Crisis and Crossfire: The United States and the Middle East Since 1945

by Peter L. Hahn

Although it seems almost incredible today, the United States had relatively little interest in the Middle East before 1945. But the dynamics and outcome of World War II elevated the importance of the Middle East in the American mind, and the United States has viewed the region with vital interest to its security and economy ever since. The projection of American power into the region has had consequences that have forever changed the United States and the Middle East, with the rise of al Qaeda and the turbulent occupation of Iraq being the latest examples. Crisis and Crossfire surveys and analyzes the broad contours of U.S. involvement in the region. It probes the reasons why the United States implemented various policies and assesses the wisdom of American leaders as they accepted greater responsibilities for preserving stability and security in the Middle East. Major themes include U.S.-Middle East policy in the context of the Cold War, the rise of Arab and Iranian nationalism, decolonization, the U.S. approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict, the politics of Western dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and America’s military interventions, particularly its two wars against Iraq. This book’s concise narrative and selection of primary-source documents make it an ideal introduction to U.S.-Middle East relations for students and for anyone with an interest in understanding the history behind today’s events.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Middle East

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2005

About the author

Dr. Peter L. Hahn is an American historian and educator. He is professor of history and dean of arts and humanities at The Ohio State University, where he previously served as chair of the History Department from 2006 to 2015. Professor Hahn earned his B.A. summa cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982, earned his M.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1984, and received his Ph.D., also from Vanderbilt University, in 1987. In 1995 he held a Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship in Jerusalem, and he won the 1998 Stuart L. Bernath Lecture Prize (for excellence in teaching and scholarship). His primary areas of study and expertise are U.S. history since 1877; diplomatic history; and human conflict, peace and diplomacy.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps my favorite of all the assigned reading I've had in College. It is extremely well-written and very easy to read. The history of the Middle East provided is without bias and it is all-encompassing. I strongly recommend this for anyone who has a desire to be better educated about the relationship between the U.S. and the Middle East.

[Tindol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief overview of United States’ policy and action in the Middle East from post-WWII to early 2000s. While thorough, it is not comprehensive and discusses all events from the perspective of US involvement. This book is a starting point for learning more about events in the Middle East in the 20th century.

[Jaylani Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on American's policy towards Middle East. Everybody needs to know about this.

[Angela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific overview of United States' foreign policy in the Middle East; well written, and relatively easy to follow, with a good selection of pertinent documents from the FRUS site included in the Appendix. The book moves fast, however! I would stress that it is a survey, but a superb introduction to a complicated and controversial topic. A balanced perspective, and a great jumping off point for further exploration of the events included.

[Summer Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bored, but that is expected, it was in fact about war. But it was for school which just made it more dreadful to read.

[Stephen DeVoe Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise. Provides solid topical knowledge and filled in some gaps I had