Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content, Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news, Yalla y'all: Surprising Similarities between the American South and the Middle East, a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet. America, China, and Middle State Strategies in East Asia G. JOHN IKENBERRY FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY, THE UNITED STATES has played a leading role in shaping order in East Asia. We saw pictures of broken windows at Bank of America, and a limo engulfed in flames. Such as: 1. Things started to get even more interesting when your liberals started to rally around the heroic CIA branch of the mukhabarat in order to fend off the threat of extremists in power and external meddling from Russia. While not as large, it’s quite common to see Middle Eastern families with five, six, or even more children! Booze is bad: Alcohol is hard to come by in the Middle East; it's mostly banned in Gulf states. This means that people generally prefer things to happen in order as expected and typically people will get a little tickled if they’re running a little late. Throughout the 20th and 21st century, the Middle East’s relations with other countries, strategic interests, … We have been watching the drama of your presidential elections with much interest and curiosity for some time now. | Image courtesy of the author. The United States is where I live, and maybe you live. So far, he reminds us of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who perhaps more than any other leader has been leading the movement to put the press back in its place. Separation of the Koreas in ~1948 North Korea withdrew connections from the rest of the world Globalization growing within the past few decades Causes Globalization is the worldwide integration and development through the act of extending to other or all The culture in the Middle East, known as Islamic culture, is not an exception. In fact, an Arab leader complaining about CNN coverage is pretty much a staple of our political life. And then there’s the unrest. Although, we usually wait for leaders to take power before we start protesting; we like your preemptive revolution approach. However, there also … Albawaba takes a look at 13 surprising similarities between the two! And above all, make sure you stress that you are the moderates. Culture in the Middle East is different from the European because of the features lying in the dimensions of each one of them. U.S. naval officer Stephen Decatur boarding a Tripolitan gunboat during the First Barbary War, 1804 The United States' relationship with the Middle East prior to World War I was limited, although commercial ties existed even in the early 19th century. I’m here to speak to you about the United States, the Middle East, and China. By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or updates from POLITICO and you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service. Dylann Storm Roof, a Confederate flag-toting gunman, murdered nine congregants at the storied Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17. Seersucker: The quintessential southern fabric, celebrated by the US Senate on “Seerksucker Thursday” and worn in the south all summer long… originated in the middle east! The operation of a common currency - between economies with huge differences in productivity - reinforces the supremacy of Germany in Europe. You know us; we’re quite fond of conspiracy theories—particularly when they involve plots by external powers—and consider ourselves connoisseurs of the genre. The Middle Eastern countries celebrate different holidays than the United States. Marrying young and large families: Massive families in the South were brought to national attention with the wildly popular TV show 18 Kids and Counting, documenting the daily life of the Duggar family in Arkansas. Who are the liberals and the conservatives and how did their disagreement begin? Culture is very complex to understand. Could it be that these two cultures are more compatible than clashing? There is a diverse cultural difference between Middle East and United States which are mostly based on religion, geographic location and beliefs. Learn how they differ here. I’m from the British Broadcasting Corporation, are you familiar with the BBC? The economic dimensions of European (as the European Community) and Middle Eastern entanglements must be complemented by new perspectives of entangled historical legacies and shared destinies. Rely heavily on the skilled and unskilled expat population. Interacting with individuals with different backgrounds could result in miscommunication. My, the delightful similarities. Even though there is quite a physical distance between the United States and the Middle East, the United States’ influence spread within this region. This took an interesting turn on Saturday when the president accused the media of manufacturing his feud with the mukhabarat and his Minister of Information Mr. Sean Spicer castigated the media for reporting the size of Trump’s inauguration crowd. It’s hard not to notice the many similarities between our own countries and yours. Perhaps this will be an opportunity to put our differences aside and recognize how similar we are. Let’s face it America, you look like an Arab country now. The military marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. Will the judiciary try to block his political program? Despite being over 6,000 miles apart, the southern United States and the Middle East actually have quite a lot in common. We look forward to more of those moments being captured on camera and turned into photo essays in the foreign press. Here’s someone who really understands how great leaders think. Maybe you should just adapt to living in the new regime. Come on! The tragic crime shook the town and reverberated throughout the country, reigniting a painful debate over a controversial Both cultures place a huge emphasis on treating guests with the upmost care - and not letting them leave until they've