The Lost Spring: U.S. Policy in the Middle East and Catastrophes to Avoid

by Walid Phares

One of the greatest unanswered questions after the massive and violent changes that hit the Middle East in 2011, known to some as the "Arab Spring" and to others as the "Islamist Winter," is how the West failed to predict both cataclysmic seasons in world affairs and to meet their challenges. The so-called spring didn't last long, quickly unraveling into a collection of civil wars, civil unrest, and secessions. Phares argues that Washington is too hesitant to take action when necessary, that US policy is highly disoriented on counter terrorism efforts, and that the effects of these errors have already proven costly. In Benghazi, US foreign policy failed to see the explosions coming, didn't meet the challenges of political transformation where and with whom it should, and failed in isolating the Jihadi terrorists worldwide. Too many strategic errors were committed. In this fascinating new book, Phares, the only expert who accurately predicted the Arab Spring, will foretell a major demise in US and Western policies in the Middle East, unless a deep change in strategies and policies are made in Washington and around the world.

Genres: Middle East

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 18, 2014

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I just can't get through this book. I was a first read winner and really try very hard to read every word of any book I received. I've sat down with this book for 15-30 minutes each night and I just can't work my way through this brick wall. I know that the author knows his stuff, he is brilliant I'm sure, but I dislike the use of the first person sort of "I told you so" mentality. He doesn't consider, as far as I can tell, that we are tired of war and we have largely, asked our reps to respect our wishes.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phares explores American and European relations in the Middle East during the Bush and Obama administration with the emphasis on events in Obama's watch. He blames the bureaucracy for Bush's failure to advance the cause of freedom. Obama and American liberals changed the policy toward endorsing Islamic controlled oligarchies. While the book contains useful information, the author like most "experts" tries to impress the audience with big words leaving the average person confused and feeling ignorant. This was a free review copy.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much more political and subjective than I expected. I hadn't had any exposure to the author prior to this book. Still pretty well sourced and researched, and informative.

[Donna Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

really didnt understand this book..