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Weatherby,Joseph N.,The Middle East and North Africa: A Political Primer*\ This short, jargon-free primer provides readers with the basic background in the geography, history, politics, and religion of the Middle East and North Africa that they need to truly understand this fascinating region. The perfect book for any introductory topic on Middle Eastern or comparative politics.This accessible primer gives readers the background and context they need to study the changing political institutions and processes of the region. This objective, clearly-written overview of the Middle East and North Africa is organized into chapters covering regions, settings, political geography, religion, and history. For those interested in Middle East politics, comparative politics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not as educating as I expected
I bought this book as a textbook but did not like it. He tries to oversimplify history and situations and gives more information about the locations rather than how these areas are different than our western society.

Good Reference
I read this book for an undergraduate class on the international relations of theMiddle East and it was really helpful as a general source of information. You shouldn't expect too much detail but for the beginner, I think this book has a lot to offer and gives a good overview of the region as a whole.

shows lack of understanding of the Christian Faith---
Christians receive their salvation through Jesus Christ, not fasting as stated in the book. This is a major mistake about the fundamentals of Christianity.

Outstanding primer for novice...reference for expert
The average Westerner has far too little knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa and the author offers a superb and timely analysis of this area.His style of posing questions, both geographical and cultural/political, then answering them in detail gives the reader, both novice and expert, information rarely seen in one tome.Dr. Weatherby's description of the ancient history of the area and how it relates to the present is brought to life by his photography and the detailed maps.

It's hard to imagine a more readable and informative text on the subject.

Enthralling and Pertinent
This is the first book I have found that explains the politics, religions, and cultures of this region in language that I can understand. The writing is vivid and clear. The book uses a historical perspective, which really helps the current events make sense. I gained a new perspective on terrorism. The importanceof western colonialism is well covered.Good maps are used effectively. Interesting pictures are included, most of which were taken by the author. Another noteworthy feature is a chapter containing capsules about each of the more than 20 countries covered. This is a handy reference when reading about world events. The book is a good primer for an ordinary person wanting to understand factors affecting world affairs. ... Read more

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This book provides a concise and accessible introduction to Egypt, including chapters on domestic politics, foreign policy, economy and state formation. It will be of interest to anyone studying Egypt from a social science perspective. ... Read more

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"... a very important contribution to contemporary debates on economic and political reform in developing countries. Based on interviews King conducted himself, this is an honest, unvarnished examination and critique of propositions that are treated like gospel." -- Lisa Anderson

In Liberalization against Democracy, Stephen J. King argues that, in contrast to prevailing views, pro-market economic reforms in Tunisia did not foster democratization. Instead, state-led economic liberalization facilitated the reorganization of authoritarian rule and contributed to the subversion of democratic tendencies at both the national and local levels. In addition to King's analysis of neo-liberal economic transformation and regime change at the national level, his book offers a rare local-level analysis of these processes, based on the author's extensive fieldwork in the rural community of Tebourba. King's focus on the local level of analysis is particularly valuable. His community study shows firsthand how local elites have manipulated cultural traditionalism in order to sustain market-oriented reforms. This rich account clearly delineates the pathways by which pro-market reforms in Tunisia have fostered corporatism, clientelism, and authoritarianism.

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This is a penetrating account of Anglo-Iraqi relations from 1929, when Britain decided to grant independence to Iraq, to 1941, when hostilities between the two nations came to an end.Showing how Britain tried--and failed--to maintain its political influence, economic ascendancy, and strategic position in Iraq after independence, Silverfarb presents a suggestive analysis of the possibilities and limitations of indirect rule by imperial powers in the Third World.The book also tells of the rapid disintegration of Britain's dominance in the Middle East after World War I and portrays the struggle of a recently independent Arab nation to free itself from the lingering grip of a major European power. ... Read more

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With the thoroughness that this recently spotlighted nation requires, this volume examines Kuwait's internal and external security situation after the turbulent days of the Gulf War and investigates continued Western involvement in its safekeeping. It also examines Kuwait's changing role as an energy exporter. ... Read more

