Storm from the East: The Struggle Between the Arab World and the Christian West

Outstanding compact storry about the East. Wish Bush and team would read this before sending more troops to the East.

Although this is a small book it is loaded with information about the Middle East beginning with the Prophet - It is somewhat didactic but has a wealth of information. I thought it was very helpful in presenting a well organized over view of not only the Muslisms but also some of the other players.

This compact well-written 177 page book is essential reading for those interested in the the Middle East and in particular Iraq. It outlines the history of Arab nationalism, fudamentalist Islam and the critical 19th and 20th century historical/political events that produced the Middle East as we find it today. If you are looking for one book to provide you with essential background, this is it. This work was first brought to my attention by individuals with life-long professional political involvement in the Middle East. Frank A. Orban III Executive V.P. The Institute of World Politics Washington, DC

This is the best and most succinct narrative I have ever read on the conflict between the West and the Arab countries. While not downplaying the religious differences it clearly shows the hostilities resulting from the political and military actions of the European(and later the American) interests over the ages and particularly since the overthrow of the Ottoman Empire. Interlaced with these fascinating narratives are clear descriptions of the Sunni and Shia believers and how they got that way. I agree with Viorst's beginning statement that its too bad President Bush didnt take advantage of scholars' knowledge of these differences as well as the long standing political hostility between the Arab world and the West. Be it resolved that every member of the White House staff and every menber of Congress read this book!