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Expert: Le Anne Clausen - 9/30/2007


Question
Hi.  I am doing a sixth grade report on the Arabian Desert. Is it the same as the Syrian Desert?  I get confused because some information says that it is in Saudi Arabia and other information says that it is in Egypt.  Can you please explain for me. What website would you recommend.  Thank you!

Answer
Greetings Serena, and thanks for your question.  It might be best to double-check what your teacher had in mind, because the information is confusing.  The actual Syro-Arabian desert is bordered on the West by Jordan and the East by Iraq--we used to drive through this all the time (it's really beautiful).  The desert in Saudi is known as the Arabian desert, because it's the Arabian peninsula.  Syria itself has a desert; this is where the incredible ruins of the city of Palmyra are preserved.  The deserts in Egypt are variously known as the Theban, Western and Sahara, and Sinai (northeastern) and White deserts.

My best advice is to consult National Geographic's website. (www.nationalgeographic.com, or do it via Google search.  They carry a strong reputation for local writers and good research.  Also for your homework, you can quote what I said above, and do say that you consulted me so you don't run into trouble when you turn in your work.  

If you're interested, you might also look up Bedouin people and customs.  Bedouin used to roam the land freely with their livestock until national boundaries were drawn.  But they are known as the desert-dwellers.  Most people in Arab countries live closer to the green areas and water sources--most Americans don't realize this.  But I've been in many places in the Middle East that are as green as our Mid-west.  Each country has something like it.

Hope this helps!  Good luck on your report.

peace,

Le Anne

Arab Culture

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Le Anne Clausen

Expertise

I can answer questions on Arab culture, including differences in cultures among Arab countries and sub-groups. I can also answer questions on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith issues in general, and human rights and peacemaking issues in the Middle East.

Experience

I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, and have spent time in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I speak intermediate Arabic; some Hebrew; and am starting Persian (Farsi, Dari). I have led a half-dozen educational delegations to the area for North American groups; and I have led trainings for nearly a thousand international human rights volunteers coming into the area over my years there. I am now working to launch an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization, hopefully in the next two years. I am also currently editing the manuscript for my first book, a firsthand account of my time in the Middle East

Publications
"Be the Healers," (next steps after Abu Ghraib) The Lutheran magazine, July 2004. www.christian-muslim.net www.seminaryaction.org www.young-activist.blogspot.com Multiple press releases which I wrote from the field, as well as media interviews/articles about my work are also available via Google search.

Education/Credentials
I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations; and I am now continuing my studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (www.ctschicago.edu). I also have a BA in Religion concentrating in global service, from Wartburg College, (www.wartburg.edu).

Awards and Honors
I received the Dell Award for Peace and Justice from Wartburg College. I have spoken and led workshops and trainings at over one hundred church congregations, colleges, schools, organizations

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