Some Last Minute Cramming...

My deployment is almost at its zero hour and, as of late, I've been learning about Islam, the Qur'an or القرآن, and the Arabic language. My eyes are starting to see the amazing diversity of this part of the world known as the "Cradle of Civilization."

This region was home to some of the most fierce and formidable empires and yet it was the birthplace of the world's most prolific religions. A case study in irony considering its latest role as a world center for violence and terrorism.

Of the few dozen books and DVDs that have passed my eyes, my favorite are two travel logs: Bruce Feiler's Walking the Bible and Ian Wright and Globe Trekker's Destination: The Middle East. These two productions promote the beauty and humanity that exists in this area... temporarily eclipsed from American eyes by war.