Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East
A Comprehensive Analysis
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
The Middle East is not a region of amity or tranquility. Historically, it is and has been a volatile, dangerous and bewildering place for the West in general and American interests in particular. Based on five decades of my personal experience traveling to the region, conducting research and interviews for my Ph.D. in History, teaching on many levels, including graduate school, universities, teacher education, community colleges, and high schools, I found much to my dismay that the region’s history, politics, diplomacy, culture and religious beliefs were barely mentioned in American schools and institutions of higher learning.
The 1973–74 Arab oil embargo, the 1979 Islamic Iranian Revolution, and the September 11, 2001, Islamic supremacist attacks on New York and Washington, DC, all triggered more interest in the region. However, by the dawn of the twenty-first century, a noticeable shift had occurred in media and textbook coverage of the region, from fact-based to agenda-driven coverage. Furthermore, news, editorials, and popular literature on this highly controversial subject are often plagued by errors of commission and omission.
This book endeavors to fill the void, clarify the confusing nature of Middle Eastern affairs and combat the mistaken beliefs, misrepresentations, and outright fabrications that have been perpetrated to the present. In an effort to reclaim the historic truth, I have postulated a series of basic principles in respect to ten relevant subjects concerning the Middle East. Each basic principle has factual supporting evidence to prove its validity, all in a clear understandable manner. The volume is reader-friendly, with 78 history-oriented maps, tables, a glossary, annotated appendices, a large suggested reading list and an index. It is my hope that the reader will gain understanding by applying this knowledge when faced with any source of information pertaining to the Middle East. The book is designed to be a valuable educational tool for all those interested in the region. Although the region faces constant uncertainty, the principles outlined in this book are valid and timeless.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The purpose of Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East is to assist the general public to obtain a deeper comprehension of this bewildering region. Middle East issues can become muddled and confusing, particularly since the mainstream news media, editorials, and popular literature on this highly-controversial subject are often plagued by inaccurate information, or even disinformation. They often commit biased omissions-leaving out important information that can help the public comprehend the true entire picture. Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East seeks to counteract these inaccuracies. It will prevent readers from making common and not so common mistakes for lack of adequate knowledge. Additionally, there are 78 maps-a built-in Middle East historical atlas-and numerous tables that enhance the text, which is thoroughly indexed. The author presents this information in a clear, comprehensive, understandable, and insightful manner. Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East is a Middle East library rolled into one volume. For anyone who seeks the truth based on facts, this definitely is one book to keep handy on your library shelf.
About the Author
Steven Carol has a Ph.D. in history and is an author, public speaker, and radio personality. His specialties are the Middle East, U.S. history, U.S. government, the World Wars of the Twentieth century, and the Cold War. He has travelled to the region numerous times. He has also appeared on radio across the United States and in the Middle East.