Tyrian Purple

Readers who wish to learn more about The Middle East in general might consider a subscription to Saudi Aramco World magazine. 2-year, 12-issue subscriptions are available to the public free of charge. The magazine's material covers a vast array of subjects, from the mathematics of Islamic Tilework to the works of Naguib Mahfouz, a notable Egyptian novelist.

Saudi Aramco World tends to say away from real "sticky" social issues, such as women's equality or political despotism, instead focusing on cultural and archaeological aspects of the Middle East. The magazine has been in print since 1960, and a large number of articles and features are available for free on their website.

Here is an interesting article from one of their first issues about the famous dye that became synonymous with royalty: Tyrian Purple

Legal Battle Over Abandoned Palestinian Village

Every news agency has its own bias; particularly when it comes to the subject of the Israeli/ Arab conflict. The BBC tries to maintain objectivity, although it often leans in the direction of being pro-Palestine.

Today they published this piece: "Legal Battle Over Abandoned Palestinian Village." The article is summed up the best in the final paragraph:

"Beneath the legal arguments, the fate of Lifta brings up some of the most contentious points in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the right of return and the struggle to control the historical narrative."