Product Description

The United States is locked into three prolonged conflicts without much hope of early resolution. Iran is pursuing a nuclear programme; the aftermath of the overthrow of Saddam Hussein has seen unrelenting intercommunal violence; and the Taliban have got back into Afghanistan. Lawrence Freedman teases out the roots of each engagement over the last thirty years and demonstrates with clarity and scholarship the influence of these conflicts upon each other. The story is complex and often marked by great drama. First, the countries in dispute with America are not themselves natural allies; second, their enmity was not, at first, America's choice. Third, the region's problems cannot all be traced to the Arab-Israeli dispute. Unique in its focus, this book will offer not only new revelations but also remind us of what has been forgotten or has never been put in context.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #303336 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 640 pages

GIDEON RACHMAN, CHIEF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COLUMNIST, FINANCIAL TIMES
"Both a fast-paced introduction for lay readers and a fresh analysis that will appeal to experts."

Review
'A richly detailed and calmly argued book about one of the most divisive regions in the world. Worth reading for anyone who wants to unmuddle their attitudes about the Middle East.' (SUNDAY MERCURY )

WASHINGTON POST
'major new history of America's engagement with the contemporary Middle East'.

Customer Reviews

If you are interested in the Middle East, this book is essential reading
This book is an objective history of American policies toward the Middle East from the Carter Presidency of the late 1970s through to the Presidency of George W Bush. In addition, to provide necessary context, relevant concise summaries of historical relationships prior to 1978 are included. The final chapter identifies some high level considerations designed to potentially avoid the mistakes of the past and capitalise on the opportunities that will be offered (but possibly not immediately obvious) in the future. The final sentence sums it all up neatly: "...if the region is to advance, not only must American presidents make the right choices, but the people of the Middle East must do so as well"

The complexity and subtle nuance of the issues involved are handled superbly by Freedman. It is a fast-paced narrative encompassing: allies that become enemies, enemies that become allies, wide-spread suspicions on all sides, the power of the personalities involved, the limits imposed upon them by their political systems and of course the sheer volatility of the Middle Eastern region itself.

The main sections of the book take the 30 year journey of the America/Middle East conflicts by looking at each of the American Presidencies in turn starting with Carter. It identifies the Middle Eastern policy, how the policy was formed, the key Presidential advisors and almost invariably how events within this highly volatile region conspired to demand a rethink - often quickly and under pressure. In these circumstances, responses to these unexpected events sometimes led to unintended consequences which in turn cause problems in the future.

Another major strength of the book is that the author clearly has no desire to look more favourably on one president over another. In summary, they all had opportunities to do things differently, they all made mistakes and they all faced events that demanded a response. It is a highly readable account that will better equip me to understand future developments within this important and troubled region. An excellent book that comes highly recommended.