The region known as the Middle East has been a fixture in the Western imagination for more than a century. But how much do you know about the real Middle East—its many nations and cultures, the faiths and customs of its diverse peoples, the opulent past and turbulent present of a land whose often volatile events have changed the course of world history?
This authoritative and objective reference guide to the Middle East illuminates:
The countries and geography of the region
The first civilizations and the rise of empires
Early Islam and the lasting effects of European colonization
The historical roots of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict
America’s relations with Iran and Iraq
Packed with straightforward information, fascinating insights, and colorful historical detail, The Middle East is a must-read for anyone interested in not just keeping up with the headlines, but understanding the stories behind them.