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The Middle East is a heterogeneous combination of societies and cultures bound together by a common history and a similar place in the world economy.Despite recent agreements, the region's internal issues (e.g., race, economic and religious differences) make it certain to occupy the world's attention. ... Read more

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The main aim of the book is to provide a forum for opinions held by Arabs who are neither Western puppets nor fanatical nationalists or Islamists, but rather academics with a vast knowledge of the Middle East as well as of the West. The authors all support the building of a democratic secular Middle East, but their writings also show that although there is no easy way to achieve this goal, neither is there any excuse for not making the attempt. ... Read more

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Why in recent years have the social and economic upheavals in Kuwait and Qatar been accompanied by a remarkable political continuity? In a region of revolution and coups, these particular monarchies have somehow survived. In her analysis of political change in the Gulf, Jill Crystal investigates this apparent anomaly by examining the impact of oil on the formation and destruction of political coalitions and state institutions. She also adds to our understanding of state formation by highlighting the ways in which states and rulers structure the relationship between those with money and those with power.This updated edition includes a discussion of the Gulf War and its aftermath. ... Read more

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In 1921 Riza Khan, a colonel in the Iranian Cossack Brigade, rode on Tehran and, in a military coup that was to change Iran's destiny, took power. Appropriating the state-building objectives of Iranian constitutionalism and nationalism, Riza Khan embarked on the task of constructing a strong, modern, centralized state at the heart of which lay a new national army. Ruthless and cunning, he used the emergent military and political institutions to crush both civilian and military opposition, and in 1926 crowned himself Shah of Iran. But in the construction of his army Riza Khan relied upon the material bequeathed to him by the reform efforts of the late nineteenth century and the constitutional revolution. This unique book - the first to discuss in detail the way in which the modern Iranian army was created - puts the rise of Riza Shah into sorely needed historical context and outlines, in a careful analysis of the way in which Riza ensured the army over civil institutions such as parliament and the provincial authorities, the military roots of monarchical dictatorship in Iran. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Army and the Creation of the Pahlavi State in Iran
Why has Iran fared so much worse than Turkey in the twentieth century?Absolute monarchy and Islamic revolution stunted political development in the Iranian case, oil exports held its economy hostage, class and ethnic differences seem only to worsen with the passage of time.In contrast, while Turkey has had its share of tribulations, it has gradually become more democratic, wealthy, and stable.

Cronin offers an original and provocative thesis for this difference by contrasting Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), founder of Turkey's modern state, with Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878-1944), founder of the Pahlavi dynasty.The two contemporaries both rose to the top of their respective military establishments and displayed severely authoritarian outlooks.Both faced crises in the aftermath of World War I.But Atatürk had a solid grounding in Western ways, which led him ultimately to seek a legal basis for the Turkish Republic, to keep the military out of politics, foster secularism, and encourage political participation.In contrast, the "patrimonial monarchy" established by his Iranian counterpart "possessed none of these positive features." Interesting, but a bit strong:Reza Shah emulated Atatürk in many respects, including his secularism, and the Iranian military has stayed more scrupulously outside of politics than the Turkish.

In the course of her illuminating detective work to piece together the army's history in the crucial years around World War I, Cronin ventures to speculate that had Reza Shah's rival, the British-trained Colonel Muhammad Taqi Khan Paysan, won power, "Iran might have followed a path closer to that of Turkey under Kemal, building more solid institutions and achieving greater stability."

Middle East Quarterly, Sept 1997 ... Read more

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The most definitive account of the Suez affair to date, based on newly opened archives. Mr. Freiberger argues that the crisis was only the culmination of long American irritation with British imperialism in the Middle East. Commendable...this book breaks new ground. --William B. Quandt, Foreign Affairs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Watershed Book
'Dawn over Suez,' by Steven Z. Freiberger PhD, is a wonderful book.

The book deals with a troubled subject. The Suez Canal. The title offers a glimmer of hope ("Dawn"), but in fact what Doc uncovers is sad and depressing.