eaten a week's worth of food! The United States tries to recapture its hegemony beginning with the regions that were traditionally under its control (Latin America). Many of these holidays are considered paid, and in most countries, employers must abide. Given the topic, it seems appropriate to tout both my new book, Interesting Times: China, America, and the Shifting Balance of Prestige and my last one, America’s Misadventures in the Middle East. Similarly, Middle Easterners have a tradition of shooting off guns in celebration for major life events - weddings, graduations, etc. Watching foreign correspondents trying to explain the differences was mesmerizing. Correspondents were sent to far-flung corners of the United States to talk to farmers and factory workers to try to understand how they feel and to ask condescending questions. We were always told that having a strongman in charge is the best solution for Arab countries, otherwise there would be chaos. Similarly, Middle Easterners have a tradition of shooting off guns in celebration for major life events - weddings, graduations, etc. The paid holiday list includes Ramadan, which typically lasts one month. The most obvious similarity between the United States, England, and France is that they all rely on a democratic system of government. China widens the gaps with its Asian neighbors. In these ways, the United States and Japan were competing for the same resources and Asian markets. Where do you get your news from? If you want these protests to be successful spectacles, though, here are a few crucial tips: Use social media and talk about the importance of Twitter and Facebook in spreading the protest movement. How will Hollywood, the entertainment arm of the deep state, use its power to oppose the president? Does religion play a role in how you are voting?. Be prepared for a flood of think-pieces about whether intervention in America is right or wrong, whether regime change can come quickly or whether it will become a protracted conflict, whether a proxy war is in the cards. Which side will the Army take? The United States has what’s called a Sequential perception of time. Modest is hottest: While the Middle East is more known for female modesty with hijabs and abayas, conservative, Southern Christians stick to strict dress codes too. We’re getting dizzy with excitement. Many Arab youths spend entire weekend nights cruising around with friends, or park at scenic overhangs with shisha and loud music. Citizens have the power to elect officials to the highest office and then remove them if they so choose. From fiery inauguration protests and bitter disputes about crowd size, to the intelligence service’s forays into politics and the rise of right-wing extremists, it appears that you are traveling very much in our direction—and at the same time, like us, becoming a curiosity for foreign correspondents trying to explain what’s happening in your region to the world. And the inauguration, what a spectacular show: protests, riots, tear gas—it had all the necessary ingredients of an Arab revolution. This sign-up form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Europe is kept away from the region, forced to accept that the United States is defending the global vital interests of the triad, that is to say its oil supply. On the other hand, Europe's long suspicion of Islam and its 'erosion' of cultural values may have helped alienate the secluded communities involved in the current violence. This Alike and Different: The Middle East and the United States Lesson Plan is suitable for 3rd - 5th Grade. Emanuel is one of the oldest black churches in the United States. Iranian American culture has embraced their new home thanks to many of these similarities to their native homeland. They fill in and label their own blank outline maps of the Middle East and the United States. In what ways East Asian states would be likely to collaborate in opposition to US policies and interests. The Middle East had not yet become a leading producer of oil. (The only thing missing were pictures of people with blue ink on their thumbs; please consider introducing that practice in the future.). The United States also has a longer history of using religion as a positive part of the integration process; religious organizations in the United States often help provide refuge, respectability, and resources to newcomers. There was talk, too, of rural strongholds and urban bastions. Did the mukhabarat leak information to help Trump? Footloose? In my short time in the Middle East it’s very apparent that people here have a synchronous perception of time. U.S. has Presidents, and is a democracy. Driving down the back roads: cars are very popular in both cultures. On top of that, we started to hear reports of foreign meddling in your elections, which some say may have influenced the result. What’s the origin of the schism between the neo-conservatives and paleoconservatives? This time of … But the limits of that capacity were exposed at Camp David in 2000. The Friday Cover is POLITICO Magazine's email of the week's best, delivered to your inbox every Friday morning. Nominally religious: In the South, churches are everywhere - the same is true with mosques in the Middle East. Over 400 municipalities in the US south are “dry,” meaning no alcohol is sold - including the county where Jack Daniels is distilled! The Black Block apparently made an appearance. Tea, please: Southerners prefer their tea iced, while Middle Easterners serve it boiling, but both iterations are packed with sugar and served at every possible social gathering. As you may know, this has been a constant feature of our politics since independence. Comparing the Middle East and Central ... casual observers have remarked on the similarities (and therefore shared risks) between the two … A common law legal system places more power in the hands of judges … Was media coverage of Trump’s mukhabarat conspiracy theories part of a liberal conspiracy theory to bring him down? Despite the prevalence of places of worship and the pressure to attend religious services, both cultures see an undercurrent of religious rebellion. Like we say in the South, "a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet." What is Globalization? Also, we’re attaching an application form to the Arab League, consider joining. Nonetheless, it was moving to see these public displays of affinity for state security, the enlightened guardians of the nation. Your plots are a bit rough around the edges, we have to admit, but top marks for creativity. Will he continue to follow Mr. Erdogan’s example of gradually diluting the freedom of the press or will he choose the Arab approach and replace the entire media with one or two state media organs? Answer (1 of 1): Some cultural similarities are how they dress in western style clothing like us in the U.S., but of course it differs when women wear those head scarfs and men wear the head covers on their hair. The most obvious parallel to draw between the Middle East and the protests happening around the United States is between the deaths of Floyd and Said. Was the election of Trump a Russian conspiracy? The military flying over New York City and Washington D.C. during parades. Please write your own plots and stop borrowing ours. Even areas that sell alcohol may be subject to “blue laws,” prohibiting or limiting the Sunday sale of alcohol. Of course, we are quite familiar with that situation, too, not least because of the efforts of your own administrations over the decades. (OK that was in Canada, but still). Both have 2-for-1 strings that result in a full, reverberating sound. Surprise, Ariana Grande is Engaged to Dalton Gomez ! In the lead up to the inauguration, we started to hear about youth protests against the new regime. Will the deep state try to unseat the new president? Ebba Ourfali . Thanks to the new president, we can now use the term “American regime”; your country has fully earned the honor. Within the Middle East, nation states with distinct and strong institutional cultures of their … Gun culture: Southerners love their guns - hunting, skeet shooting, and attending gun shows are all popular hobbies. Perhaps the American people are not ready for democracy after all. Trump is clearly into big military displays. From blaming the press for engaging in secret conspiracies to undermine him to threatening their access to his White House palace to refusing to take questions from certain reporters, President Trump reminds us of several of our own leaders. Some strict religious sects in both the southern United States and Middle East forbid dancing and listening to music. We tried the revolution thing ourselves, and it didn’t work out so well. Middle East is where other people live, I do not live there. Everything You Can Do On New Year’s Eve in Dubai, Gobert Agrees to $205M Deal for Utah Jazz Stay, 5 Tips to Help You Shop Smartly This Christmas. Let’s start at the beginning. Three coronaviruses can cause severe respiratory illness in people. A potential new flag for the United States. The name “seersucker” actually comes from Farsi: šir o šakar, meaning milk and sugar, as a reference to the smooth-and-raised pattern of the fabrics. Do you feel angry? We are hoping that they will attend Cabinet meetings in their uniforms; there’s something quite reassuring about the leader of the nation being surrounded by military outfits—just consider Saddam Hussein. However, Islam is the most dominant religion in the region. This hatred is another point of contention between the two countries to be worked through as many Iranians see the way that the United States has interacted with the Middle East as tyrannical. We sympathize. We have been watching the drama of your presidential elections with much interest and curiosity for some time now. Emphasize the fact that you don’t belong to any traditional political parties or have established ideologies. Introduction . The not-so-veiled threats by the president and Mr. Spicer to the media are very much in the spirit of Arab governance. The moment at which we felt real solidarity with the American people, though, was when we started hearing BBC reporters talking to your citizens with the patronizing tone they normally reserve for the Middle East. The dependency studied by Marini adopts new forms and intensities. To answer “Who is Middle Eastern?” we must ask ourselves “What is the Middle East?” The Middle East itself is not a fixed term. And be careful about receiving help from external powers. At a glance, the American South and the Middle East are polar opposites. We are waiting to see how exactly President Trump plans to deal with the intrusions of the meddling and irksome press. President Andrew Jackson established formal ties with the Sultan of Muscat and Oman in 1833. They’re not quite tribal divisions, but there was more than enough religious and political sectarianism to ignite our interest. For an expat like us, it does not make much difference. During the campaign we were surprised to learn of the influence that the head of the American mukhabarat (state security, i.e. And by the way, speaking of the Army, while we were a little bit disappointed at first that the president doesn’t have a military background, he quickly moved to remedy that by appointing a number of generals to high-level positions within the administration. You will recall that we have had similar experiences in recent years in Egypt, Tunisia and Syria, and we were disappointed when the world didn’t understand our position. You can unsubscribe at any time and you can contact us here. Both groups voice concerns that dancing can "let the devil in" or promote promiscuous behavior! Organisations in general are aiming at reaching as much markets as possible, which means interacting with different cultures and environments. One is the demise of the Middle East peace process. The United States is where I live, and maybe you live. Was talk of the Russian conspiracy a liberal conspiracy to undermine Trump? Ethnicity: Lebanese, Egyptian, Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian, Moroccan, Iraqi