<P> The efforts by the various regimes to control the information are all falling apart gradually . Those fighting crime online have devised methods of tracking and catching criminals . Unfortunately those same tools are being used to arrest bloggers and those who would just wish to be heard . The Internet is a vast and seemingly endless source of information . Arabs are using it more than perhaps the world is aware and it is changing the media . </P> <P> Social loyalty is of great importance in Arab culture . Family is one of the most important aspects of the Arab society . While self - reliance, individuality, and responsibility are taught by Arabic parents to their children, family loyalty is the greatest lesson taught in Arab families . "Unlike the extreme individualism we see in North America (every person for him or herself, individual rights, families living on their own away from relatives, and so on), Arab society emphasizes the importance of the group . Arab culture teaches that the needs of the group are more important than the needs of one person ." In the Bedouin tribes of Saudi Arabia, "intense feelings of loyalty and dependence are fostered and preserved" by the family . Margaret Nydell, in her book Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times, writes "family loyalty and obligations take precedence over loyalty to friends or demands of a job ." She goes on to state that "members of a family are expected to support each other in disputes with outsiders . Regardless of personal antipathy among relatives, they must defend each other's honor, counter criticism, and display group cohesion ..." Of all members of the family, however, the most revered member is the mother . </P> <P> Family honor is one of the most important characteristics in the Arab family . According to Margaret Nydell, social exchanges between men and women happen very seldom outside of the work place . Men and women refrain from being alone together . They have to be very careful in social situations because those interactions can be interpreted negatively and cause gossip, which can tarnish the reputation of women . Women are able to socialize freely with other women and male family members, but have to have family members present to socialize with men that are not part of the family . These conservative practices are put into place to protect the reputation of women . Bad behavior not only affects women but her family's honor . Practices differ between countries and families . Saudi Arabia has stricter practices when it comes to men and women and will even require marriage documents if a woman and man are seen together alone . </P> <P> Arab values One of the characteristics of Arabs is generosity and they usually show it by being courteous with each other . Some of the most important values for Arabs are honor and loyalty . Margaret Nydell, in her book Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times' says that Arabs can be defined as, humanitarian, loyal and polite . Tarek Mahfouz explains in the book "Arab Culture" that it is common for Arabs in dinner situations to insist on guests to eat the last piece of the meal or to fight over who will pay the bill at a restaurant for generosity . </P>

Some of the most interesting dances from the medieval era are from islamic cultures