This webinar is the first in a series related to recent Iraqi arrivals. The context is focus on the geography, religious groups, social norms, and conflicts that arise with new immigrants. The speakers identify schisms between religious factions (Shi’ite and Sunni, Muslim and Christian) that date back throughout the long history of Iraq. They also explain the Iraqi culture to help participants understand the strong cultural and family structures that they have left behind. Because of the collectivist nature of Iraq, and other Arab societies, it is important to recognize the challenges that confront immigrants when they enter into the individualistic societies in the west. Conflicts arise most often in intergenerational settings, often because of the education and indoctrination of the children to western ideals.