Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East [Hardcover]

Stephen P. Cohen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0374281246 | ISBN-13: 978-0374281243 | Publication Date: October 27, 2009 | Edition: First Edition

AN INCISIVE “WHITE PAPER” ON THE UNITED STATES’S STRUGGLE TO FRAME A COHERENT MIDDLE EAST POLICY

In this book, the Middle East expert Stephen P. Cohen traces U.S. policy in the region back to the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, when the Great Powers failed to take crucial steps to secure peace there. He sees in that early diplomatic failure a pattern shaping the conflicts since then—and America’s role in them.

A century ago, there emerged two dominant views regarding the uses of America’s newfound power. Woodrow Wilson urged America to promote national freedom and self-determination through the League of Nations—in stark contrast to his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt, who had advocated a vigorous foreign policy based on national self-interest.

Cohen argues that this running conflict has hobbled American dealings in the Middle East ever since. In concise, pointed chapters, he shows how different Middle East countries have struggled to define themselves in the face of America’s stated idealism and its actual realpolitik. This conflict came to a head in the confused, clumsy Middle East policy of George W. Bush—but Cohen suggests the ways a greater awareness of our history in the region might enable our present leaders to act more sensibly.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In what should become required reading for those interested in the Middle East, Cohen, director of the Institute of Middle East Peace and Development, provides a richly detailed history of diplomacy in the region and its implications for current relations. The book begins with Woodrow Wilson's idealistic initiatives, which germinated into a confused legacy [that] continues to be at the heart of the problem between the United States and the Middle East. Cohen takes a tour of major players and key events, including Egypt and its nationalist movement, Iran under British imperialism, the roots of a Saudi-U.S. alliance and the evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Cohen provides broad suggestions for contemporary diplomacy, generally emphasizing the importance of avoiding a one-size-fits-all policy. He discusses policies in the region of both Bush administrations, and remains timely in presaging the new administration's diplomatic message. When Cohen concludes, To overcome despair over these relationships, which is now so common, requires the elaboration in our imagination of a best-case scenario, he sounds prescient, and the rigorously researched history he provides make his words ring true. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"In what should become required reading for those interested in the Middle East, Cohen, director of the Institute of Middle East Peace and Development, provides a richly detailed history of diplomacy in the region and its implications for current relations. The book begins with Woodrow Wilson’s idealistic initiatives, which germinated into a 'confused legacy [that] continues to be at the heart of the problem between the United States and the Middle East.' Cohen takes a tour of major players and key events, including Egypt and its nationalist movement, Iran under British imperialism, the roots of a Saudi-U.S. alliance and the evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Cohen provides broad suggestions for contemporary diplomacy, generally emphasizing the importance of avoiding a 'one-size-fits-all' policy. He discusses policies in the region of both Bush administrations, and remains timely in presaging the new administration’s diplomatic message. When Cohen concludes, 'To overcome despair over these relationships, which is now so common, requires the elaboration in our imagination of a best-case scenario,' he sounds prescient, and the rigorously researched history he provides make his words ring true." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

 

“A big-picture overview of the long-teetering relationship between America and the Arab nations . . . Cohen makes a magnificent case for the ‘emotional impact’ of Arab defeat in the face of Israeli force, while at the same time scolding those nations for persistence in ‘self-definition by negation of the other.’ Both hectoring and wise, this historical blueprint makes a powerful argument for building mutual respect in the region.” —Kirkus Reviews

 

"A brilliant social psychologist and political analyst who has devoted his entire life to counseling Middle Eastern leaders on how to promote peace, Cohen's Beyond America's Grasp is a model of alternative thinking, a gift of rare wisdom, the fruit of four decades of welding knowledge and experience."

--Yaron Ezrahi, author of RUBBER BULLETS: Power and Conscience in Modern Israel

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux; First Edition edition (October 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374281246
• ISBN-13: 978-0374281243
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #655,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I understand!, January 8, 2010

By 

Emlee W. Nicholson (Jackson, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East (Hardcover)

US-Middle East fiasco-now I understand. You will too if you read this wonderfully educational book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very accessible - a valuable, intriguing perspective, January 24, 2010

By 

Naturale "naturale" (Teaneck, NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East (Hardcover)

This is a refreshing and very readable book which gives a unique perspective on the Middle East. It clearly explains the impact on the region by the Western Powers and the impact of European colonialism and U.S. naivete. Also, Cohen takes each Arab country individually to show its own needs and influences, and we can begin to stop seeing the Middle East as simply one anti-American Islamist bloc. Is peace possible, not only between Israel and its neighbors but between the Arab countries and the U.S.? You need not reach the same conclusions as Cohen but his lucid details give an understanding that we in the West are in great need of. This is a valuable book and very pertinent.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ...THIS BOOK CLARIFIED MANY ISSUES FOR ME, January 11, 2010

By 

dleak86 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond America's Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East (Hardcover)

This book is a "must read" for anyone who wants to know the real story of politics and policy in the Middle East. From the time of the Ottoman Empire to the present day, Cohen does an excellent job of presenting the various countries and their leaders, as well as those behind-the-scene players, in a manner that is both interesting and informative to the reader! Issues I had always wondered about are presented, then clarified by Cohen! Of particular interest to me was how Cohen thoroughly explained the role the USA has played in the Middle East over time, and with various administrations in power...great job! I highly recommend this book!