The Middle East Today

by David Zenian ALEPPO, Syria - Like the country they call their adopted homeland, the Armenians of Syria have had a major impact on Armenian communities from neighboring Lebanon to the distant shores of the Arab World. They have sent the first students to the medical school of the American University of Beirut, teachers to Armenian schools around the world and pioneered the light industry of post-World War II Syria.

by David Zenian TEHRAN- The principal of one of the Armenian schools of Tehran is an ethnic Azerbaijani-Iranian. Armenian women wear black chadors - even to church - and are allowed to use the community swimming pool only on days when the men are not there. Even in elementary schools, boys and girls attend separate classes and are not allowed to play in the same playground. Live bands are illegal, and so is "slow" dancing at public gatherings such as weddings and "kef" parties.

by David Zenian BEIRUT- After more than 15 years of fighting and bloodshed, a new spirit of hope and national reconciliation is surging in Lebanon and for once optimists seem to outnumber the pessimists. Most Lebanese seem convinced that violence has failed to settle old scores. They also seem convinced that there is no alternative to the Syrian solution for a conflict which has withstood hundreds of cease-fires and nearly a dozen major agreements and attempts at a settlement.

by David Zenian ESFAHAN, Iran - If some Armenians in the United States trace their "American roots" to Ellis Island, Esfahan is where it all started nearly 400 years ago for the Armenian Community of Iran. The first settlers were brought to Esfahan by Shah Abbas who was so concerned about the welfare of his Armenian subjects, that he ordered his army to bring stones from the Etchmiadzin area to build a church for them.

by David Zenian TEHRAN - Signs of unrest are emerging across the Islamic Republic of Iran, but political analysts hope to tap the isolated acts of protest in favor of reforms and economic recovery after eight years of war with Iraq. The government is aware that the double-edged sword of poverty can shake the foundations of the Republic, but also seems determined to move ahead with its much-criticized five-year development plan designed to adjust imbalances and encourage privatization.

by David Zenian Jirair Abrousian lost nearly 60 pounds in an Iraqi prisoner of war camp, but the slim six foot athlete says the weight loss made him a better and faster basketball player. "I also grew a beard because the Iraqis would not give us razor blades," the AGBU's ace player said in an interview. Relaxing after a victorious game against another Armenian team, Jirair, or "Jiro" as his fans call him, said his 26-month ordeal as a POW was not as bad as the three days preceding his return home.

by David Zenian BAGHDAD - Thousands of Armenians have left Baghdad since the end of the Gulf War, and some local community leaders are afraid many will not come back.

by AGBU News 102 applications for admission to AUA were received during July and August after public announcements were aired on TV and advertised in local newspapers in Armenia. A working knowledge of English and a university degree were prerequisites for acceptance into the graduate Engineering and Business Management Master's programs.

by Louise manoogian Simone LMS. It's always a pleasure to talk with you. You lead such a dynamic life in so many different circles. I must take this opportunity to say how proud we are of you. As an American and as an Armenian you have achieved an outstanding position in our country. If there is one field that the United States leads the world in its education. As President of Brown University you will influence the very future of our society. What are the challenges before you?