Saba Hanbali is a visiting instructor from Amman, Jordan. She has been in Rock Hill since August on a yearlong Fulbright scholarship teaching Arabic at Winthrop University.

Hanbali has planned a lecture series, open to the public, titled "Discovering the Middle East." She will discuss her Muslim religion, the role of women in Islam and her country and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. She spoke with The Herald about her lecture series and her time in Rock Hill.

What do you hope to accomplish in your year here?

It's a mutual experience between what I will gain and what I will accomplish. I hope people will have a better understanding of the Middle East and my religion. And I will have a better understanding of the culture here.

What do you plan to discuss in your lecture on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict scheduled for March 10?

I want people to know something about the Palestinians. Some of the media portray them as terrorists, all of them. I want people to know that a lot of Palestinians are just like Americans ... they're just like normal people. I want to clarify from the Middle Eastern perspective.

What insight does your background as a Palestinian from Jordan provide?

I'm not anti-peace, but at the same time I want the Palestinians to have their own country, and for the Israelis to back off a little bit. I think that also the Palestinians have some internal issues that they have to solve for the sake of their people. I don't believe all Jewish people are like their government. Some are pro-peace and some are not anti-Palestinian.

Can you recommend books and Web sites for anyone interested in broadening their understanding of the conflict?

There is a book written by Yasir Arafat in Arabic -- "The Palestinians Struggle," in English. It's an old book. (And may be tough to find.) Arabic media Web sites; they're not biased to Palestinians or to the Arab world. Most are impartial or objective -- The Jordan Times, Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya. It will help people to see other perspectives.

What is your favorite lecture in your series?

Women in Islam. I think there's a stereotype that women are condemned and mistreated because they are Muslim. The thing is Islam respects women and their rights. Some of the misconceptions come from the media and stereotypes.

What has surprised you the most in Rock Hill?

We only know the states as New York, Chicago, California. To come here to see a small town, if you can call it a small town, it's something interesting. I'm surprised that there is no public transportation. And people don't walk in the streets. They are all in their cars.