Understanding the Middle East: History, Religion, and the Clash of Cultures

by Edward P. Trimnell

A chronological look at major conflicts and events in the history of the Middle East, from ancient through modern times. Understanding the Middle East is for the non-specialist reader who would like to better understand the historical events that are currently shaping the news.Special topics include the Crusades (and their lasting impact), the Iranian Islamic Revolution, and Saudi Arabia's emergence as a petro-state and global sponsor of Wahhabi Islam. The rise of Islamic terrorism is also covered extensively.Written in the wake of 9/11 and Operation Iraqi Freedom, this volume focuses on topics and conflicts that would be of greatest interest to outside observers of this tumultuous and important region. Q&A with author Edward ........ What was your goal in writing Understanding the Middle East?   Because of recent events, Americans are interested in knowing more about the Middle East, a subject which is not covered thoroughly in most survey history courses, at either the secondary or the college level. I wanted to give readers a "one-stop shopping" sort of book that would allow them to understand the long and complicated history of the region. The flow of this book is roughly chronological, but each chapter describes a major area of conflict, such as the Crusades, events in Saudi Arabia, or the Israel-Palestinian troubles. Would you say that this book has a strong pro-Western or pro-American bias? This isn't an advocacy book of any kind. That having been said, the book is admittedly written from a Western perspective. And I have covered the areas that would be of greatest interest to American or Western readers.  What was the greatest challenge you encountered while writing Understanding the Middle East ?     Without a doubt, the most difficult aspect of writing a book about the Middle East is the complexity involved. Numerous forces have shaped the modern Middle From Byzantium and Islam, to oil politics and the Cold War. As I wrote this book, my chief task was to present the details of this complex history in I wanted readers to grasp how the sundry conflicts described in this book are interrelated and relevant to current events .

404 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2007

Reviews

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Middle East region. The Middle East is home not only vast deserts, but also to mountains, to many kind and welcoming people. Kindness and generosity are cornerstones of Middle Eastern culture and tradition. Culture of Middle East is very rich and complex, it's too difficult to understand the cultures of the region, to the mysterious of Islam and the complexities of the Arabic language.
You have try this book, just for travelling to the Middle East theoretically!

[Omar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good starter on some parts of Middle Eastern history and I found it to be quite educational. The author targets this book for an American readership which becomes apparent near the end of the book and as the author himself has said during an interview the history has definitely been approached from a "Western perspective". My only real objection is the lack of citation and supporting literature. Prospective readers should note that UAE, Oman, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan are not covered in any detail which likely ties to the fact that this was mainly written for Americans and thus only includes history that would be deemed relevant to the current political circumstances between the U.S. and the Middle East. People who have read extensively on Middle East history will likely not find this book particularly insightful.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way the author started with the ancient Middle East, Islam, Crusades, changes in the middle east, Zionism and the modern state of Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Islamic fundamentalism and global terror, beyond the Middle East: the clash of cultures.

To me it was a balanced book on the Middle East, and he just tell you what is, and not what he thinks should or shouldn't be done.
It is impartial, the only chapter where there are any opinions is in the last chapter to make you understand how it is.

I've learned so much of all of the Middle East, it is a wonderful book for me.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good overview of the history of the Middle East. It was written simply, perfect for a novice on the subject. One thing that did bother me though was that he treated the Bible as if it was real history. I can see why he perhaps did it, for simplicity, but it was a little too much. He also had a harsher view toward Islam than Christianity when they both can be equally vicious.

[Eimear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro for someone who knows very little about what makes the Middle East tick. Good overview from the year dot to 2007. Would be good to see an update in a few years that deals with 2007 onwards but probably best to wait until Syria plays out a bit longer.

[Eric Anest]

Material is valuable, but the book is amateurish and poorly edited. Skipped last two chapters.