A Concise History of the Middle East, Ninth Edition
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Summary
The ninth edition of this widely acclaimed text has been extensively revised to reflect the latest scholarship and the most recent events in the Middle East. As an introduction to the history of this turbulent region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, the book is distinguished by its clear style, broad scope, and balanced treatment. It focuses on the evolution of Islamic institutions and culture, the influence of the West, the modernization efforts of Middle Eastern governments, the struggle of various peoples for political independence, the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the reassertion of Islamic values and power, the issues surrounding the Palestinian Question, and the roles of Iraq and Iran in the post-9/11 Middle East.
I found that a significant portion of the book was dedicated to the author referring readers to specific chapters for additional details. For instance, phrases like "I will delve deeper into this topic in Chapter X" or "as you may remember from Chapter Y". This became quite repetitive and eventually led me to stop listening to the audiobook.
However, I eventually mustered the determination to complete the book. It serves as a great introductory resource on Middle East history, which was precisely what I was seeking. Nonetheless, I would have preferred a more cohesive storytelling approach rather than feeling like I was reading a textbook that constantly instructed me to turn to different chapters.
I gotta admit, I come across quite a few disappointments on the service - books that seem promising but never really hit the mark. But this one is different! It's like a textbook, but with a fast-paced vibe that keeps you hooked. If you're not familiar with the Middle East, you might have to hit that rewind button a few times like I did, but trust me, it's worth it.
Now, there are some folks out there claiming it's too "liberal" or too biased towards Islam or the Arab perspective. Personally, I think it's a much-needed counterbalance to the "pro American/Israeli" angle we see all too often in the mainstream media. If we truly want to be the superpower we claim to be, we gotta start paying more attention to this part of the world.
When I bought this audiobook, I was under the impression that I would be getting a comprehensive history of the Middle East. To my surprise, it turned out to be more focused on explaining Islam. I think it's important for the service to be more cautious when promoting their works, as it can be misleading for potential buyers like myself. I had trusted that the content would be accurately represented. I'll definitely be more cautious in my future purchases.
The Middle East has been a hotbed of trouble for as long as I can remember, and this audiobook sheds light on how this conflict stretches back even further. While politicians have often used their own interests as an excuse to interfere in the region, now we're facing the consequences of our actions. This audiobook provides much-needed historical context, challenging some of my assumptions and, hopefully, giving me a deeper understanding of why this area is a constant source of tension and concern for the world, and why the people in that region seem to be doomed to perpetual suffering.
One downside of this audiobook is that the narrator mentions maps, tables, and other visual aids from the printed version, which aren't available to us as listeners. Personally, I listen to it on an iPod, so perhaps if there were "authors' bookmarks" and an interactive index, it would enhance the overall experience.
The book's message is extremely biased and the authors do not attempt to conceal their fringe left-wing agenda. Whether it's the selection of facts, portrayals of historical figures, or the overall narrative tone, it heavily favors the Arab perspective, particularly in regards to the Israeli-Arab conflict, and promotes "anti-imperialist" ideas where the West is consistently blamed for all the negative events in the Middle East, while also being pro-socialist in other areas. In a nutshell, anything related to Israel, Britain, France, or America is portrayed as negative and driven by greed, whereas anything related to the Arab world is depicted as good or at least well-intentioned. To put it simply, if you're seeking the truth, it would be best to explore other sources. The "history" presented in this book is a fabrication that exists solely in the minds of Arab nationalists and a few Western professors.
The book provides a straightforward and well-organized account of the formation and development of the Middle East. It also offers insights into the impact that historical events have had on the lives of ordinary people in the region.
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