If you are completely ignorant about politics / Israel ...

[morningpaper]

I am really ignorant about Middle East Politics in particular

So to keep up at dinner parties (ha!) I can really recommend the following site:

CBBC Newsround

All my friends think I am highly knowledgable but there ain't much I haven't learn from here

e.g. There is a handy summary of the troubles between Israel and Lebanon

top tip of the day

You star, Morningpaper
I tend to know obscure bits which enable me to pretend I know more than I do, but I really need filling in on the basics.

oh mp - you're brill - the Middle East thing is a huge black hole in my knowledge.

If you are using this to understand the ME, I doubt you will get the turth. e.g. the site asks a question:

"Is the UK government doing anything?"

and anwers with:

"Yes, the British government is closely involved in trying to get both sides to stop fighting."

I doubt the truth of this statement.

Hello Peacedove

Yes of course it is worth bearing in mind that the site is aimed at 6 year-olds

But I think we can work that one out from the big smiley logos

yeah, I guess the world would we a better place with only 6 year olds.

I love to Google it...
You get both points of view, both ideologies and you are able to to form a more balanced poinion once you understand more of both sides
I have a great book called "Israel" by Martin Gilbert which is a history text... My nighttime reading
I might do it at uni as it deeply interests me.