This edited volume investigates the political and socioeconomic impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Lebanon and Jordan, and these countries’ mechanisms to cope with the rapid influx of refugees. The sudden population increase has resulted in severe pressures on infrastructures and services, as well as growing social tensions between the refugees and host communities. These chapters use a transdisciplinary approach to analyse the repercussions of the humanitarian tragedy at three different levels: 1) the changing governmental policies of the two countries towards the crisis; 2) the different perceptions of the Jordanian and Lebanese local communities on the Syrian refugees; and 3) the role played by NGOs and the civil society in both countries in dealing with protracted humanitarian emergencies.
The three countries that make up the Fertile Crescent, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, share many culinary traditions and are justifiably famous for their exquisite and complex cuisines. Once all part of the Ottoman Empire, the countries are bound by a common language and ancient cultural heritage, but they also have distinct regional dishes influenced by the vibrant tapestry of ethnic groups and the amazing array of local ingredients, spices and flavourings. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, this region has benefited from the wonderful natural resources of land and sea. The culture is ancient, absorbing many influences throughout its history of invasion and foreign rule, all of which have contributed to a cuisine rich in variety and taste. This beautiful book presents a mouth-watering selection of classic regional recipes. The world-renowned favourites are all present, with tempting mezze dishes and richly roasted meats and baked fish, as well as spiced couscous and rice dishes. There are also less known, but equally delicious recipes to discover such as Armenian Jewelled Bulgur, White Bean Puree with Feta and Olives, Grilled Fish with dates, and Braised Rabbit with Aubergines. A meal from these countries is often completed with little sweets, and here you can learn how to prepare Stuffed Red Date Preserve, Sweet Pancakes with Scented Syrup, Little Walnut Cakes and Lebanese Coffee with Cardamom. An evocative introduction looks at the impact of history, geography, climate, religion and festivities on the foods and how these influences have created such different dishes across the region. With more than 600 sumptuous specially commissioned photographs, this inspiring book captures the essence of Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanese cooking, and offers you the chance to explore a rich and varied cuisine in your own kitchen.
With four million Syrian refugees as of September 2015, there is urgent need to develop both short-term and long-term approaches to providing education for the children of this population. This report reviews Syrian refugee education for children in the three neighboring countries with the largest population of refugees—Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan—and analyzes four areas: access, management, society, and quality.
Contested Frontiers in the Syria-Lebanon-Israel Region studies one of the flash points of the Middle East since the 1960s—a tiny region of roughly 100 square kilometers where Syria, Lebanon, and Israel come together but where the borders have never been clearly marked. This was the scene of Palestinian guerrilla warfare in the 1960s and '70s and of Hezbollah confrontations with Israel from 2000 to the 2006 war. At stake are rural villagers who live in one country but identify themselves as belonging to another, the source of the Jordan River, part of scenic and historically significant Mount Hermon, the conflict-prone Shebaa Farms, and a defunct oil pipeline. Asher Kaufman uses French, British, American, and Israeli archives; Lebanese and Syrian primary sources and newspapers; interviews with borderland residents and with UN and U.S. officials; and a historic collection of maps. He analyzes the geopolitical causes of conflict and prospects for resolution, assesses implications of the impasse over economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean where Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Turkey all have claims, and reflects on the meaning of borders and frontiers today.
The book focuses on the largest refugee crisis of our time: the Syrian refugee crisis. It exploits a wealth of survey and registry data on Syrian refugees living in Jordan and Lebanon to assess their poverty and vulnerability status, understand the predictors of these statuses, evaluate the performance of existing policies toward refugees, and determine the potential for alternative policies. Findings point to a complex situation. In the absence of humanitarian assistance, poverty is extremely high among refugees. Current policies including cash transfers and food vouchers are effective in reducing poverty but they remain short of providing economic inclusion and self-reliance of refugees. A shift toward economic inclusion and self-reliance would require a different humanitarian and development paradigm, one that focuses on growth policies for areas affected by refugees where the target population is constituted by refugees and hosting populations alike. This joint study by the World Bank Group and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees helps bridge the historical divide between humanitarian and development work by providing practical solutions for assisting refugees in the short, medium and long-term and to prevent the irreversible loss of social and human capital typically associated with prolonged refugee crises.
All roads lead to Damascus and then back out again, but in different directions. The financial and military aid flowing into Syria from patrons and neighbors is intended to determine the outcome of the conflict between a loose confederation of rebel factions and the regime in Damascus. Instead, this outside support has the potential to perpetuate the existing civil war and to ignite larger regional hostilities between Sunni and Shia areas that could reshape the political geography of the Middle East. This report examines the main factors that are likely to contribute to or impede the spread of violence from civil war and insurgency in Syria, and then examines how they apply to Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan.