Rooftop Societies: The Middle East Paradox

A “rooftop society” is based on socio-cultural and political

contradictions, the historical rivalry and antagonism between

existing components of society. Apart from antagonism

between citizens and the state, political power struggles,

the rivalry between modernism and traditional forces; the

presence of redundant parallel institutions and political

power organizations are important characteristics that

must be recognized. This book delves into greater detail in

assessing the roots and characteristics of Middle Eastern

countries, which are called “rooftop societies”. Here people,

throughout history have been forced to live a paradoxical

life, where their true identities remain hidden, out of fear,

and they struggle to resist repressive regimes, injustice,

exclusion, and human rights abuses.