The Middle East Today

"The Middle East Today" is a comprehensive introduction to the history, politics and contemporary life of this volatile region. As with the previous editions, this volume offers a basic understanding of the forces that shape life and politics in the Middle East arena. It traces the rise and clashes of modern imperialism and nationalism, showing how they affect the emergence of modern nations in the Middle East. Peretz identifies historical influences on the area, from geography, social organization, Islam and the Ottoman Empire, to the war in Lebanon, the Iranian Revolution, and the transfer of political power in Israel. Each of the major countries in the Middle East are reviewed, with emphasis on their political institutions, evaluations of their effectiveness, and observations about recent developments in these countries.