The "Statement of Purpose" (SOP) for this group.

[Behind the Aegis]

A few weeks back, I asked about about the SOP for this group (see: here). There was a consensus, IMO, that we need to include a specific 'rule' that anti-Semitism and Islamophobia will NOT be welcomed here. It was also suggested we need to have a list of countries which can be discussed in this group. Another poster also suggested we expand the SOP to include that this group is not only about geo-politics, but should include culture, language, food, etc. I happen to agree. Also, another poster raised the question about sources which can be used here. It may be a good idea for everyone to take a peek at the SOP (rules) for the Israel/Palestine forum.

So, how shall the SOP for this group read?


(for reference, the current SOP is A group for discussions related to the Middle East and a meeting place for DU members who live there. (This group does not host discussions of the Israel/Palestine conflict.).)

[JCMach1]

1. As for geography...

do we include the whole MENA region?

Iran? Pakistan?

If Pakistan... India as well?

Also, we probably need to directly address the I/P issue.

For example, topics that 'indirectly' are connected to the conflict might (perhaps be allowed)... while direct postings would not and should be place in the I/P forum.

Also, we should probably allow posts about Israel and Palestine that are not directly related to the conflict.

Murky waters that need direct rules.

[ellisonz]

2. Hmm...

A group for discussion of the politics, culture, music, language, food, fashion, entertainment, art, history, traditions of Greater Middle East and a meeting place for DU members who live there. While passionate discussion is encouraged, bigotry and intolerance are not welcome (This group does not host discussions of the Israel/Palestine conflict).

How about that and with a map of the "The Greater Middle East"