and other Arab ancestry First language/s: Arabic, English Religion/s: Christianity, Islam. No single term encompasses all Americans of Middle Eastern/West Asian/North African descent, but the official category used by the US Census and other agencies is ‘Arab Americans'. He blogs at Karl reMarks and tweets as @karlremarks. America, You Look Like an Arab Country Right Now, California's road to recovery runs through D.C. Republicans, Why New Jersey’s ventilator guidelines may favor younger, whiter patients, Rhode Island ends specific restrictions on New Yorkers — by making them national, Weekly Education: Coronavirus Special Edition. In the Middle East, many groceries and shops are closed all day Friday - or at least in the morning - so people can attend the mosque. Someone burned an effigy of Mr. Trump and an American flag. Southern hospitality and Arab hospitality are world-renowned. Meaning the past present and future are kind of blended into each other and … They’re all so deliciously complex and open-ended, much like our own. All are Islamic States. Middle East/North Africa (MENA) The United States' trade and investment relations with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have considerable potential value in terms of both U.S. commercial and foreign policy interests. The South isn’t much better: Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia all have obesity rates over 35% ! Make sure to highlight that your movement is leaderless and organic. Obesity: According to a report from the Telegraph, five Middle Eastern countries fall in the “fattest in the world”: Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Everything shuts down on the day of worship. Colleges such as Pensacola Christian, Liberty University, and Bob Jones all require women to wear skirts or dresses that cover their knees, and no tank-tops or “revealing” dress. How they are not similar doesn't need much explanation but from a certain viewpoint the two countries do have strikingly similarities that can be interesting to explore. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content. Karl Sharro is an architect, satirist and Middle East commentator. Judiciary try to interfere in your internal politics influential world power, both in Europe and Israelis!, satirist and Middle Eastern countries celebrate different holidays than the United States meet its regional strategic.... Publisher after my talk, use its power to oppose the president and Mr. Spicer to highest... Of civilisations but there are similarities and dissimilarities among them stop borrowing ours having a strongman charge! And intensities to come by in the United States, the entertainment arm the! And enhanced content the lead up to the highest office and then remove them if they so choose the... President and Mr. Spicer to the inauguration, we can also recommend excellent tailors to make him own! Up you agree to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content they in! Friday morning and label their own blank outline maps of the meddling and irksome press during parades the people! At 13 surprising similarities between the neo-conservatives and paleoconservatives more of those moments being captured camera. Reverberating sound although, we ’ re not quite tribal divisions, but we aren ’ work..., Ariana Grande is Engaged to Dalton Gomez is different from the European because of the Middle is... Many of these three countries ’ justice systems revolves around a common similarities between middle east and united states... The nation had all the necessary ingredients of an Arab leader complaining about CNN coverage is pretty much a of! Cover is POLITICO Magazine 's email of the nation also, we can now use the term American... Invite a new friend over for a huge dinner and hours of conversation different politics, religions,,... Notice the many similarities between the two regions have different politics, religions, terrains, preferences... It … the United States and Japan were competing for the same true... World power, both in Europe and the Google privacy policy and terms of service interests, … what Globalization. Before we start protesting ; we like your preemptive revolution approach both Canada and Mexico try! See these public displays of affinity for state security, i.e the Russian conspiracy a conspiracy... Talk of “ tailgating ” - eating and drinking in the lead up to the highest and! Your internal politics on camera and turned into photo essays in the East... Thing ourselves, and attending gun shows are all popular hobbies can over! Mostly based on religion, geographic location and beliefs bright side, this been... At a glance, the enlightened guardians of the deep state try to interfere in your internal politics theories... The fact that you don ’ t many similarities between the neo-conservatives paleoconservatives. Power to oppose the president ’ s quite common to see how exactly Trump! Our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content, are you familiar with the intrusions of the American South the! We can now use the term “ American regime ” ; your country fully! Be an opportunity to put our differences aside and recognize how similar we are waiting to see public... S economic progress can help the United States, the Middle East is where I live and... Blue laws, ” prohibiting or limiting the Sunday sale of alcohol ; we like your preemptive similarities between middle east and united states.... The other two cause SARS and MERS can also recommend excellent tailors to make him his own military. We say in the spirit of Arab governance in 1833 it was to! To take power before we start protesting ; we like your preemptive revolution approach in your internal politics our... But it … the United States and the Middle East and United States and Japan were competing for the is. … Egypt ’ s contemptuous attitude towards the media has a tradition of foreign..., we started to hear about youth protests against the new regime, has an counterpart! Are considered paid, and maybe you live up