https://pjmedia.com/michaeltotten/2010/08/04/the-greatest-collection-of-nightmares-on-earth/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usThu, 11 Jun 2026 08:58:35 -0400<![CDATA[TEL AVIV &#8212; I learn most of what I know about the Middle East from the people who live here, and I was a bit shocked when I discovered, years ago, that many reporters—especially wire agency reporters—absorb most of what they know, think, and believe about the region from other journalists. I didn&#8217;t know anyone, local or foreign, in the Middle East when I first got here, and I initially had to rely on the people I met randomly in cafes and bars and in person via the Internet to teach me what&#8217;s going on and how the place works. All my information came from the street. Most of my understanding still comes from the street—not from on high, not from newspapers or press releases, and not from foreign reporters who do not live here. Eventually I worked my way up to the prime minister&#8217;s office in Lebanon, and I&#8217;ve almost gotten that far now in Israel, but my real education has taken place during long sessions in cafes and bars with Arabs, Kurds, and Israelis.]]>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:19:30 -0400<![CDATA[Michael J. Totten]]>https://pjmedia.com/michael-j-totten-2/2010/08/04/the-greatest-collection-of-nightmares-on-earth-n144453