for my research proposal assessment, i had to submit a research proposal first

draft on the cultures and religions of iraq, with 5 research question, 5 sources, and 3 sentences accompanying each individual source to justify using the source that you chose

Research Questions:

1. How have historical events shaped the diverse cultures and religions in Iraq?
2. What role do traditional beliefs and customs play in contemporary Iraqi society?
3. How have conflicts and political changes impacted religious practices in Iraq?
4. How do gender roles differ among different religious groups in Iraq?
5. What are the key challenges facing cultural preservation in Iraq?

Sources:
1. Abdul Wahid al-Hayali, "Iraq: A Cultural History" (2019). This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Iraq, offering valuable insights into the country's diverse religious and cultural landscape.
2. Lara Deeb and Mona Harb, "Leisurely Islam: Negotiating Geography and Morality in Shi'ite South Beirut" (2013). Although focused on Lebanon, this study provides valuable insights into the intersection of religion, geography, and community life, which can be applied to understanding similar dynamics in Iraq.
3. Yitzhak Nakash, "The Shi'is of Iraq" (1994). This scholarly work offers a deep dive into the history and evolution of Shi'ite communities in Iraq, shedding light on their religious beliefs, practices, and social dynamics.
4. Zeed Alaneed, "Iraq’s Minority Religions: From Persecution to Advocacy" (2018). This article explores the challenges faced by religious minorities in Iraq, providing crucial perspectives on the impact of religious diversity on the country's cultural and social fabric.
5. Alastair McIntosh, "Taita-Taveta, Kenya: An Ethno-Cultural Profile" (2009). While not focused on Iraq, this ethnographic study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of cultural preservation and identity formation in marginalized communities, which can be relevant to studying similar dynamics in Iraq.

Justifications:
1. "Iraq: A Cultural History" (2019) by Abdul Wahid al-Hayali provides a comprehensive overview that will help contextualize and understand the historical influences on the diverse cultures and religions in Iraq.
2. "Leisurely Islam: Negotiating Geography and Morality in Shi'ite South Beirut" (2013) by Lara Deeb and Mona Harb offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of geography, religion, and socio-cultural dynamics that is relevant to understanding similar dynamics in Iraq.
3. "The Shi'is of Iraq" (1994) by Yitzhak Nakash offers a detailed examination of the Shi'ite community in Iraq, providing valuable insights into their religious practices and social dynamics.
4. "Iraq’s Minority Religions: From Persecution to Advocacy" (2018) by Zeed Alaneed sheds light on the challenges facing religious minorities in Iraq, offering important perspectives on the impact of religious diversity on cultural dynamics.
5. "Taita-Taveta, Kenya: An Ethno-Cultural Profile" (2009) by Alastair McIntosh, while not specific to Iraq, offers insights into cultural preservation and identity formation that can be applied to studying similar issues in Iraq's diverse cultural and religious landscape.