Foreign policy blunders abound in this tale. Lots of old white men divy up land in the desert they've never seen.

Freiberger's commentary is, as always, witty, insightful, and fearless. Watch how political machinations in Washington alter foreign affairs in Egypt. Freiberger holds the reader's hand through his well-researched evidence.

In short, Doc argues that the "anti-imperialist U.S. policy" in Suez was actually imperialistic--and a sabre-rattling tactic against the USSR. And pretty much everyone saw through Ike's economic aid to Arab nations as neocolonialism.

I like to read this book while I pet my cats. I think, if I may add my $.02, it was a shame this book didn't win the Pulitzer Prize.

TWO THUMBS UP ! ! !

Nasty Book
This is the nastiest book i have ever read.Doc Freiberger is a genius.One of the best writers of our time.The pulitzer is not enough for him.He needs the nobel prize.Great book written by a nasty history teacher.Two nasty thumbs up!!!

Brilliant writing from a Brilliant Man
Steven Z. Freiberger is one of those writers that comes along once in a generation.Dawn over Suez is the epitome of good history writing, in which Freiberger argues that the United States actually took over the British government for a period of time.A wonderful, compelling, fascinating read.How this got passed over for the Pulitzer is beyond me.

excellent book
he's my history teacher...i have to like it...i need an ... Read more

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Middle East and Arabic Countries Trading & Export-Import Laws and Regulations Handbook ... Read more

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Fully revised and up-dated, this authoritative text now takes into account the considerable developments in the Middle East in the 1990's. As with the first edition, this book explores the emergence of individual Middle Eastern states since the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War. By exploring key topics such as the role of the military, economics and religion and the relationship of each with politics, this book remains an excellent introduction to the modern history and politics of a region that is usually portrayed as mysterious, unpredictable and violent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Superficial commercial treatment of complex issues
This is a book by another "specialist" on the Middle East that would appeal to the common denominator reader.In an attempt to cover a wide scope of countries and issues and histories, Roger Owen, a well-respected authority in the subject matter, churns out a shallow text that does not even start getting to the issues at hand. It is a dull read that follows a standard template for what a professor believes should be fed to undergraduate students.
Professor Owen dwells in 280 pages on state building and political parties and movements, but lacks insight into events at the beginning of the 20th century that contradict his conclusions.I would not recommend this book for serious readers of Middle East issues or history, but it is useful for those under duress to produce a term paper at college.

Textbook treatment
This volume is your basic political-economy, textbook approach to the modern middle east.At certain points, it tries to be cutting-edge, but the bland, standard approach to the subject matter makes for a dull read.Much better is Richard & Waterbury's POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE MIDDLE EAST, which is much larger and contains much more interesting and indepth treatment of the Middle East.For those who may find that work daunting, however, this is small work is likely to be the best replacement.It's lighter and less bogged down with facts, figures and tables. ... Read more

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If we pause long enough, we can hear, above the din of our planet's rapid globalization and technological advancement, the quiet voices of spiritual leaders from ancient faiths. Middle East historian Yvonne Seng asks, What can these modern Desert Fathers with their long history of survival advise us on the future of our planet? Her intellectual quest rapidly becomes a personal journey that turns her Western training and perceptions on their head.

