Iraq is a country of almost 23 million people.
It is nearly 4 times as big as the state of Pennsylvania.   [167,000 sq. miles]

Al-^cIraaq = Iraq

Baghdad = The capital of Iraq.

Mosul = Large city in northern Iraq.  It is known as the city of the Prophet Jonah.

Basrah = Large city in southern Iraq.

Nineveh = Ancient city near which Mosul stands today.

Assyrians = Ancient people of Mesopotamia.  Nineveh was their capital.

Mesopotamia = Ancient name for the area which is now Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria.  It is Greek for
                "The Land Between the Two Rivers.  The 2 rivers are the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.  Mesopotamia
                is known as the cradle of civilization, and has been settled for 7,000 years.  The Sumerians, Assyrians,
                Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks all ruled this area before the Arabs conquered it in the 7th century.

For more information about the country of Iraq, one place to go is here: http://www.arab.net/iraq/iraq_contents.html

Arabian Horses

Our guest on this show also raises Arabian horses.  The Arabian horse is regarded by many as the finest breed of horse in the world.  It is known for its intelligence, speed, hardiness.  The Arabs bred their horses for these qualities--in the harsh climate of the Arabian peninsula, the horses had to endure heat and survive with little water.   You might be surprised to learn that almost all the Thoroughbred racing horses in the world today are descendants of just 3 Arabian stallions which were imported into England some 300 years ago.  They were bred with the native English horses to produce a much faster racing horse.

Khayl - Horses
Hisaan - Horse, Stallion
Faras - Mare
Filw - Foal, Filly, Colt

Here are a few web sites devoted to the Arabian horse, with lots of pictures:
 Arabian Horse Interactive:  http://www.arabian-horses.com/home.shtml
International Arabian Horse Association Home Page:   http://www.iaha.com/
The Arabian Horse Network:  http://www.arabhorse.com/