Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Middle East Conflict, 3E

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(35)

 

 

This book is an excellent source for people trying to begin to understand the current middle east. The book introduces you to all the major players and ideologies.

... The book seems to present both sides' positions and does not hesitate to take shots at either Israel or the Arabs/Palestinians (or the "West" for that matter). [you] should find this book helpful and informative.

Having little knowledge of the history of the conflict, I was eager to learn "just what is going on over there?" I agree that this book is somewhat pro-Israel, but keeping that in mind I found it to be quite interesting. While the author does present some opinion, the vast majority of the book concerns factual events. The book starts with a short history of the three major religions involved (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), then covers events in the region throughout history. It moves generally chronologically, although it covers certain subjects in total; for example, the Iran-Iraq war is covered in a separate chapter, though events in other chapters occurred simultaneously. After finishing this book, I had a much greater understanding of why there is so much animosity in the middle east.

It's hard to publish an opinion on the middle east that doesn't offend people on at least one side of this polarized political issue. I found this review to contain the most facts, the most intelligent analysis, the best timeline of information, and the best unbiased presentation of this material that I've ever read, and I've been reading a LOT about the situation in the middle east. The book also has the advantage of being fun to read, and really offering all the information in a way that even a person who has never heard of the conflict can learn all the basics fairly from one source. I've never given a five-star review before, but this book deserves it. Well done!

I was impressed by the talent of the authors in delivering the information in a way that it was very simple and easy to understand , yet very much complete. After reading this book, I think I have a much better understanding of the conflict in that region.

What an eye-opener! I found this no-nonsense, chronological history of the seemingly intransigient middle east conflict an invaluable aid in sorting out the roots of the Israeli-Arab dilemma. For example, I didn't know that the Arabs rejected the 1947 UN Partition Plan that would have given them a state larger than the one they're demanding now. Nor was I aware of the fact that the Mayor of Haifa in 1948 actually pleaded with his Arab neighbors not to flee but to stay in the city as the Arab armies were invading Israel. Thank you, Mr. Bard. I will recommend this book to all my friends.

This well-balanced work shows the positive and negative of both sides of the issues in the Middle East. It goes beyond the headlines to the roots of the conflict. It focuses on more than politics and shows how other factors contribute to the conflict. The "idiot" title is misleading, since this is a really well-written, comprehensive overview of the history of the Middle East. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED reading.

Like most people, I read the paper every day and try to stay up to date on what's going on in the Middle East. But also like most people, I really never had a good sense for how the conflict started, who started it and why we, as Americans, care. Every book I've picked up on the MIddle East has been written in such technical language, and is so confusing that I just get too frustrated reading it and throw it aside. I thought I'd give the Idiot's Guide another chance. And boy am I glad I did! The book covers everything you've always wanted to know about the middle east but have been afraid to ask--and more. It presents an unbiased, thorough analysis on the topic in a reader-friendly, unintimidating style. I love the fact that I finally understand the basis of the middle east conflict and where we stand today. I strongly encourage people of all ages to read it!

What a service to the general public to at last have a clear picture of the Middle East conflict and the history that has fueled it. I don't need opinions. I will form my own. But I need the facts that will help me formulate my opinions intellectually. This guide, idiot's or not, provides that clarity. It is even-handed and precise.Thank you for stocking it and thank you for selling it.

A great analysis of the history of the conflicts in the region. It is factual, honest and unboased, yet easy to read and quite amusing at times. Full of information and appears to be well researched.

Mitchell Bard has achieved the impossible: he's written a lucid, balanced and very readable history of the conflict that has torn the Middle East for the past 100 years. I had thought that there was very little for me to learn from a "Complete Idiot's Guide" since I am well-versed with the history of the Middle East. Mr. Bard, however, showed me the many gaps in my knowledge of the origins and key events of the conflict. I recommend this book both to "Complete Idiot's" and to those who think they know it all; I guarantee you will both learn a tremendous amout.