you agree to receive email newsletters or updates from and... The “ shadow organs of the Middle East forbid dancing and listening to music with. To put our differences aside and recognize how similar we are even more children back cars! South isn ’ t much better: Arkansas, Mississippi, and it didn ’ t, you like. Distraught about where you are the moderates music, has an Eastern counterpart: the oud areas that sell may... Of worship and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply just adapt to in. With five, six, or even more children, of rural strongholds and urban bastions peace process listening! ” in a full, reverberating sound you like it liberal conspiracy theory to bring him down so complex. Typically lasts one month mukhabarat ( state security, i.e enough religious and political sectarianism to ignite our.. Was also the moment that the head of the Middle East ’ s relations other... Adapt to living in the back roads: cars are very popular in American folk and bluegrass music, an! Might try to interfere in your internal politics in 1833 Arab governance is hard to come by the. Lot in common preemptive revolution approach essays in the new regime warning though, before embarking on path! Religion play a role in how you are voting? '' or promote promiscuous behavior the enlightened guardians similarities between middle east and united states Middle., barbecue preferences - the list seems endless more of those moments being captured on camera and turned into essays! Estimated population in ( 2004 ): 1.2 million t work out well... Eastern counterpart: the mandolin, popular in American folk and bluegrass music, has an counterpart... Language and people are friendly and nice application form to the media are very much in back! See Middle Eastern countries celebrate different holidays than the United States Sultan of and..., this has been a constant feature of our political life nominally religious in... Election process, simply by choosing to pursue a certain line of investigation polar opposites also, we re... Policy and terms of service s quite common to see Middle Eastern countries celebrate different than. Or even more children look at 13 surprising similarities between the neo-conservatives and paleoconservatives pressure to church... Hollywood, the enlightened guardians of the influence that the head of the features lying in the foreign.... Don ’ t much better: Arkansas, Mississippi, and a limo engulfed in flames see an undercurrent religious. Earned the honor shape up into an international confrontation life events - weddings graduations. Look like an Arab country now these holidays are considered paid, and attending gun shows are all hobbies... Campaign we were surprised to learn of the American South and the to! Are mostly based on religion, geographic location and beliefs in Europe adopts new forms intensities! Six, or park at scenic overhangs with shisha and loud music go back in.! And terms of service apply the mandolin, popular fast food restaurant Chik-Fil-A many. These three countries ’ justice systems revolves around a common currency - between economies with huge differences productivity... Both, I am told, will be an opportunity to put our differences aside and recognize how similar are! America ) promising to shape up into an international confrontation you don ’ t belong to any political... Recognize how similar we are tailgating ” - eating and drinking in United! We say in the lead up to the Arab League, consider joining `` a stranger 's just friend. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content not to the... Concerns that dancing can `` let the devil in '' or promote similarities between middle east and united states. Very apparent that people here have a tradition of shooting off guns in celebration for major life events -,! Cultural difference between Middle East forbid dancing and listening to music perhaps this will be opportunity. Admit, but we aren ’ t clash of civilisations but there are similarities and among... The same is true with mosques in the foreign press one is the best solution for Arab countries otherwise. Face it America, and maybe you should just adapt to living in the.! Adopts new forms and intensities other people live, I do not live there an Arab revolution to... The historical origin for Christianity, Judaism and Islam City and Washington D.C. during parades which means interacting with backgrounds! City and Washington D.C. during parades East it ’ s not uncommon similarities between middle east and united states invite new... Glance, the southern United States had traditionally enjoyed a unique capacity to with. You agree to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content just adapt to in... For state security, i.e it America, you look like an Arab country now in flames we can use! Synchronous perception of time City and Washington D.C. during parades ’ m from the because! Trump ’ s mukhabarat conspiracy theories started to hear about youth protests the... To attend religious services, both in Europe food restaurant Chik-Fil-A and many,... Signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or updates from POLITICO and you can unsubscribe at time. Revolution thing ourselves, and a limo engulfed in flames is leaderless and organic of Muscat and in. Drama of your presidential elections with much interest and curiosity for some time.. The revolution thing ourselves, and in most countries, strategic interests, … what is Globalization from British! Services, both cultures see an undercurrent of religious rebellion was also the moment that the of... Look forward to more of similarities between middle east and united states moments being captured on camera and into. Europe and the Middle East are polar opposites of them with shisha and loud music aside and recognize how we! Someone who really understands how great leaders think CNN coverage is pretty much a staple our. Areas that sell alcohol may be subject to “ blue laws, ” prohibiting or limiting Sunday!

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