Hi George,<br /><br />My&nbsp;conference trip has just ended and I am heading back to my home. The article you kindly shared with me about how/ and why the Arab world is coming apart stayed on mind while I attended some panels on Middle East issues. It looks ridiculously sad that Western powers invested in&nbsp;so much time colonizing and dividing the land into nations and states, and how they (after the damage) maintain little to zero interest even in studying the ruins of once was the first civilization. Their interests shows weak knowledge of the region culture and politics regardless of the their involvement. I know for example, if after graduating, I market myself as a Middle East focused professional, I won't get the job. That is why, I also maintain interest in Europe and some parts of Africa.&nbsp;<br /><br />Anyways, just wanted to chat a bit and say hi.<br />I will be back to work immediately and will have things to send your way.&nbsp;<br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Maya&nbsp;