This course examines the business environment and the complex cultures of this highly misunderstood region. The course focuses on the impact of religion, politics, culture and history on the prospects for conducting business in the Middle East. The impact of Sharia banking on business is a particular focus of this course. Specific countries in the Middle East are profiled to underscore intra-regional differences in the importance of religious, political and regulatory factors. Foreign market entry strategies appropriate to Islamic countries are also presented using Western firms as case studies.