76-152: Religion and Politics in the Middle East
The course will explore the intersection between religion and politics in the various countries throughout the Middle East. We will look at the historic relationship among Islam, Judaism and Christianity and what they have to say about the nature of government and relations among the states. We will also consider the impact of religion on both domestic and foreign policy in selected countries, the role of religion in fueling the various conflicts plaguing the region, the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism, and the implications for US policy towards the Middle East.