Middle Eastern history Books

Book SynopsisAmelia Brown is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She has published widely on ancient Greece in the late antique and early Byzantine periods.Trade ReviewCorinth in late antiquity is an outstanding overview of the late antique development of one of the most important cities of the classical world. It is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of Corinth, late antique Greece or late antique urbanism. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *A work of immense practical value ... Brown has offered scholars of Late Antiquity and students of the Corinthia an immensely useful resource. * Studies in Late Antiquity *Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Sources 3. People of Corinth 4. Administration & Civic Amenities 5. Religion 6. Public Entertainments from arenas to obsolesence 7. Residential, productive and commercial space 8. Fortifications 9. Conclusions 10. Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe current political standoffs of the ''War on Terror'' illustrate that the interaction within and between the so-called Western and Middle Eastern civilizations is constantly in flux. A recurring theme however is how Islam and Muslims signify the ''Enemy'' in the Western socio-cultural imagination and have become the ''Other'' against which the West identifies itself. In a unique and insightful blend of critical race, feminist and post-colonial theory, Sunera Thobani examines how Islam is foundational to the formation of Western identity at critical points in its history, including the Crusades, the Reconquista and the colonial period. More specifically, she explores how masculinity and femininity are formed at such pivotal junctures and what role feminism has played in the wars against ''radical'' Islam. Exposing these symbiotic relationships, Thobani explores how the return of ''religion'' is reworking the racial, gender and sexual politics by which Western society defiTrade ReviewA timely and urgently needed analysis of how the West has dehumanised the Other and what it needs to do to rethink and remake itself. * Ziauddin Sardar, author of Desperately Seeking Paradise and Mecca: The Sacred City *Contesting Islam, Constructing Race and Sexuality provides a groundbreaking critique of the relationship between race and religion, revealing a striking parallel between the western logics of imperialism and anti-imperialism. Thobani’s critique weaves together a brilliant analysis of gender and sexuality in relation to the various histories and politics and Islam and Muslims. This book will transform the way scholars and activists think about some of the most urgent issues of our times. * Nadine Naber, Professor of Gender and Women's Studies and Global Asian Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA *In this rich analysis, Thobani explains how Islam and the Muslims have been immensely central to the making of the West in various historical junctures. The book goes beyond the modern era by covering a longue durée from the middle ages to our contemporary years ... Thobani’s book will be a valuable critical piece for introducing concepts of gender and sexuality to studies of race and religion nexus in relations of West and Islam. * Ethnic and Racial Studies *Table of ContentsPart One: Introduction Chapter One: Thinking Islam, Rethinking the West Chapter Two: The Crisis of Critical Thought Part Two: The Age of Terror Chapter Three: The Religion of Race Chapter Four: The Sex of Religion Chapter Five: Feminism at War Chapter Six: Remaking the West Conclusion References

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Book SynopsisThe Future of Iraq provides a primer on the history and political dynamics of this pivotal state divided by ethnic, religious, and political antagonisms, and provocatively argues that the least discussed future of Iraq might be the best: managed partition. Anderson and Stansfield incisively analyze the dilemmas of American policy. They suggest that even a significant American presence will not stabilize Iraq because it is an artificial state and its people have never shared a common identity. In addition to the legacy of tyrannical rule and the primacy of political violence are eroded social bonds and entrenched tribal allegiances, fallow ground for democracy. In the new afterward they consider the events of the last two years, especially the elections in Iraq, and their conclusion is that little has changed for the better and much has changed for the worse, adding further support to their original argument.

