The Everything Middle East Book: The Nations, Their Histories, and Their Conflicts

More up to date than the Dummies Guide to the Middle East. Very informative.

Wow! I have read many books on Israel and the Middle East, but I have never found one to be so open minded, level headed, factual, and user friendly. It is obvious Jacob M. Fellure has a genuine desire to see western people educated about this misunderstood region. Though extremists from the right and left may try to make their opinions heard through propaganda and ignorant stereotyping, this book takes a productive middle ground, allowing the reader to make up their own mind on issues such as the WAR IN IRAQ and the ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin to understand the MIDDLE EAST. Don't be confused and manipulated by those who want to sell books through sensationalism or desire to propel their own radical views. Pick up the EVERYTHING MIDDLE EAST BOOK to get the real scoop!

I really like the presentation of this book. it was a ease to read and if your are really interested it kept you from getting bored as much of history is boring. It did have a liberal slant that was quick to criticize the west but simply stated the facts about the middle east and its many problems. He should have criticized Arab tendency to ally with Germany in WW1 & 2 because of their hatred for the Jews. He should have also criticized their rejection of modernity because of the radicals among them. And their tendency to favor dictatorial governments because anytime any moderate voice arose they saw it as weakness to be toppled not people open to negotiation. And their failure to just migrate to places where their brand of religion is favored instead of always resorting to violence over doctrinal differences. To my suprise this book revealed alot I did not know about the region and its people. I was suprised to know that there are so many moderate and modern Islamic people and I am angry that we see almost known of them on American news speaking about their cultures and religions. It is as if the American liberal media wants us to be afraid and ignorant of these people. I would love to hear more moderate Islamic voices in our media, but for now you have to seek them out for yourself. This book broke the spell of impatience and misunderstanding I had with the middle-east and helped me see that most of what I have heard has been fear-mongering. The situations in the middle east are very much like what we have gone through in the west and are still going through. They are not so different, it is just how their stories are told here that makes them seem so different from us.

This book gives amazing insights into the modern complex issues that are taking place today in the Middle East. As a student of Middle Eastern history and culture this book is a perfect reference tool for anyone interested in the Middle East. I found it easy to go to and find information about modern issues that I had not understood before. This is a must read for anyone looking for more information on Middle Eastern countries and culture.

This book was easy to read, yet packed full of valuable information. From the cultural and technological contributions of ancient middle easterners to the complexities and diversity of modern peoples of this region, this book gives you what you need to know without all the academic fluff.If you don't feel like you know as much as you should about the Middle East pick this book up - you will get more than your money's worth!