 2011 to 2014. The first attack, on October 24, 2011, occurred when al-Shabab's militants tossed a grenade into a pub, killing one and wounding 20. Later, in 2012, there were attacks on many churches. The most famous attack in 2013 was the shooting of Westgate Mall in Nairobi. In 2014, there were multiple attacks, all of which included explosives. The attacks make Islam look unfavorably.
Women and Islam
Islamic Women Praying
Islams Walking Down Street
Islamic Women
The Quran states that women and men are seen equally in the eyes of God. The Quran gives them the right to be educated, divorce in certain cases, and the right to own and inherit property. However, popular belief is that woman are treated unequally in Islamic societies, which sometimes is the case. In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive. They use to have to have permission by a man or be accompanied by a man in public and were not seen as individual citizens. But recently, under new rule, they are making changes. Everyone will be issued identification cards so that women do not need a man to be out in public. However, women can still not drive. These rules and laws generally make Islam look unfavorable, as women have been gaining rights all over the world for the past century.
Bibliography
PBS. PBS, 2000. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
"Living in Saudi Arabia." Living in Saudi Arabia. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
"What Are Israel and Palestine? Why Are They Fighting?" Vox. N.p., 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
"Government Names Kenya Attack Mastermind - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.