Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East

With over 40 years of experience in the Middle East, Prof. Stephen Cohen is well equipped to give us the basic relevant history and culture in the Middle Eastern countries most relevant to American policy: Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. Occasionally he brings in personal anecdotes but most of the information comes from the extensive bibliography found in the back of the book. Cohen offers no magic formulas or solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for rebuilding Iraq or for anything else for that matter. But for those without a background in Middle Eastern studies this is a good place to go for relevant information to flush out the headlines from World War I forward.

This is a refreshing and very readable book which gives a unique perspective on the Middle East. It clearly explains the impact on the region by the Western Powers and the impact of European colonialism and U.S. naivete. Also, Cohen takes each Arab country individually to show its own needs and influences, and we can begin to stop seeing the Middle East as simply one anti-American Islamist bloc. Is peace possible, not only between Israel and its neighbors but between the Arab countries and the U.S.? You need not reach the same conclusions as Cohen but his lucid details give an understanding that we in the West are in great need of. This is a valuable book and very pertinent.

"Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East" is a compelling interpretation of America's engagement with the Middle East, and our halting abilities as Americans to grasp the peoples who live there. The title captures the ambiguities of how we engage, and where our diplomacy fails us. To me, this book raises three important questions: * When will we overcome the naïveté of Wilsonian internationalism? * Are our national interests limited to the "realpolitik" of cold war rivalries, oil, and an obsession with short terms fixes to deep-seated problems? * Can we fathom the complex and nuanced realities of the Middle East and the Arab world? Suffice it to say that the legacy of the Ottoman Empire remains. The politics forged in this era are the contemporary lions wrapped in the lamb-skins of national identities. A social psychologist by training, Stephen P. Cohen has interacted with many of the principal leaders in the region over the past thirty-five years, and has often used his unique skills to open channels of communications among them. He writes a richly textured account of what is happening in the Middle East, based on his insights about the peoples who are living there and how they understand their historical narratives. Cohen challenges us to think about where we should be going - not only in terms of statecraft and economic interests but also in terms of group dynamics. 'From the War of Ideas to the Peace of Ideas,' the title of the last chapter, provides a prescription for exercising soft power in the digital age. It's essential to focus on the cultural consciousness of groups in the region, and learn how to foster meaningful connections among them. All in all, I believe that anybody who wants to be seriously informed about our current struggles across the Middle East should read this book and contemplate its lessons.

This book is a "must read" for anyone who wants to know the real story of politics and policy in the Middle East. From the time of the Ottoman Empire to the present day, Cohen does an excellent job of presenting the various countries and their leaders, as well as those behind-the-scene players, in a manner that is both interesting and informative to the reader! Issues I had always wondered about are presented, then clarified by Cohen! Of particular interest to me was how Cohen thoroughly explained the role the USA has played in the Middle East over time, and with various administrations in power...great job! I highly recommend this book!

US-Middle East fiasco-now I understand. You will too if you read this wonderfully educational book.