As violence escalates between Israel and Hezbollah, West Virginia University has experts available to offer comment and insight on the deepening Mideast crisis.

They are:

• Aaron Gale , assistant professor and coordinator of WVU s Program for Religious Studies. He has traveled to northern Israel the last two summers to participate in an archaeological dig. He has first-hand knowledge of the country and can discuss similarities and differences among Muslims, Jews and Christians. Gale can be reached by e-mail: agale2@wvu.edu

• Scott Crichlow , assistant professor of political science. His areas of expertise include Middle East politics, political psychology and foreign policy. He can be reached at 304-685-5943.

• Joy Faini Saab , associate professor, educational theory and practice, College of Human Resources and Education. Dr. Saab’s area of expertise includes the effects of war/terrorism on childrenincluding those just returning from the violence in the Middle East. She can be reached at 304-599-9184.