The Middle East and North Africa A Political Primer

by Weatherby, Joseph N.

• ISBN13: 9780321081063
• ISBN10: 0321081064
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-01
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Weatherby, Joseph N., The Middle East and North Africa: A Political Primer*\ This short, jargon-free primer provides readers with the basic background in the geography, history, politics, and religion of the Middle East and North Africa that they need to truly understand this fascinating region. The perfect book for any introductory topic on Middle Eastern or comparative politics. This accessible primer gives readers the background and context they need to study the changing political institutions and processes of the region. This objective, clearly-written overview of the Middle East and North Africa is organized into chapters covering regions, settings, political geography, religion, and history. For those interested in Middle East politics, comparative politics.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Middle East Geography	1	(36)
Introduction	1	(1)
Where Is the Middle East?	2	(2)
What Special Names Are Associated with the Middle East and North Africa?	4	(5)
What Geographical Features Make Up the Middle East and North Africa?	9	(10)
What Are the Important Rivers in the Middle East and North Africa?	19	(4)
Where Are Some of the Famous Smaller but Important Cities?	23	(4)
Where Are the Famous Dead ``Cities of the Sand''?	27	(5)
What Additional Terms Are Important to Know?	32	(2)
Summary	34	(3)
The Geostrategic Middle East and North Africa	37	(32)
Introduction	37	(1)
Why Are the Middle East and North Africa Geographically Important Areas?	37	(2)
What Are the Politics of Geography in the Middle East and North Africa?	39	(1)
Who Are the Geographic Theorists Whose Ideas Have Influenced the Politics of the Middle East and North Africa?	39	(2)
How Do These Four Theories of Global Strategy Apply to the Study of a Region Such as the Middle East and North Africa?	41	(3)
What Events Dragged the Middle East and North Africa into Containment of Russian Communism Strategy?	44	(5)
What Are Some of the Most Important Geopolitical Flashpoints in the Middle East and North Africa?	49	(16)
Words Commonly Used in Describing the Politics of Geography in the Middle East and North Africa	65	(1)
Summary	66	(3)
The Politics of Religion in the Middle East and North Africa	69	(32)
Introduction	69	(1)
Why Is Religion Important in the Middle East and North Africa?	70	(1)
What Is the Most Influential Religion in the Politics of the Middle East and North Africa?	71	(18)
What Is the History of Christianity in the Middle East and North Africa?	89	(5)
What Is the History of the Jews of the Middle East and North Africa?	94	(4)
Who Are the Zoroastrians?	98	(1)
Summary	98	(3)
The Politics of Culture in the Middle East and North Africa	101	(20)
Introduction	101	(2)
Is There a Single Race of People in the Middle East and North Africa?	103	(16)
Summary	119	(2)
The Politics of Islamic History, Colonialism, and Nationalism in the Middle East and North Africa	121	(36)
Why Study the Political History of Islam?	121	(1)
How Did the Three Major Islamic Dynasties Develop?	121	(10)
What Is the History of Western Colonialism, Neocolonialism, and Imperialism in the Middle East and North Africa?	131	(9)
The Development of Nationalism in the Middle East and North Africa	140	(3)
Modern Middle Eastern Nationalism	143	(1)
What Are Some Examples of Nationalism in the Middle East and North Africa?	144	(8)
What Are Some Other Events, Organizations, and People Important to the History of Islam, Colonialism, and Nationalism?	152	(2)
Summary	154	(3)
The Politics of Issues	157	(37)
Introduction	157	(1)
The Dispute Between Arabs, Palestinians, and Israelis	157	(12)
The Political Impact of Petroleum on the Middle East and North Africa	169	(4)
The Political Conflicts Over Pipelines and Canals in the Middle East and North Africa	173	(4)
Religious Fundamentalism in the Middle East and North Africa	177	(4)
The Conflict Over Islamic Fundamentalism in Algeria	181	(2)
The Changing Role of Women in the Middle East and North Africa	183	(3)
The Impact of New Young Leaders on the Policies of the Middle East and North Africa	186	(2)
The New ``Great Game'' in Central Asia	188	(2)
The Muslim Rich Get Richer While the Muslim Poor Are Left in the Dust	190	(1)
Summary	191	(3)
Some Final Thoughts for Americans About the Politics of the Middle East and North Africa	194	(11)
Eight Laws Shaping Politics	194	(9)
What Are the Future Prospects for the Middle East and North Africa?	203	(1)
Summary	203	(2)
Country Profiles	205	(30)
Algeria	205	(1)
Azerbaijan	206	(1)
Bahrain	207	(1)
Cyprus	208	(1)
Egypt	209	(1)
Iran	210	(1)
Iraq	211	(2)
Israel	213	(1)
Jordan	214	(1)
Kazakhstan	215	(1)
Kuwait	216	(2)
Kyrgyzstan	218	(1)
Lebanon	219	(1)
Libya	220	(1)
Morocco	221	(1)
Oman	222	(1)
Qatar	223	(1)
Saudi Arabia	224	(1)
Syria	225	(1)
Tajikistan	226	(1)
Tunisia	227	(1)
Turkey	228	(1)
Turkmenistan	229	(1)
United Arab Emirates	230	(2)
Uzbekistan	232	(1)
Yemen	233	(2)
Index	235