Everything Guide to the Middle East : Understand the people, the politics, and the culture of this conflicted region

The Middle East has long been a place where religions, cultures, and politics clash--today more than ever. How can a region called "e;the cradle of civilization"e; continue to face uprisings and violence? This guide is an objective, professional, and informed resource that will help you understand the fascinating area, covering such topics as:All the Middle Eastern nations (including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkey, and Syria)The history of the first civilizations and the rise of empiresThe roots of the Palestinian/Israeli conflictThreats of ongoing terrorism and the demise of Osama bin LadenRecent revolutions and coups in nations like Egypt and their future Packed with easy-to-follow information and history, this handbook will broaden your understanding while following current headlines. With this guide, you'll learn to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of this region.