Now newly updated, this incisive and illuminating guide is hailed as the best overall survey of the politics, regional rivalries, and economics of the contemporary Arab world. Over the centuries, the Middle East has confounded the dreams of conquerors and peacemalers alike. Its huge oil reserves have given it global economic importance, as well as unique strategic value. In this classic work, Mansfield follows the historical struggles of the region over the last 200 years, from Napoleon's assault on Egypt through the slow decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire, to the painful emergence of today's modern nations, the Palestinian question, and Islamic resurgence. For this newly revised edition, Middle East expert Pelham has updated the text, examining recent developments, including the turbulent events in Afghanistan, the troubled relationship between the USA and Iraq, the continuing Arab-Israeli conflict and the rise of Islamic Jihad...

Note - Waterdamaged, as is