The handbook of the Middle East

"The Middle East is, without contest, the twenty-first century's most volatile hot spot. Yet in order to understand this region today, it is crucial to study its ancient civilizations, complex cultural makeup, and the myriad of historical events that greatly influence the current political climate. The Handbook of the Middle East analyzes present-day issues against the history and culture of Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority. This revised edition includes maps in their respective country sections, updated population statistics, biographies of new leaders and groups in the encyclopedia, and new photos and text that help describe and analyze recent events."--Publisher description.