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Book SynopsisThis timely study synthesizes past history with the major military events and dynamics of the 20th- and 21st-century Middle East, helping readers understand the region''s presentand look into its future.The Middle East has beenand will continue to bea major influence on policy around the globe. This work reviews the impact of past epochs on the modern Middle East and analyzes key military events that contributed to forming the region and its people. By helping readers recognize historical patterns of conflict, the book will stimulate a greater understanding of the Middle East as it exists today.The work probes cause and effect in major conflicts that include the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the World Wars, the Arab-Israeli wars, and the U.S. wars with Iraq, examining the manner in which military operations have been conducted by both internal and external actors. New regional groupsfor example, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)are addressed, and pertinent events in Afghanistan aTrade ReviewPacking concise history with solid analysis, it is an excellent reference for anyone who wants an overview of how war has and continues to shape this region of the world. * New York Journal of Books *The author's in-depth research and use of primary sources result in a vivid narrative that covers military tactics and the state of the political arena within each time period discussed. An extensive bibliography and several maps lend context and provide resources for further research. Laden with quotes and excerpts from military documents, McNabb's chronological presentation of the content gives students an easy way to seek out material on a particular segment of Middle Eastern military history. VERDICT Best for academic libraries with extensive military history collections and graduate programs. * Library Journal *The book goes beyond mere historical narratives to provide an analytical context on various topics such as the impact of technology on the Middle East conflict, the role of politics, the rivalry of the Great Powers and its cold war, and the continued influence of religion and ethnic and tribal hatred on never-ending conflicts in the region. * Al Jazeera *McNabb covers the key religious and cultural dynamics that have driven events in the region for the last 220 years. In addition, he examines the commonalities and synergies between elite interests, factionalism, and the problem of development within the region as it relates to conflict and military decision making. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. * Choice *Overall, this is a superb book if one seeks to understand the history of military affairs in the Middle East, which ultimately has shaped the region's politics. The author does not spare any details regarding key operations and has an engaging writing style. McNabb has not only traced the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, the consequences and the events that followed, but he makes the reader understand how the history influenced the shape of Middle Eastern affairs in the modern era. In closing, A Military History of the Modern Middle East well deserves a place on the scholar-practitioner's bookshelf. * Small Wars Journal *This book is an exceptionally detailed, comprehensive examination of military matters in the Middle East that will influence current and future strategists. * The Journal of Military History *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign and the Decline of the Ottoman Empire Chapter 2: The First World War and the Ottoman Succession Chapter 3: The Second World War Chapter 4: The Cold War and the Establishment of Israel Chapter 5: Arab-Israeli Conventional Operations, 1967-1973 Chapter 6: British Military Withdrawal, the Iranian Revolution, and the Iran-Iraq War Chapter 7: The Establishment of USCENTCOM, Iraq's Invasion of Kuwait, and Operation Desert Storm Chapter 8: Containing Saddam, Jihad in Afghanistan, and Terrorist Attacks on the U.S. Homeland Chapter 9: The Iraq War and the Rise of the Islamic State in the Middle East Chapter 10: Summary Notes Selected Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA broad introduction to a major turning point in human development, this book guides the reader through the emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia, when city life began and writing was invented.Trade ReviewBooks in this series intend to help students understand the causes and effects associated with historical events and this one achieves its goal. Additional resources, a bibliography, and an index are included. Recommended. * ARBA *An excellent introduction to the study of early civilization for beginning scholars. Summing Up: Recommended. High school through lower-level undergraduates; general readers. * Choice *The 20 primary source documents included have an introductory paragraph followed by source information. These documents are usually studied at the college level and will give students a good preparation for advanced study. . . . Books in this series intend to help students understand the causes and effects associated with historical events and this one achieves its goal. Recommended. * School Library Connection *Table of ContentsAlphabetical List of Entries Topical List of Entries How to Use This Book Preface Timeline Historical Overview Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization: A-Z Primary Source Documents Creation Inanna and Enki The Flood Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta Gilgamesh and Agga The Netherworld—From the Epic of Gilgamesh Umma and Lagash Uru-inim-gina Two Kings Enheduanna The Cursing of Agade Gudea Shulgi Sheep and Grain Schooldays Inanna and Dumuzi Kanesh Letters Mari Letters Hammurabi's Law Code The Dialogue of Pessimism Key Questions Question 1: Was the natural environment of the Euphrates and Tigris valleys the key causal factor in the development of the world's earliest civilization? Question 2: Was international trade fundamental to Mesopotamia's economic and cultural development as a civilization? Question 3: Was the invention of writing critical to the emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia? Annotated Bibliography Index About the Author and Contributors

