Arab Locate

There is evidence of a Jewish presence in Israel for over three thousand years, the very title Jewish comes from their origin in Judah. In the first century AD the Jews broke away from the Roman Empire setting up a new kingdom, Israel. The Romans subsequently crushed the revolt, the Jews rose again in the second, it too was suppressed - the Jews were thrown out of Jerusalem and their province of Judah was re-named Palaestina. During the Crusades the name Palaestina was replaced by the title Outremer (overseas), under the Ottoman regime the area was incorporated into the Province of Syria. When the British conquered the area in 1917, they renamed it Palestine and defined it’s borders. Towards the end of the nineteenth century with the growth of nationalism, many Jews began to consider the possibility of re-establishing themselves as an independent nation. In 1897, the First Zionist Congress ... [more..]

Tags: History, Israel, Part

Balinese Castes The Balinese Hindu religion regards a traditional caste system though it has never been as divisive as its Indian ascendent. This is for the most part due to the fact that over 90% of Balinese belong to the lowest 'Sudra' caste, and in India would have been considered 'untouchable'. Given their dominance such mental attitudes in Bali would not be realistic. Notwithstanding these facts, inter-marriage persists to be uncommon and discouraged. The three upper castes are together recognized as the 'Triwangsa' ('three peoples') constituting Brahmana, Kesayatria and Wesia. Caste is specified by birth but is rarely reflected in a person's occupation, although only a Brahmana can be suited to be a Pedanda high priest, and only Brahmana may take the task of recreating masks from the 'Barong' dance as they harbour the ability to protect themselves from the evil spirits. Balinese Names Upon learning a Balinese friends name, ... [more..]

Tags: Bali, Guide, Part, Review, Travel

 Hasan A. Yahya,  Ph.D  5. Islam, Divorce, and Human Rights. Does Islam allow divorce, equal rights for the women and men? For any reason at all!! Well, the habits vary from one place to another. That’s why adultery for married or spouse is punishable by death. But under certain circumstances, for example, if she or he confessed or 4 male witnesses witnessing penetration (actual sexual act-as explained in the text). Still in some close societies cultures press the fact of protecting honor of the girl. In some cases, in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait, and many other communities the father or elder brother takes charge to kill the girl. The culture usually sympathizes with honor offenders, and sometimes the court itself, give less penalty in these cases. Many women feel that this is absurd ruling, and should not be practiced. And human rights have to be preserved for both men ... [more..]

Tags: Arab, Defending, Four, Muslim, Part, women