Men In Black Dresses takes the reader behind the walls of desert monasteries, Sufi enclaves, ancient cathedrals and mosques -- where the author knocks, uninvited, and waits for the wise men to allow her in. Once inside, they discuss the universal concerns of the environment and the Internet, the building of a global community, and the education of coming generations, as well as the state of the human spirit.Amazon.com Review
Cultural historian Yvonne Seng's first encounter with men in black dresses was on the Nile train as it chugged through Egypt. She was a young woman then, facing a divorce or suicide--she wasn’t sure which. And that's why the barren desert of Upper Egypt called to her. The dangerous pilgrimage through a harsh oasis would test her will to survive. As fate would have it, she met Nuweiba on the train--the esteemed Catholic Coptic Bishop of Asyout and Upper Egypt and the first of many holy men who would radically influence her destiny. As she spoke with this humble spiritual leader, he confessed that he was dying. "Promise me you will return one day," he asked Seng. "Then you will see the future." Seng agreed, but it took 15 years to deliver her promise. "Instead I tried to climb the greased ladder of academia and pretended to forget the promise." One night the dying man's request returned to her--forcing her to sit upright in bed and immediately plan her return pilgrimage. This time she would meet with the holy men of the Middle East and ask them to speak to the future. Her adventurous memoir takes us into the private chambers of a grand Muslim sheikh, into darkened churches, ancient monasteries, and modern apartments as she meets with the religious visionaries of the Middle East. The men in black dresses speak about global concerns--pornography on the Internet, disrespect toward elders and children, the disturbing spread of McDonald's culture, and the possibility of miracles. This is an outstanding armchair pilgrimage, filled with vivid "being there" scenes as well as lasting insight. Seng manages to unite vastly different religions, histories and cultures through their common spiritual ambitions. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Skip the title and get on with reading
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the title seemed a little too marketing seductive.That aside, I liked the breezy Ozzie style and the vast store of information she had to share.

All the depth of the Celestine Prophecies
Well I suppose the smart ass title should have been a tipoff. This book manages to both flatten and drain all the depth out of people whom have cultivated depth their whole lives. The author has adopted the style of interviewing where the interviewer spends 3/4 of the time telling you about themselves and their reactions to what the person they are interviewing says. It is a distracting and in this case disappointing technique whereby the author manages to reduce holy men to trivial quotes with all the spiritual depth of the Celestine Prophecies. Because of this artifice the book distorts more than it illuminates and should be avoided by anyone looking to encounter contemporary articulations of authentic Christian desert wisdom. Look at Matta al Maskin (Orthodox Prayer) himself rather than this pablum about his brethren.

surprising agreements on spiritual life
The most faithful-looking men I see on TV wear dark robes and carry automatic weapons. I simultaneously admire their faith and fear their wrath. I wish I could turn down the volume and sit quietly with these men; I yearn to hear whatever it is they are literally dying to say.

Men in Black Dresses provides such an opportunity. Author Yvonne Seng trekked to monasteries, mosques and religious enclaves in order to listen. She sat with leaders ranging from The Grand Sheikh of Islam, spiritual leader to the world¹s billion Sunnis, to His Holiness Pope Zakka, head of the world¹s second oldest Christian church.

"Throughout history, dogma has been mistaken for knowledge," a leading orthodox archbishop told her, "social division and problems can be traced to the entanglement of dogma in our modern life ­ social problems are also theological problems."

A professor of peace and Middle Eastern studies, Seng discovered surprising agreements among the Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders who spoke to her. They agreed that modern spiritual life has become distracted, that East and West alike have forsaken the heart for the ego, and that as our leaders confuse true power with material gain, the world is becoming a very dangerous place.

-- Monte Paulsen, The Dragonfly Review of Books

totally riveting
"...totally riveting. Yvonne Seng is a natural born storyteller... fearless and witty style. Charging ahead solo where most of us would fear to tread, Yvonne interviewed a fascinating array of spiritual leaders, mystics and holy men and women to seek spiritual guidance for our time. Their answers were surprising and profoundly important."
-- Connexion Magazine

Seeing Things Differently
"Men in Black Dresses: A Quest for the Future Among Wisdom Makers of the Middle East" I am reading a wonderful book.It's one of those gems that every time you pick it up, it instantly carries you into an exotic, space of anticipation.I find myself leaning forward emotionally, eager to see what I am going to learn - what I am going to see differently, with new clarity.

It's kind of interesting, because I forget about how great it is after we land or I fall asleep. I've been carrying it around in my bag now for a week now and each time I look at it - "Men in Black Dresses" - I remember the basic premise: author Yvonne Seng working her way through interviews with Egyptian Muslim sheihks leaders and discovering insights about Islam, and it sits there, kind of flat and academic.

