The Middle East is an area which cannot be defined in purely geographical terms. There is no universal agreement among social scientists over the exact boundaries for this region. (AM)

To understand the Cypriot past is to become familiar with the many religions which were brought to the island. To understand the Cypriot present is to appreciate the determining influence that religious identification has had in shaping the island's history. (AM)

Up to 1975-76, Syria's Hafiz al-Asad was successful in consolidating his power, securing the maintenance of his regime, and broadening his base of political power. His system started weakening in 1975 due to increased opposition stemming from Syria's intervention in the Lebanese civil war. (AM)

Some factors are common to the confrontation of Cypriot Greeks and Turks and the confrontation of Palestinians and Israelis. An independent international initiative is necessary to solve these disputes. If the Europeans revive their Venice initiative at the United Nations, the Palestinians and Israelis will obtain peace and security. (AM)

This study examines Adlai Stevenson's response to the Suez crisis, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the struggle between the nationalism emerging in Third World countries and the imperialism fading in Europe. It also looks at Stevenson's stance toward Israel and his relations with American Zionists during the 1956 presidential campaign. (AM)

The ranking of American interests in the Middle East and their inherent conflict present foreign policymakers with a dilemma. American involvement in the Middle East is a post-World War II phenomenon. To achieve a breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli dispute, the United States government must take a number of actions. (AM)

In two decades of Ba'thist rule, Syria has evolved into a centralized, one-party, secular, authoritarian nation-state, which may be destabilized in the 1980s as a result of the conflict in Lebanon and internal Islamic opposition. (RM)

The policies of Syria in the wake of Israel's invasion of Lebanon are examined. Speculations about the future of this volatile area are made. (RM)

The roots of Cyprus' ethnic antagonisms and the issues in the currently stalemated negotiations are described. (RM)

Topics and resources for a discussion of the Middle East in a secondary social studies classroom are presented. The topics include geography and world resources, ethnic groups, religions, and case studies of specific countries. (AM)

Students should study the culture of a nation like Afghanistan because it is intrinsically significant and will help them understand human nature and experience. Teaching approaches and materials are discussed. (RM)

The news media constantly uses words and references that require specific knowledge and understanding if the public is to grasp the substance and implications of events and developments concerning the Islamic religion. Most frequently encountered Islamic terms and ideas are explained. (RM)

Recommends instructional materials on Africa for use in junior high and secondary social studies classrooms. The list is presented in six categories: audio-visual materials, curriculum guides, newsletters and journals, organizations, pupil materials, and teacher background material. A brief annotation accompanies each title. (Author/DB)