A Short List.

The medina at Fez, Morocco

I’m fortunate to work in interesting places including “frontier markets” — the focus of this Short List. Aside from being intrinsically appealing, emerging regions have become global engines of innovation. With new destinations in mind, here a few noteworthy books, music and musings on local color.

Selected Books

In light of the Arab Spring, I’m revisiting Vali Nasr’s insightful book, Forces of Fortune: The Rise of the New Muslim Middle Class and What It will Mean for Our World. Nasr argues that an emerging middle class across the Arab world is a potent but under-appreciated force that’s reshaping the geopolitical landscape as well as the global economy.

“The bottom line is: A billion consumers have clout,” Nasr writes. It’s an important development that many of us in the West are missing as we focus mainly on the turmoil in the region. (Speaking of the Arab Spring, I suggested three other indispensable books on the Middle East.)

During a recent trip to Africa, I re-discovered Richard Dowden’s splendid work, Africa – Altered States, Ordinary Miracles. Dowden skillfully weaves together stories about the people he’s encountered while working there. His writing presents the continent’s haunting beauty and promise, but also its darker forces.

For decades, Robert Kaplan has taken readers on illuminating journeys to distant but strategically interesting destinations. I don’t always share his analysis but it’s always a stimulating ride. In his latest book, Monsoon, Kaplan points out that the Indian Ocean region “may comprise a map as iconic to the new century as Europe was to the last one.” With that in mind, Kaplan, the geopolitically savvy guide, takes us on a tour of the diverse countries of the region while probing important questions.  This book is in my Best Books of Year.

Music…

I’ve been listening to a lot of West African music, particularly the sounds of Mali and Senegal. The region’s music scene, vibrant as ever, is producing original, post-modern works from rich, traditional sources. It’s impossible to name all the music that come to mind, but here are several stand-outs:

AfroCubism is a gorgeous collection of songs by Malian and Cuban artists whose long-awaited collaboration evokes both Africa and the Caribbean. Rokia Traoure is a Malian chanteuse whose hauntingly sensual voice is showcased on her album, Tchamantché. Here’s a sample of her sound courtesy of Nonesuch Records.

I’m enjoying the latest release from Senegalese musician Cheikh Lô entitled, “Jamm”.  It’s rich stew of Afrobeat, jazz and funk with some kick.

If you want to delve further into the region’s mosaic of music, don’t miss the iconic Senegalese band, Orchestra Baobab – their classic, Pirates Choice will transport you to Dakar.

And destinations of interest…

There’s something indescribable about Crete where the collision of East and West is seen in the fierce beauty of its landscape and people. Some of the villages in the rugged foothills of the Lefka Ori (Λευκά Όρη or White Mountains) are still intact, but many have receded. I’ve been exploring the secluded beaches and coves of the south shore since I was a teen.

I returned recently to the gem-like Greek island, Kastelorizo (Greek: Μεγίστη, Megisti), where my parents were born, which lies off Turkey’s southern coast.  It’s Greece’s eastern-most island whose charming port faces Asia Minor giving it a distinctively Eastern feel. Spring or fall are ideal seasons to visit the island. Come summer, the torrid southerly winds can bring you to your knees.

Wandering the cacophonous streets of Cairo is to have one’s equilibrium temporarily disrupted. That alone is worth the journey. (Here’s a recent post about the Arab Spring in Cairo.)

Watching the sun set on Morocco’s windswept Atlantic coast is matched only by trekking the country’s High Atlas range. But be careful: the incandescent green valleys, burnt auburn hills and indigo textiles play tricks on the eyes. Morocco is an unrepentant seductress.

I’ve only scratched Africa’s immense surface. Here are images from Ghana’s amazing Cape Coast region, and recent adventure to Volta River region near the Togo border.

That’s my latest Short List of some of the experiences that make life interesting. I hope you’ll share the ones that enrich your world. Let’s compare notes soon…

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Image courtesy of Zimaal.

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