From the author of the bestselling The State of the World Atlas, here is an essential tool for understanding the Middle East and its pivotal role in global politics. As Western powers attempt to redraw the map of the region, Dan Smith uses his forensic skills to unravel the history of this arena of confrontation and instability, from the Ottoman Empire to the present day. With customarily acute analysis, he highlights key issues and maps their global implications to explain why the Middle East has become, and will remain, the focal point for foreign policy. The atlas covers a wide range of topics, including:
- imperial legacies
- ethnic and religious differences
- US presence and policies
- Arab-Israeli wars
- Israel and Palestine
- Iran and Iraq
- military spending
- the Kurds
- Libya and the USA
- oil and water.
Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I : The Shaping of the Middle East Part II: Arenas of Conflict Part III: The State of the Nations Sources Index
About the Author :
Dan Smith is Secretary General of International Alert and former Director of the International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO). In 2002 he was awarded an OBE. He is also author of The State of the World Atlas and The Atlas of War and Peace
Review :
'Successfully educates the reader about the Middle East region and the conflicts, both historical and modern, that have led to the current situation in this part of the world.' Library Journal
'This book shows why there is still a need for reference books, at a time when we have almost limitless access to the internet...it decisively outscores both Google and Wikipedia on their two weakest points - context and provenance.' International Socialist Group
'A unique atlas that will serve as a ready reference book in both high school and college settings, as well as in private homes and libraries. The book is concise yet detailed, and the information contained within its pages is easy to comprehend and is essential knowledge for anyone wanting to better understand the politics and history of this volatile region.' History in Review
'Ever since the pre-war days of Lancelot Horabin, maps have been a time-honoured way of conveying information to activists and this series has garnered plaudits for its graphical representation of everything from climate change to the status of women. Dan Smith has already produced two for them, The Atlas of War and Peace and The State of the World Atlas, both widely and deservedly praised. This latest one is in the same, brilliantly researched and effectively presented tradition. Since the world's warmongers seem to have seized upon the Middle East as their hegemonic area of choice, this atlas ought to be in every peace worker's armoury of information.' Morning Star
'As a source of instantly accessible information it is hard to imagine [this book] being bettered. It should be a basic reference for anyone trying to understand the complexities of the Middle East today.' World Disarm
'Everyone should be provided with a copy of this book.' World Affairs Report
'A must have and must read for anyone who wants to be informed (rather than shaped by propaganda) on this important set of issues.' Around Europe: Quaker Council for European Affairs
'As a source of instantly accessible information it is hard to imagine [this book] being bettered. It should be a basic reference for anyone trying to understand the complexities of the Middle East today.' World Disarm
