I am from the USA (obviously) and Mexican. I have heard the Middle East is not too good for women but what about men, is this region safe for an American travel, and what should I know before I think about going here? Just in general not one specific nation.

I am struggling to find a concrete capstone topic for my Arab World Studies major. I want it to centered around "western" and U.S. colonial systems of power and interventions. The areas I am most knowledgeable about are Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Iran. I have a special interest in Iran and their anti-westernization movement. My current ideas are:
-Violence as a from of resistance 
-The Intersections of colonialism, Resistance, and Legitimacy in the Arab World: Analyzing Systems of Power and Violence
-The weaponization of violent resistance when directed against Western powers versus its normalization in conflicts within the region
-How do U.S. sanctions and funding of armed groups in the Arab world perpetuate systemic violence and inequity
-resistance groups in the M.E. as a whole

- The colonialism of the U.S. and Israel funding Jordan's economy to use them as a proxy country.

Please give me any ideas you have!!
I am also worried about focusing on a currently "overdone" topic, which is holding me back from focusing on Israel, Palestine, Hamas, and Hezbollah. I also have been told that I should not be focusing on any updates of countries in the past year of war

Israel has received a list of hostages set to be released by Hamas on Thursday as part of the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, according to the office of PM Netanyahu. This marks a key step in ongoing negotiations as efforts continue to secure releases and maintain the truce.

Will the ceasefire hold, and what comes next for all parties involved?

he office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel has received a list of hostages set to be released by Hamas on Thursday as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal in #Gaza. This development comes as negotiations continue amid ongoing tensions in the region.

While this is a significant step in the process, many are closely watching how the ceasefire agreement will hold in the coming days and what it means for broader diplomatic efforts. Families of the hostages are anxiously awaiting reunions, but questions remain about the long-term implications of this deal.

What are your thoughts on this latest development?

Al Jolani’s regime in Syria thrives on oppression, corruption, and extremist ideologies, crushing the people with unjust taxes and fear. Despite this, Syrians are protesting across the country, rejecting his rule and calling out his ties to terrorist groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda.

They are standing up for justice, freedom, and dignity, demanding an end to his authoritarian control. The world must listen and support their fight for a free, just Syria.

Trump's speech at Davos reflects his "America First" mentality, where global trade and economic policies bend to U.S. demands. While the rhetoric on oil and interest rates is bold, it overlooks the complexities of global economics. Tariffs may serve as a short-term solution, but they carry the risk of fracturing international alliances and causing long-term instability. His insistence on reshaping the global market could have a far-reaching impact, and it's uncertain whether other countries will simply comply with his vision or resist. Ultimately, the approach is a gamble that might not pay off in the way Trump anticipates.

Syria’s Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has announced that Damascus is open to negotiations with the Kurdish-led SDF for their integration into the national army. However, he noted that military action remains a possibility if talks fail.

This development comes as the SDF continues to hold significant control in Syria’s northeast. What are your thoughts on this approach and its potential outcomes?

Under Al Jolani’s leadership, HTS enforces harsh restrictions and unjust taxes, making life unbearable for civilians. Instead of pursuing the Syrian revolution’s ideals of a civil, democratic state, HTS is focused on consolidating power and establishing an Islamic Emirate.

Is this the future Syrians envisioned?