Los Angeles Times

From 'Aladdin' to Galaxy's Edge, how Hollywood interprets Arab culture

The city walls are scarred with bullet holes and burn marks. Tattered camouflage netting hangs like moss over defunct fighter posts and the Moorish archways of the marketplace. The cries of hungry children fill the bazaar, where merchants in flowing robes and headscarves hawk scarce, overpriced goods to desperate parents.

It's a war zone I recognize, or at least one I think I recognize as an Iraqi American and someone who has taken more family trips in combat-wrecked regions than poolside resorts.

But despite the multiple checkpoints, nomadic desert garb and food staples of hummus and pita, this is one Arabesque war zone where you won't hear Saudis flying American fighter jets overhead or see the black flags of Islamic State crumpled on the ground.

You may, however, spot a fairy princess or

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times3 min read
Frustrated Kings Have No Answer For High-scoring Oilers In Game 3 Blowout Loss
LOS ANGELES — Zach Hyman, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were three of the most dangerous scorers during the NHL regular season, combining for 127 goals and 315 points for the Edmonton Oilers. Stopping one of them is a challenge, stopping all thre
Los Angeles Times2 min read
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Struggle Again In Game 3 Loss To Mavericks
DALLAS — In a game that became testy in the fourth quarter, the health of Kawhi Leonard was paramount for the Clippers. Leonard was listed as questionable with right knee inflammation for Game 3, and though he started Friday night, he rarely looked s
Los Angeles Times3 min read
Sophia Bush Confirms Relationship With Ashlyn Harris: 'The Universe Had Been Conspiring For Me'
Sophia Bush finally feels like she can breathe after coming out as queer and opening up about her long-rumored relationship with soccer star Ashlyn Harris. "When I take stock of the last few years, I can tell you that I have never operated out of mor

Related Books & Audiobooks