Halim barakat biography of mahatma

Because of this, Islam can both be seen as a unifying as well as a divisive force in Arab identity.

Halim barakat biography of mahatma

Arab identity can also be perceived through the lens of local or regional identity. Throughout Arab history there have been three major nationalist orientations in the Arab world. Pan-Arabism dismisses existing sovereign states as artificial creations and calls for total Arab unity. The regional nationalist orientation recognizes distinct differences in identity between the Maghreb the North African Arab countriesthe Levant the Eastern Mediterranean Arab countries and the Gulf States.

The third is the local nationalist orientation, which insists on preserving the independence and sovereignty of existing states. Reconciling these different forms of Arab nationalism continues to be an obstacle towards solidifying a reliable concept of Arab identity. Conflicts between tribalism and nationalism also exist. The family constitutes the basic unit of social organization in traditional Arab society and still asserts strong influence over identity formation.

In addition, tribal loyalties are stressed in the Gulf States, Sudan and the Maghreb. The Saudi family has attempted to stitch together a mosaic of tribes into a nation state. Even though the ruling government is divided into the state bureaucracy and the royal family, the majority of citizen loyalty lies with the latter rather than the former.

While tribalism constitutes a unifying force in Saudi Arabia, political loyalties in Yemen have reinforced sectarian and tribal divisions. Ethnicity is another determining factor in Arab identity. It can be defined in cultural and linguistic terms as well as in terms of descent from distant common ancestors. The Berbers of the Maghreb relate to each other through a common language with different dialects, as well as through claims of Bedouin and tribal origins.

During European colonization, colonizers attempted to exacerbate differences between Berbers and Arabs to keep the people divided. This made it easier to establish a more authoritarian colonial rule. The Kurds also define themselves in linguistic and cultural terms. Based on their ethnic distinctiveness, they have been fighting for self-rule for an independent Kurdistan which would include parts of Turkey, Iraq and Iran.

In this way, imposed and perceived differences in ethnicity have threatened an overall construction of Arab identity. It is important to note that Arab identity does not exist in a vacuum. It is also subject to external forces such as foreign conflicts, Western influence and economic conditions. Related Content. Press ReleasesExternal Readings January 27, Washington Policy Weekly January 27, Policy Analysis January 27, Policy AnalysisExternal Readings January 25, Policy Analysis January 24, Close Modal Close Modal.

A novel in Arabic. Haley and L. Snider eds. University of Texas Press. Social Praxis, 2pp. Ostle ed. Days of Dust. Medina University Press International. Novel in Arabic. The Three Continents Press. Barakat, Peter Dodd Halim. Institute for Palestine Studies, A novel in Arabic Print Book, English, Barakat, H. D dissertation. No Barakat, Halim Isber, al-samt wa al-matar Silence and Rain.

A collection of short stories in Arabic, Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history.