Fascinating read that will change your outlook of the Middle East
931285
Anyone who cannot remember the price of gasoline ever being below $2/gallon has probably lived in a time when the Middle East was always considered an area of immense wealth and power. It might be hard to imagine, but it was not that long ago when Middle East oil producing states were some of the poorest in the world. In fact, as late as WWII, the United States was the top oil producer in the world, which helped not only its own development but also single handedly helped the Allies win what was supposed to be the final world war. The history of oil and the impact it has had in the world in every way, from politics, to country conflicts, to corporate structures is profound. The Prize by Daniel Yergin is a comprehensive story of how oil became more than just a commodity, oil has and continues to change the course of civilization.

My full review is located on my blog which is linked in the first comment below.  Thank you
2759050
I sought and found in this highly readable volume clear explanation of the powerful changes ocurring in the Middle East.  Deborah Amos has the depth of experience and knowledge to tell the stories of individual people and to place those fascinating stories in the context of the larger forces operating in the countries that we- the USA - has so influenced.  This is a valuable book for anyone who wants to learn more of the changes caused by US intervention, the historical context in which those interventions are experienced by the people of the Middle East and how they will affect the future.
1586759
Mr. Bodansky, in stunning detail, reveals the nature what we face in the Middle East. After years in pursuit of insight into the true nature of the Middle Eastern Terrorism threat this book provides the best source ever for thoughtful people to absorb and think through what we face.  Yes, the book addresses a variety of issues not the least of which is the many mis-steps our political and intelligence leadership made.  But the real value of the book is the sense of context that results from a careful reading.  If your interested in "Gettin It" in terms of the dynamics and threats that are present in tbe Middle East, this book is a MUST.
804604
This book was recommended to me by an expert on and frequent traveler to the middle east. I highly suggest it to anyone trying to understand what is now happening in that part of the world. Easily digested and readable. It not only explains the history of Islam but also gives a different slant on the history of the rest of the world.
Best read so far this year.
I have been giving away copies to friends and I do not often do that!
16446
While I was familiar with the history of that region, the details and the background was extremely illuminating.  Shavit made a serious attempt to lay out both Arab and Israeli positions, and he did it well.  The interviews were fascinating.  I was amazed that he could get such candor from those interviewed.
4612987
Richard is very good at describing his personal experiences in the Middle East.  This book is a very interesting read.
3195728
I want to read more- it's been a New Year's resolution for me several times over, but this is the first book I've actually made it through in relatively short order for years. I saw several interviews with this man during the recent Middle East escalation and decided to read his book, Son Of Hamas. Wow! Not only is it a fascinating glimpse into the every day lives of the Palestinian people but it also gives an in-depth behind-the-scenes account of the intense efforts by the Israelis to keep order and minimize damage in both Israel and Gaza. More importantly, Son Of Hamas points out the futility of trying to effect peace without change, and that is not to say political change. Mosab really hits the center of the target when he states that change can only happen when it starts in the hearts of men. His story is a riveting and compelling illustration of how this is possible, and shines a faint light of hope I to the darkness that has surrounded this conflict for years.
4410317
I live in Tel Aviv,Israel,and this book was entertaining,to say the least. The author gave a sense of being there in the moment,and gave Dubai a sense of adventure,as well as a luxurious haven for the wealthy. It teaches us of many aspects of the Arab world,and their views,fascinating the reader with a mysterious plot. Definitely an enjoyable,enlightening book!
3467772
This was a fascinating and compelling read from an insider on the militant Islamic takeover of Lebanon by someone who was there. The author, a Lebanese Christian, is a survivor of terrorism and she warns the rest of the western world, telling it like it is. One starts to realize how terrorists take over a country one bit at a time and very gradually. I try to not push books very often, but to me this is a must-read.

I highlighted so many quotes that I loved, that at times I felt as if I was highlighting most of the book. Here are a few of my favorites:

Islamic terrorism has nothing to do with economic position or status in life.

Americans just don't realize the viciousness of the militant Islamic fundamentalist.

