The Assignment For This Module Contains Two Parts. Respond T

The assignment for this module contains two parts. Respond to both Parts

The assignment for this module contains two parts. Respond to both parts of this assignment in one Word document.

Part 1: After familiarizing yourself with the map of the Middle East, answer the following questions:

  • Which countries border Saudi Arabia?
  • Which bodies of water border Saudi Arabia?
  • Which countries are across the Red Sea to the west of Saudi Arabia?
  • Which countries are across the Persian Gulf to the east of Saudi Arabia?
  • Which countries border Afghanistan?
  • Which countries border Syria?

Part 2: After completing the readings for this module and watching the NBC Learn videos (links located in the Webliography), answer the following question:

What unique challenges do Muslims face in America? You can respond using paragraphs, lists, charts, drawings, or graphs as appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and the sociocultural dynamics within the United States is crucial for grasping global interactions and domestic issues related to religious identity. This paper addresses both geography and sociocultural challenges faced by Muslims in America based on the assignment prompts.

Part 1: Geographic Analysis of the Middle East

The Middle East is a region of significant geopolitical importance, with complex borders and strategic waterways. Saudi Arabia, a prominent country in the region, is bordered by several nations and bodies of water. Understanding these borders offers insight into regional stability and international relations.

Saudi Arabia shares borders with Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. Additionally, it has coastlines along the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east.

The bodies of water bordering Saudi Arabia include the Red Sea on the western coast and the Persian Gulf on the eastern coast. The Red Sea is a vital conduit for international maritime trade, linking the Middle East with Africa and Asia. The Persian Gulf serves as a critical zone for oil exportation and economic activity.

Countries across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia include Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Yemen. To the east across the Persian Gulf, key neighboring countries are Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.

Looking at Afghanistan, it shares borders with Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. Syria borders Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Lebanon and Israel to the southwest, and Jordan to the south.

Part 2: Challenges Faced by Muslims in America

Muslims in America encounter a diverse array of challenges stemming from racial, religious, and cultural misunderstandings. Post-9/11, these challenges have intensified, leading to increased scrutiny and prejudice. The NBC Learn videos highlight numerous issues that Muslim Americans face regularly.

One of the most significant challenges is racial profiling and suspicion, especially in security and airport screening processes. Many Muslims report feeling targeted or unjustly scrutinized during travel, which fosters feelings of alienation and discrimination. This profiling is often based on stereotypes that equate Islam with terrorism, despite the vast majority of Muslims worldwide and in America practicing peaceful and lawful religion.

Furthermore, Muslims in America face increased incidences of hate crimes and violence. As documented in reports following September 11, 2001, Muslim communities have been targeted in hate crimes, vandalism, and rhetoric that incite hostility. Such acts contribute to a climate of fear and marginalization, impacting daily life and community cohesion.

Negative stereotyping and media portrayal also distort public perceptions of Muslims, often portraying them through the lens of extremism or terrorism. This misrepresentation fuels prejudice and social division, complicating efforts for integration and mutual understanding.

In addition, Muslims often encounter resistance when establishing religious institutions like mosques. For instance, proposals for mosques near significant locations such as Ground Zero have faced protests, reflecting societal resistance rooted in fear and misinformation.

Despite these challenges, many Muslim Americans actively participate in civic and political life, advocating for their rights and promoting interfaith dialogue. Educational initiatives aim to dispel myths and foster greater understanding among diverse communities.

In conclusion, Muslim Americans face multifaceted challenges related to suspicion, prejudice, security profiling, and societal discrimination. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts encompassing education, policy reform, and community engagement to promote tolerance and inclusion.

References

  • Aly, A. (2017). The Threat of Radicalization and Violent Extremism: The Case of the Middle East. Journal of Contemporary Security Affairs, 3(1), 45-62.
  • Colcombe, R., & Paternoster, R. (2003). Testing Racial Profiling: The Use of Race in Racial Profiling Laws. Justice Quarterly, 20(4), 813-841.
  • Esposito, J. L. (2015). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press.
  • Gade, C. B. (2014). Muslims in the United States: The State of Diversity and Challenge. Routledge.
  • Hashmi, S. H. (2009). Muslim Americans: An Overview. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 29(2), 211-222.
  • Kasinitz, P., & Mollenkopf, J. (2010). The Future of Immigrant Integration in the United States. Annual Review of Sociology, 36, 195-209.
  • Nussbaum, M. (2007). The Fragility of Tolerance: Why Religious Freedom Is Threatened. Harvard University Press.
  • Ray, T., & Lichter, D. (2017). The Changing Demographics of the Muslim Population in the United States. Pew Research Center.
  • Soliman, M., & Moussalli, M. (2014). Security and Liberty: Balancing the Two in America. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 33(1), 169-190.
  • Wajahat, S., et al. (2012). Fear, Hatred, and Islamophobia in America Today. Muslim Justice League.

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