Mirror of the Arab World: Lebanon in Conflict

McKay does a great job breaking down the complexities of the Arab World and explaining the challenges that await it in the future. She does this by exploring the great trajedy that has befallen Lebanon in the last century and analyzing the roots of the conflict. The book is clear in its style and easy to understand and enjoyable to read. Excellent for both those who have little knowledge of the region and for those who studied the region in detail.

As someone who lived in Beirut in the early sixties and has lost touch with the country, I found Mackey extremely helpful in putting all subsequent events into perspective without taking sides except against the selfish elites who have ruined the country over and over again.

I found this book very good at pointing to the complexities in dealing with the "identity" question that is very active in both East and West. I am a Lebanese-American from south Lebanon and serve in the US Armed Forces. In reading this book I couldn't help but laugh (in a good way) at the similarities between what the author describes in it and the personalities I am force to accept. Her ability to dissect the shades of chemistry in culture, politics, and economics is Eye-POPING!!! Any one interested in culture and conflict management in; or the recent history of, the Middle East must read this book.

Sandra shows in this book a comand in Lebanese affairs, so this is a great read for people traying to understand the actual Lebanon.