Middle East Rules of Thumb: Understanding the complexities of the Middle East [Paperback]

Steven Carol (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2008 | ISBN-10: 059548235X | ISBN-13: 978-0595482351

Middle East Rules of Thumb is of interest to anyone that seeks a better understanding of the complexities of the Middle East-its history, politics, diplomacy, and culture. Through the 50 rules and their appendices, Professor Steven Carol offers a realistic historical perspective on this important region. As has been constantly pointed out by such media monitors as Honest Reporting, Palestine Media Watch, and CAMERA, Middle East issues can often become muddled and confusing, particularly since the mainstream media often commits sins of biased omission-leaving out important information that can help the public comprehend the entire picture. The highly reliable information presented in Middle East Rules of Thumb seeks to counteract these inaccuracies. Readers will gain insight by applying these rules when hearing or reading news or commentaries on these subjects. Middle East Rules of Thumb is the product of many years of academic research. It will not be readily dated, like many other books in the field, because the underlying principles compiled here are valid and immutable. It belongs in the "reference" category for anyone concerned with war and peace in the Middle East.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (July 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059548235X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595482351
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,287,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Learning the Complexities, the Who, Whats, When, Why and Hows of the Middle East, August 31, 2008

By 

Alan Rockman (Upland, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Middle East Rules of Thumb: Understanding the complexities of the Middle East (Paperback)

Dr. Steve Carol, one of America's top experts on the Middle East, has provided the reader in this slim, but fact-filled and smooth narrative the keys to truly understanding the complexities of the Middle East. He sheds light and shatters myths about the region, and provides relevance, including why an Israeli-Palestinian peace will NOT end war in the region. He also points out why security fences are not new, but have been used to prevent crime and terror in many nations, including the U.S.A.

He points out that the coveting of non-Islamic territory and land by militant forces in the Arab and Islamic world is nothing new, but has been going on for century after century. Dr. Carol also points out too, that breaking treaties and agreements too is nothing out of the norm for terrorist organizations, since they regard (Americans and Israelis) as infidels and unbelievers worthy of deceit.

Dr. Carol shatters plenty of myths and provides the reader with a thorough fact-based analysis of the modern Middle East. It should be required reading for all Americans, especially the two Presidential candidates and their foreign policy staffs.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, December 15, 2008

By 

Paul Eidelberg (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Middle East Rules of Thumb: Understanding the complexities of the Middle East (Paperback)

Middle East Rules of Thumb is an appropriate title of an extraordinary book authored by historian Professor Steven Carol. This handbook clarifies the complexities of Arab-Islamic history during the past 1,400 years with an array of current facts comprehensible to students even at the high school level. Carol's book should also be read, however, by college and university students so many of whom are misled by "politically correct" academics and journalists as well as by Arab propagandists.

This reader friendly volume provides much needed factual data about the Arab-Israeli conflict. It should be on the bookshelves of Hillel Houses and Jewish Community Centers, and it should be brought to the attention of all friends of Israel, so often in need of solid facts to defend the one and only Jewish homeland.

Prof. Paul Eidelberg, President
Foundation for Constitutional Democracy
Jerusalem

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ESSENTIAL READING, October 17, 2008

By 

Jeffrey A. Grill MD "Jeffrey Grill, M.D." (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Middle East Rules of Thumb: Understanding the complexities of the Middle East (Paperback)

Dr. Carol has done a superb job in dissecting the complexities of the Arab/Muslim war against Israel.
"Middle East Rules Of Thumb," is impeccably researched.
Each page of this unique work is "brimming" with historical facts - POLITICAL CORRECTNESS NOTWITHSTANDING!
Dr. Carol explodes the 'myth' of a "historical" Palestinian nation and society. He shreds the analyses of so called middle east "pundits" who are awash in moral relativism. Historical facts and reality are brought into clear and unambiguous focus.
It is my belief that this volume should be required reading for all members of the United States Congress and Israeli Knesset.

Jeffrey Grill, M.D.