Strategic Geography and the Changing Middle East (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) (Paperback)

by Geoffrey Kemp (Author), Robert E. Harkavy (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The breakup of the Soviet Union and the growing links between the new Muslim republics and the Middle East have resulted in new strategic dynamics which have far-reaching implications for the US and other major powers. Featuring extensive maps, this book examines the importance of the new geography and how it affects traditional regional conflicts and the search for their peaceful settlement.

From the Publisher
A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Book --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 516 pages
• Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087003023X
• ISBN-13: 978-0870030239
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #684,505 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Dates but still good., November 19, 2002

By	Neel Aroon "jaroon7648" (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Stratefic Geography and the Changing Middle East came out in 1997 so some information about the region has changed since then but the book provides a sueful introduction into the issues of the middle east such as the importance of oil and gas in the region and these issues have influenced attempts to control the region. The book also focuses on military planning and operations such as the Gulf War and Weapons of mass destruction.

4.0 out of 5 stars Dry But Worth the Effort, February 25, 2002

By	Brian Shea (Herndon, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Obviously, this book is not fireside reading and should be seen more as a reference.

Nevertheless, as the authors argue, whatever theory of international relations you subscribe to--clash of civilizations, multipolarity, etc.--the Middle East remains square in the middle of it all and needs to be better understood by the average citizen. If Sept. 11 didn't drive that little lesson home, I don't know what will.

It was fascinating to see how the lay of the land shapes a region's history and even the attitudes of its residents. The book gives ample attention to not just topography, but climate, resources, migration, and how all these factors shape policy and the movement of armies.

Overall, this is a much needed book. There's a lot of data to plough through, but it's worth it.