Anyone who disagrees with radical Islamic propaganda is being attacked in the media, on college campuses, and at rallies countering events that promote the Islamic cause.
4255847
This is an interesting and important book.  Erlich does an outstanding job of exploring the complex historical and political terrain we call the "Middle East".  Weaving together interview material with several political leaders of the region and factual historical documentation, the author cuts through many of the stereotypes and propagandistic views the US and other western powers have perpetrated about this region.  He explores major motives and actions of key players to explain what lies behind recent and present difficulties in finding peaceful solutions to Middle East conflict.  Perhaps most significant, Erlich calls upon us to re-think the concept of "terrorism" and what it means to be a "terrorist", arguing that terrorism is a tactic used by many groups and countries at various times, including the US.  He exposes the folly of the whole notion of a "war on terrorism", which in his view is a major misconception.  The book presents a very fair, balanced, and judicious discussion of the political, social, cultural, and religious antagonisms plaguing the area.  A must read, especially for those seeking a better understanding of flawed US policy toward the region.  A major piece of journalism, the book is very clearly written.
1578749
I loved this book so much so I bought 50 copies for friends and family. I read it over a weekend and simply found it very hard to stop reading apart for some basic activities like eating and sleeping :) Not only this book is full of first hand encounters, it is very entertaining indeed. The author has done a marvellous job in uncovering the brutal truths in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He showed how stories in the press are written and propagated and the forces that operate there as well as their agendas, which are sometime well hidden. This is a must read for anyone who wants a glimpse into Israeli and Palestinian societies. I loved it!
2122879
For me as a Middle Easterner from Kurdistan Region, Iraq who has come to the U.S, "Iraqi Fulbrighter" is an eye-opening and candid  "how-to-book" about what life and study look like for an international in most diverse western country that the challenges and opportunities are more than what one can imagine.  The book tackles the most controversial issues and misconceptions that have divided the world into Eastern and Western sociopolitical  spheres such as identity and cultural differences, family, religion, race, history, terrorism and politics. The main character of the book is the writer himself and all stories are based on his real life experience as an exchange student in one of the prestigious American universities in the heartland of the U.S. I received the book as a gift from my brother, a Fulbright student too,  less than a year ago before my travel to the States to study at Missouri State University. When I was reading the book, I felt like I was on a journey with the author and he was telling me what to expect once I put my feet on the the U.S soil.  Now I have been here for more than 7 months and I appreciate and value the book for the tremendous help it has been offering me. Do not forget, if you are a Westerner, it is even more important for you to read "Iraqi Fulbrighter" because it presents you with the answers of most if not all your questions that you have about Middle East and its people.
2355356
Raful Eitan is a name that anyone who has read the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict should know. He has lived through the entire history from British Mandate Palestine to the modern State of Israel. His autobiography chronicles his life and opinions from his days in pre-1948 Palmach (Israeli Shock Troopers and Pioneers), to being a highly decorated and combat experienced paratrooper, to his days as Minister of Defense, to his service during the highly controversial Operation Peace for Galilee (the 1982 Lebanon-Syria-PLO-Israel War).
He minces not one of his words and tells the entire tale in this 1992 paperback book's 388 pages. Every word of the book is exciting or engaging from moments of intense action to moments of intense reflection. Perhaps, one of the most interesting aspects of Eitan's outlook is that he bears the Palestinian-Arabs and other Arabs no animus or hate. He grew up with them as a Sabra (native-born Israeli) and feels sympathy towards them for the way that tyrannical Arab governments have manipulated the refugees without helping them. He hopes and prays to one day live in peace with all of the Arabs.
Perhaps most revealing are Eitan's parting words (Page 388):
-------------------------------
"Most importantly, in our struggle for survival we must not grow impatient. We must remain strong and steadfast. We must wait until the winds of change that are sweeping through Eastern Europe bring similar changes to our region. We must wait until our Arab neighbors see the advantages of peace and give up their campaign to destroy us. Only through strength can peace be achieved."
-------------------------------
His words seem almost prophetic in these days of change in the Middle East. Arab governments are slowly seeing their governments change through death of the previous strong man (Syria) to an aging king that will soon see a change of power in his country (Jordan) to a radical government that pushed a superpower too far (Iraq). Those winds of change that transformed Eastern Europe that Eitan prophesized certainly seem to have arrived in the Middle East. We can only hope and pray that peace will finally come to stay in the troubled Middle East. And until that day arrives, we can hope and pray that Israel remains strong waiting for the arrival of peace.

I highly recommend this excellent autobiography of one of Israel's most distinguished soldiers, farmers, leaders, and citizens.
Review by: Maximillian Ben Hanan
2160761
I read this book in Hebrew, and I am waiting for more copies of the English translation to re-appear on Amazon, as I very much wish to send copies to many of my friends as presents for various occasions.  The book is brilliant:  It presents a few existing theories for each of the observations described in the different chapters, without pushing one over the other.  However, the emerging picture is that humans rose  to their undisputed rulers and controllers of earth by having the ability to imagine things that do not exist at all... Absolutely fascinating.  It is written very well  with humor, and after the first chapter, you will find it difficult to stop reading (unless you want to take a few minutes after every several pages  to contemplate the wealth of described facts and the new ideas!)
3205908
It gave me a new insight to the problems in the middle east.  I should have read it before I traveled to Israel last April.
169405
Reading this book will enlighten you as to the connection we have with ancient Egypt and how Egypt has been in turmoil from within for centuries. I think a lot of readers would expect more information on the Sumerian influence on Egypt, but if you are looking for some of the politics and the influence Egypt has had on the Western world, then this will be a great read. From reading this book its easy to see that religions have all but devastated a once-great culture and buried it under the rubble of their conflict. The authors touch on something very important in todays world and that is how most of Sharia law is not based on the Koran, something well worth noting.

This information was instrumental when I was doing my research for my book also, To Believe Or Not To Believe: The Social & Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/To-Believe-Or-Not-To-Believe-The-Social-and-Neurological-Consequences-of-Belief-Systems-The-Social-and-Neurological-Consequences-of-Belief-Systems/dp/1441587276/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">To Believe Or Not To Believe: The Social and Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems: The Social and Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems</a>

Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide
867520
I have just finished reading Untethered The True Children of Cyrus, a fascinating look at the experiences of a middle eastern immigrant to the United States some 40 years ago. In engaging prose which brings the characters and situations to life, Brian Alikhani tells his story of leaving Iran as a 16 year old to attend high school in America.
Shortly after his arrival, political upheavals unfold in Iran, which make it impossible for him to return. As he recounts his pride in the Persian empire which embodied "humanitarian rights" for more than 2,500 years, he bemoans the strict and cruel take over of a theocratic government and describes the Western world's role in helping to destroy the country he has loved.
This is an especially important read as we yet again witness political chaos in the Middle East and question the appropriate response to the refugees fleeing their countries.