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Book SynopsisThis illuminating work offers readers a comprehensive overview of ISIS, with more than 100 in-depth articles on a variety of topics related to the notorious terrorist group, and more than a dozen key primary source documents.ISIS formed through a combination of a rise in violent extremist ideologies demonstrated on September 11, 2001; the invasion of Iraq; and the Syrian Civil War. ISIS is possibly the most important conflict group and phenomena of the last half century, and understanding its source and success is crucial to functioning in the world today. This book provides insight into ISIS from its beginnings to the present, through coverage of its people, organizations, and operations.The book begins with an overview of ISIS, which provides context for each of the reference entries that follow. The introductory material also includes entries on the causes and consequences of the conflict between ISIS and the West. The book contains more than 100 reference entries on general and speTrade ReviewSteed's latest reference work on ISIS provides readers with as complete a view as reasonably possible. . . The work is a well-suited reference which provides a 360-degree view of ISIS. * Booklist *Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals. * Choice *Table of ContentsList of Entries, List of Primary Documents, Preface, Introductory Essays, Overview of the War with ISIS (1999–2018), Causes of the War with ISIS, Consequences of the War with ISIS, A–Z Entries, Primary Source Documents, Chronology, Recommended Bibliography, List of Contributors, Index,

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Book SynopsisA critical study of how Iranian nationalism, itself largely influenced by Orientalist scholarship first undertaken by the European Orientalists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, has shaped modern conceptions of Iran and Iranian identity, as well as narratives of Iranian history, leading to the adoption of a broad nationalist construction of identity to suit Iranian political and ideological circumstances. This book argues that such a broad-brushed approach and the term Iranian could not have applied to the large multiethnic, multilingual, and multicultural populations in the vast territory of Iran over so many distinct historical periods.

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Book SynopsisThe Martyrdom, and the later History, of Simeon bar Sabba’e narrate the death of the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon who was killed around the year 340 C.E. at the beginning of King Shapur II’s “Great Persecution” of Christians in Sasanian Persia.

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Book SynopsisMêmrâ 72 is a meditation on the fall of Adam and its consequences, subjecting all creation to corruption. God's mercy, however, will restore everything to a spiritual, incorruptible state that will exist eternally in the unending light of Christ.

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Book SynopsisThe so-called 'Theology of Aristotle' is a translation of the Enneads of Plotinus, the most important representative of late ancient Platonism. It was produced in the 9th century CE within the circle of al-Kindi, one of the most important groups for the early reception of Greek thought in Arabic. In part because the 'Theology' was erroneously transmitted under Aristotle's authorship, it became the single most important conduit by which Neoplatonism reached the Islamic world. It is referred to by such thinkers as al-Farabi, in an attempt to demonstrate the agreement between Platonism and Aristotelianism, Avicenna, who wrote a set of comments on the text, and later on thinkers of Safavid Persia including Mulla ?adra.Yet the 'Theology' is not just a translation. It may in fact more accurately be described as a creative paraphrase, which takes frequent liberties with the source text and even includes whole paragraphs' worth of new material. Adamson's book offers a phi

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Book SynopsisExamines historical writing in a period that still influences political discourse about the Arab world.

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Book SynopsisThe Life of Theodotus of Amida is that rare thing: a securely dated eye-witness account of life under Arab Muslim rule in the first century of Islam, and one of the few extant texts from seventh-century North Mesopotamia. It is imbued with local color and contemporary detail, revealing an intimate knowlredge of the terrain, its inhabitants and officialdom, as well as the precariousness of the lives of those living in the borderlands between the Byzantine and Islamic empires.

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