But each time I get finally get settled into my Boeing seat, and before we reach 10,000 feet where I can get out my laptop, I open up the black dress book and within two sentences I'm in Egypt - in a bazaar, or somewhere contemplating some deep truth or paradox. . . . experiencing, through her extraordinary prose, Dr. Seng's odysseys and forays in search of truth and meaning.

This woman can really write.It's like a great novel - about real experiences, but focused on a search for truth. Most nonfiction books are not really "literature".They're not great stories, capturing you and moving you into sights, sounds, and smells of some other interesting place and introducing you to people you can really see in your mind.So, it's really rather extraordinary to find a book of big, great ideas that is also a really interesting story as well.

You should buy Yvonne's book.You'll learn a lot about Egypt, Islam, the Coptic Orthodox Church, Syria, yourself . . .and you'll like it. ... Read more

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The recent rise in global demand for energy and the resulting spike in energy prices have illustrated just how important Middle Eastern energy exports are. This book, the first on the subject since the hike in energy prices impacted the global energy market, outlines the current facts that shape the ability of Middle Eastern producers to supply energy exports. It explores the possible future causes both of major interruptions in supply, and of failures to maintain and expand export capacity, and, though it does not predict a major energy crisis, it does describe a range of factors that could produce one.

The recent rise in global demand for energy and the resulting spike in energy prices have illustrated just how important Middle Eastern energy exports are. This book, the first on the subject since the hike in energy prices impacted the global energy market, outlines current facts that shape the ability of Middle Eastern producers to supply energy exports. It explores the possible future causes both of major interruptions in supply, and failures to maintain and expand export capacity, and, though it does not predict a major energy crisis, it does describe factors that could produce one.

Authors Cordesman and Al-Rodhan analyze the plans of each country in the region, compare those plans with the forecasting models of international organizations, and study each country's prospects for stability. They also analyze how importing countries such as the United States, Europe, China, and India are dealing with the changing nature of global dependence upon MENA oil.

Offering the most comprehensive data on current energy resources, production capacities estimates, import dependence, and national plans and strategies, The Changing Dynamics of Energy in the Middle East analyzes current energy modeling, and shows how the lack of supply-driven models has had a negative impact on the understanding of policy makers and strategic thinkers. The book concludes its analysis with possible strategic, economic, and demographic scenarios for the Middle East, projecting the impact of each scenario on future energy developments.

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Many of the political problems of the Middle East and North Africa have geographic roots, but material and ideas on spatial relationships in the region have, until now, remained scattered and piecemeal.In this original work, Drysdale and Blake examine the ways in which the geography and politics of the region are intertwined, and focus on the evolution and deficiencies of the contemporary political map. Organized around the themes of partition and integration, the discussion covers such timely issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Arab unity, the civil war in Lebanon, regional petroleum development, strategic straits, and the Iran-Iraq war.Throughout, this unique book is richly illustrated with specially drawn maps and diagrams. ... Read more

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Middle East And Arabic Countries Trademark Law Handbook (World Business, Investment and Government Library) ... Read more

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Examines processes of social reproduction, survival, and social mobility amid Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

This groundbreaking volume takes a deliberate look at how entire households, families, and individuals "cope," negotiate their lives, and achieve personal and collective goals in Occupied Palestine. Contributors raise critical questions about tradition vs. modernity and the sociocultural consequences of emigration. Living Palestine establishes that household dynamics (i.e., kin-based marriage, fertility decisions, children's education, and living arrangements) cannot be fully grasped unless linked to the traumas of the past and worries of the present.

Likewise, family strategies for survival and social mobility under occupation are swept up in the tide of history that engulfs the world in which Palestinians live and struggle as individuals, households, and as a society. Living Palestine is drawn from an expansive 1999 research project of the Institute for Women's Studies at Birzeit University in which two thousand households in nineteen communities were surveyed with an aim to examining the Palestinian household from multiple perspectives. ... Read more