The Stakes: America In The Middle East [Paperback]

Shibley Telhami (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 23, 2003

Could the United States defeat Al-Qaeda but still lose the broader war on terrorism? In The Stakes, Shibley Telhami, one of America's most in-demand commentators on the Middle East, provides a concise and penetrating analysis that explains Arab and Muslim attitudes toward the United States and shows why there is much reason for concern. In an insightful, passionate, yet balanced analysis, Telhami shows why the Arab-Israeli conflict remains central to the war on terrorism and to international stability, and considers the consequences of a post-war Iraq: its effect on Middle Eastern politics and American foreign policy, the recovery of the region, and its future with the rest of the world. The Stakes provides a well-reasoned, calm analysis that will be essential reading for anyone who wonders where America should go from here, amid the dangers and opportunities in the ever-volatile Middle East. Updated with a new epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A significant contribution to our national discussion and eventual understanding of a vital part of the world." -- General Brent Scowcroft

"A useful primer for readers new to Arab and Muslim perspectives." -- Washington Post

"Americans now have a guide through the complex issues that confront our country in the Middle East." -- William Quandt

"Everyone concerned with terror, conflict, and America's role in the region should read this book." -- Kenneth Waltz, Columbia University

"I highly recommend this fine book for all of its wisdom and balance." -- Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, President Emeritus, Notre Dame

"Shibley Telhami has become a voice of reason on American policy toward the Middle East." -- Jimmy Carter

"This book should be immediately read and pondered by top-level administration officials, their advisors...and all concerned citizens." -- Alexander L. George

About the Author

Shibley Telhami is Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution. A frequent contributor to the nation's television, radio, and print media, he is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of the Board of Directors of Human Rights Watch.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (December 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813342198
• ISBN-13: 978-0813342191
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explains Arab and Muslim attitudes towards the U.S., November 12, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stakes: America In The Middle East (Paperback)

An Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland and a frequent contributor to TV, radio and print media, Shibley Telhami's cogent mideast political analysis is more accessible to the general public than most. One of the country's most in-demand commentators in the Middle East, his social and political analysis set forth in The Stakes: America In The Middle East clearly and persuasively explains Arab and Muslim attitudes towards the U.S. and why the Arab-Israeli conflict remains integral to resolving the war on terrorism.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine product, slow shipping, February 22, 2009

By 

Nicolas Rudd (College Park, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Stakes: America In The Middle East (Paperback)

Waited at least 2 weeks for the book to be shipped. Do not understand why it took so long. When I asked the seller why it took so long so I could write a fair review, I never received a response.

1 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A very thoughtful book, April 24, 2005

By 

Jill Malter ([e-mail]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stakes: America In The Middle East (Paperback)

Sure, America has a stake in the Middle East. And Telhami knows plenty about the region! And he has some good ideas for what we ought to do! And I actually have little idea what we ought to do. How can I have the nerve to give him only one star?

I'll tell you how.

The problem is this. The main issues in the region are truth and human rights. Now, Telhami does give Truth some respect. He shows that many people in the Middle East have a big problem with Truth. And he gives some examples. Unfortunately, he also gives Untruth equal respect. And he basically appears to recommend that the fight against human rights had better be given equal weight with the struggle to defend human rights. Or else!

And that's not enough.