Description
Book SynopsisOffering a comprehensive, up-to-date examination of the complex web of wars and proxy wars, revolutions and counter-revolutions that are ripping the Middle East apart, this book puts these events in their historical context and leads readers through the labyrinth that is the new Middle East.
Trade Review“This book is an enjoyable read, one that would satisfy a large range of readers. … a succinct, well written and engaging narrative, offering a clear and lucid discussion of the last 100 years. As such, this work will be certainly beneficial for general readers and undergraduate students.” (Roberto Mazza, First World War Studies, Vol. 9 (3), August, 2019)
“McMillan effortlessly stimulates readers by retelling how a contingent event or one person’s small decision has surprisingly altered and significantly sealed the fate of the Middle East from the outbreak of the First World War. … Nevertheless, From the First … Middle East? remains an invaluable addition to the field of Middle East Studies and democratization studies. … the unique contribution of this book should also be of interest to scholars in the field of the Global South.” (Wai Yip Ho, Bandung: Journal of the Global South, December, 2018)
“The book’s wealth of historical and contextual background allows for an empirically rich analysis of the major historical events. McMillan has produced a work of exceptional lucidity that scholars, students and policy makers alike will consult for years to come. It is a valuable contribution to academia as well as highly recommended reading for the generalist, who will find it compelling and informative.” (Ahmed Sajjad, Middle East Policy, Vol. 24 (3), 2017)
“I would certainly recommend it. It is clear, well written and accurate, but above all balanced and sympathetic, and a great place to start.” (Hugh Kennedy, Times Higher Education, timeshigherededucation.com, May, 2016)
“M. E. McMillan has written a cultural and political history with the clear and objective language of unbiased journalism. … McMillan succeeds admirably in presenting readers with a complete yet concise briefing on the last fifteen hundred years. … It is a truly brilliant piece of writing.” (Hubert O’Hearn, San Diego Book Review, sandiegobookreview.com, December, 2015)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Notes on conventions Introduction Lost in the Labyrinth: What's Really Going on in the Middle East? PART I: THE TANGLED WEB: WHY THE GREAT POWERS OF EUROPE BECAME INVOLVED IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Sarajevo, Sunday, June 28, 1914 2. The British Empire and the Arab World: Ambition, Austerity and A Class Apart 3. The French Empire and the Arab World: From the Crusades to the Civilizing Mission 4. The Russian Empire and the Arab World: Religion, Rome and the New Rome 5. The German Empire and the Arab World: Family Feuds and Eastern Ambitions 6. The Ottoman Empire: How the Arab World Was Won and Lost PART II: TOO MANY STRAIGHT LINES ON THE MAP: WHERE, WHEN AND WHY IT STARTED TO GO WRONG 7. London, Tuesday, December 21, 1915 8. The Arab World Before the War: The Facts on the Ground 9. The Re-Making of the Middle East: Enter the Nation-State 10. From Sykes-Picot to the Treaty of Sevres: Betrayals, Backstabbing and Broken Promises 11. The Poisoned Legacy and The War's Unanswered Questions PART III: ALL OR NOTHING: WHY ALL ROADS LEAD TO JERUSALEM 12. Where to Begin? 13. Jerusalem: The Temple Mount 14. Jerusalem: The Noble Sanctuary PART IV: KINGS, COLONELS AND COUPS: WHY THERE IS A DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT IN THE ARAB WORLD 15. Cairo, Wednesday, July 23, 1952 16. The Kings, the Colonels and the Political Time Warp: The Return of the Middle Ages 17. I am the State: Power, Politics and the Cult of Personality 18. The Problem of Absolute Power: From Stability to Stagnation PART V: THE SACRED VERSUS THE SECULAR: WHO SPEAKS FOR ISLAM? 19. Mecca, Tuesday, November 20, 1979 20. 1979: The View from Tehran 21. 1979: Holy War and Unholy Alliances 22. The Arab Spring and the Democratic Alternative Epilogue Untangling the Web: What Now? Select Bibliography Index
