November 30, 2017
By Brent Hamoud Landscapes throughout the MENA region have been transformed by unfolding crises of forced migration. This is especially the case in Lebanon. An estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees reside within its borders adding layers of dimension to long-existing populations of displacement.[i] Many Syrian refugees reside in informal tented settlements. […]
November 23, 2017
By Wissam al-Saliby I am grateful for several recent conversations with American pastor friends, during which we spoke about writing from and on the Middle East, trans-Atlantic (mis)perceptions and political fault lines. One of these friends, who leans toward political conservativism, told me that when reading my posts on the […]
November 16, 2017
In the 21st century, religious diversity is a fact of life. Be it the result of historical precedent or technological advancement, immigration or proselytization, religious diversity can be as disorienting for some as it is enriching for others. For the committed follower of Christ, how are we to make sense of […]
November 9, 2017
By Mike Kuhn While traveling recently through North America, it struck me frequently that normal Christian folk are increasingly face-to-face with people of other faiths, especially Muslims but also with Hindus, Buddhists and others. I watched Somali women line up for childcare outside a center in Seattle, WA. Syrians were […]
November 2, 2017
IMES is launching its bilingual “Regional Brief,” which picks up on key news of a political, religious, economic, and social nature, happening in the MENA region. After shedding some biblical and theological insights on them, they will be presented in a way that serves churches and Christian organizations both in […]
October 12, 2017
The Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES) is pleased to announce that new content for our blog will be arriving this November 2017. We have been under construction these last few weeks, and as such ask your forgiveness in the delay of our relaunch. But, our team of respected scholars, […]
July 27, 2017
By Elie Haddad I am a native Lebanese citizen. I was born and raised in Lebanon. I love Lebanon, despite the insecurity, uncertainty, and corruption that characterize the country, and despite having grown up during the civil war. Lebanon has left its mark on me. Even the years of the […]
July 20, 2017
By Arthur Brown “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the […]