The Middle East and the United States: A Historical and Political Reassessment, Third Edition

Lesch shows no special biases toward the US or its allies in the Middle East. Instead, he presents a compendium of official documents and interview material which places certain key Middle East situations in perspective. The book certainly gave me a clearer insight into why the US is both liked and disliked by nearly all countries and, while gaining a better understanding of other nation's positions, also showed that there is no clear and easy solution to the problems there. In particular, we are given insights that the animosities held toward the US are actually animosities held against the West, in general. Further, these grievances are indeed valid and date back, not to the 1948 beginning of the Israeli state, but back to the post-WW1 settlements and further. In the light of recent events, strongly recommended reading for all Americans.