Good Book, or Program to learn to read, write and speak Arabic?

[Raban]

For all of you Non-Arabic born people, what is a good textbook, program, to learn to effectively learn Arabic for the long term. I can all ready read and speak some simple things, but I would like to be able to fluently speak and write it, and don't really know any good places (I have used Livemocha, and can't use Rosetta Stone) and would appreciate advise.

 

[underthesun]

Is there any chance you can take a local class on the subject? Perhaps at a language center, or even a university? I know it's not exactly what you asked for, but I've always found that classes really seem to get you speaking more than textbooks and programs, and seem to help you advance quicker. It depends on the learner, of course.​

 

[Raban]

I hadn't thought of universities, so I will check that out.

 

[Breathe]

I'd second classes.

A good idea would be to contact a local mosque or two, as well; they will know where you can learn it. It's usually nearby (the next building or a tiny distance away) or in the mosque itself.

The New Livemocha is... meh. I preferred the old one, but it's not unusable. It's better than a kick in the teeth.