[calenel]

A quick search on the history of algebra seems to confirm that it did not originate with the arabs, but instead is merely another acquired technology. I had always believed that the arabs were largely responsible for the branch of mathematics we call algebra, having been taught that in school.

I have to say that it "un-astonishes" me to discover this - that feeling you get when an apparent contradiction turns out to be based on a false premise.

So, in the last 500 years, there are no contributions that I can think of except possibly hijacking, but even that is just the combination of piracy (a long standing arab tradition) and the Trojan Horse ploy.

[HankReardon]

Okay, nothing to contribute to the betterment of mankind from any Arab nation in the last 500 yrs. Well, they did move to Israel enmass to work for the Jews when they developed their prosperous economy there. Anything that contributed to the betterment of mankind from a Communist or socialist nation?

[katana]

Don't feel bad. I went through three years of a college education in Middle Eastern history with a minor in Arabic and it wasn't until years later (after traveling extensively in the region and coming to really understand their "culture") that the blinders were lifted. I came to the conclusion years ago that if anyone qualifies as one of the "false prophets" we were warned against it is Muhammad.