Calendar.

LEC #	TOPICS
Context
1	Introduction: Core Concepts and Strategic Legacies
2	Interconnected Logics: Religion and Politics
3	Critical Convergence: The Case of Iraq
Continuity
4	Roots, Migrations, and State-Building: Arab-Israeli Conflicts
5	Beliefs and Power Differentials: Israel and the Palestinians
6	Diversity and Complexity: Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan
7	Dangerous Disequilibria: Iran and Turkey
Complexity
8	Elusive Gains and Strategic Costs: Saudi Arabia and Gulf
9	Power and Interdependence: Egypt and Sudan
10	Continuity of Conflicts and Contentions: North Africa
Convergence
11	Exploring "Alternatives": Future Contentions
	Final Exam