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WELCOME TO THE JCC COURSE PORTAL by ITME

Inside the Middle East: Navigating Today's Complexities
and Tomorrow's Possibilities

Description of Course

A journey through the Middle East's rich history, navigating the current dynamics and exploring potential future developments. Designed for a broad audience, from beginners to experts, this course goes above and beyond the surface-level conflicts and headlines to uncover the deep-seated factors shaping the region. We will explore the intricate fabric of Middle Eastern identity, the pivotal Sunni-Shia divide, historical Islamic empire rivalries, and their effects on today's geopolitical landscape.

The curriculum thoughtfully transitions from ancient history to contemporary issues, covering nationalism, the emergence of militant Islam, the Arab Spring's trajectory, and Iran's ambitions for regional dominance. It also addresses the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and spotlights who and what will shape the future of this critical and fascinating region. This course provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggles and the key elements influencing the Middle East in the 21st century, equipping learners with knowledge and understanding that empowers them to navigate the Middle East's complex landscape, encouraging a well-informed perspective beyond conventional narratives.

Session One | HISTORICAL FRAMING OF THE MIDDLE EAST

In this session, we will learn about the significant cultural, religious, and political factors that have shaped the region. We will understand the geostrategic importance of the Fertile Crescent and Arabian Peninsula, the rise and expansion of Islam, and the roots of the Sunni-Shia divide. Additionally, we will gain insights into the governance of the Islamic Empire under the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, the enduring rivalries between Arab, Persian, and Turkish civilizations, and the rise and decline of the Ottoman Empire. This knowledge will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context that continues to influence the Middle East today.

Session Two | NATIONALISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST

What is Salafi Jihadi Ideology?
Wednesday June 5, 2024

 

Session Three | ISLAM IS THE SOLUTION - THE RISE OF MILITANT ISLAM

Wednesday May 29, 2024

Session Four | THE PAST IS PRESENT - ARAB, IRAN, TURKEY POWER STRUGGLE

Wednesday June 19, 2024

 

Session Five | ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Israeli security expert shares perspective on holiday travel safety amidst Middle East conflict | Avi Melamed Interview quoted by Veronica Jean Seltzer  for News12 Network | December 21, 2023
Wednesday June 26, 2024

 

Session Six | MAJOR FACTORS SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The Iranian attack on Israel is another loud wake-up call to the world. The next wake-up call might be too late | Avi Melamed, April 14 2024
Wednesday July 3, 2024

 

AVI's LATEST ARTICLES

The end of Iran’s hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | USA TODAY

The end of Iran's hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | USA TODAY

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network | This article has already published in...

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis | JNS

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis | an article by Avi Melamed published in The Jewish News Syndicate |...

Turkey’s support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. | USA TODAY

Turkey's support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

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LATEST FROM THE HUB

The end of Iran’s hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | USA TODAY

The end of Iran's hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | USA TODAY

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network | This article has already published in...

El pretendido oportunismo de Irán en el momento más bajo del Eje de Resistencia | ULTIMA HORA

El pretendido oportunismo de Irán en el momento más bajo del Eje de Resistencia | Avi Melamed quoted by Antoni Agüera in this article...

Cautela ante los nuevos liderazgos en Siria: ¿Pragmatismo o línea dura? | ULTIMA HORA

Cautela ante los nuevos liderazgos en Siria: ¿Pragmatismo o línea dura? | Avi Melamed quoted by Antoni Agüera in this article for Ultima Hora. La...

AVI MELAMED ON TV

Hamas / Israel blame each other for ceasefire delay | CTV CANADA

Hamas / Israel blame each other for ceasefire delay | CTV CANADA invited Geopolitical Analyst and Middle East expert Avi Melamed | 2024...

Israel–Hamas Cease Fire More Likely After Assad’s Syria Ouster | NTD NEWS

Israel–Hamas Cease Fire More Likely After Assad’s Syria Ouster | NTD NEWS Evelyn Li with Geopolitical Analyst Avi Melamed | NTD NEWS TODAY...

Israel refuses to withdraw from Syrian border zone for now | VOA

Israel refuses to withdraw from Syrian border zone for now | Avi Melamed quoted by Linda Gradstein in this article for VOA | Voice...

Assad ouster in Syria will have ‘ripple effects’ in Iran, Russia | STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS

Assad ouster in Syria will have ‘ripple effects’ in Iran, Russia | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS https://youtu.be/uinPkmvRMRo The Assad regime in Syria...

VOA The Issue: Hezbollah cease-fire | VOA

VOA The Issue: Hezbollah cease-fire | Avi Melamed quoted by Scott Walterman in this Podcast for VOA | Voice of America - November...

Trump 2.0 could be very different for Israel and its wars | STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS

Trump 2.0 could be very different for Israel and its wars | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by Ryan Robertson for STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS https://youtu.be/q222EA7pI7k Israel Prime...

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In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the Arab-Israeli conflict exploded into the intifada - lethal and violent protests and riots throughout Israel. This was the most chaotic and dangerous period in the history of the modern city of Jerusalem.

Avi Melamed, a fourth-generation Jerusalemite Jew, former intelligence officer, fluent Arab speaker and Middle East expert, is the host of The Seam Line.
As the Advisor on Arab Affairs to two Mayors of Jerusalem during the intifada, his mission was to rebuild relations between the Arab and Jewish communities in Jerusalem. His work put him in the epicenter of this deadly storm.

The Seam Line is not a historical documentary.
It is an invitation to join Avi Melamed on an insider's journey throughout Jerusalem.

" In my role as ADVISOR on ARAB AFFAIRS to two mayors of Jerusalem.
I found myself at the forefront during one of the most complex and violent chapters in the history of Jerusalem.
My mission…to restore trust between the Arab residents of Jerusalem and the authorities.
It was a unique opportunity to act in a mission of hope in times of despair, in a city that is a part of me and I am a part of."