Middle East, Cultural 

With the continuing flurry of news concerning the Middle East, there is a great need for an easy-to-follow reference to the region and its people. The Everything® Middle East Book is an up-to-date guide to to the rich history, heritage, and cultures of the area of the world known as the "cradle of civilization." Designed with the average Westerner in mind, this compelling book takes an objective look at the history of the Middle East as a means for providing insights into the long history of discord that continues today. Chapters cover the ethnicities and languages, the politics of religion, and the origins of Islamic militancy. This authoritative and objective work explains: · The countries and geography of the Middle East · The first civilizations and the rise of empires · Early Islam and the lasting effects of European colonization · The roots of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict · America’s war against terrorism and Iraq Packed with straightforward information and fascinating insights, The Everything® Middle East Book is a must-read for anyone interested in following the headlines. - from Amzon