About

A busy marketplace alley with vendors and shoppers, showcasing shops selling bags, leather goods, and textiles, with a mosque minaret in the background.

The primary mission of Maghreb to Mashriq is to cultivate a better understanding of and appreciation for the Arab World through providing historical and regional context for current events and trends with a focus on people. The Middle East is often misunderstood for myriad reasons including inaccurate depictions in entertainment media, limited exposure to the region , and sometimes just plain bigotry. Where ever you are at with your understanding of the Arab World, Maghreb to Mashriq aims to provide content that is of value. Producing content that is accessible to those with a passing interest with enough insight for avid follower’s of the region’s politics, culture, and history. While the majority of the content focuses on politics and history, there is something for everyone including reporting on music, literature, and film.

Interior of a Moroccan palace or mosque with ornate arches, intricate tile work, and a central fountain.
A man in a gray shirt and blue jeans standing in front of an ornate architectural structure, looking up and holding a face mask in his left hand. The structure features black and white striped arches, carved details, and a fountain or decorative niche with a semi-circular design.

My Background 

I started my career as a high school social studies teacher before my interest in the Arab World pushed me in another direction. I later studied Arabic at BYU and received an MA in Middle East Studies from The American University in Cairo. I currently teach Middle East History at BYU-Idaho. Between grad school and my current position I worked in various capacities in the non-profit and government world including:

  • Political analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency

  • Subject Matter Expert in the Middle East supporting the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

  • Internships at Middle East Institute, Atlantic Council, and the Middle East Democracy Center (formerly POMED)

- Daniel W. Stoker