With all of the attention focused on the Middle East during the last few years and current events in Iraq, there is no shortage of books available on what is going on there now, and what we might expect in the near future.  Very few quality publications for the lay market have hit the bookstore shelves recently, which presents an unfortunate problem; to truly understand where we are now it is often necessary to know how we got there and why. 

Kirk Sowell is an independent consultant living in the Houston area, and an expert on Middle East history.  His recently released book is an excellent way to fill the information gap for those who want to gain a better understanding of current events and their historic origins.  It is concise, well written, very informative, and generally entertaining as well.  In addition to a well-organized basic history of the region, it also provides a strong supplement of cultural and to a certain extent religious background as well.  It is also not a large edition, which is a boon to those who haven’t the time to settle down with something much larger. 

This book’s one main weakness, which the author warned me about, is the first chapter, which deals with pre-Islamic history, of which there is little written, particularly from the Arab perspective.  If you are patient, read it through; if not, skip it and go directly to chapter two where things become more detailed, and less dry.  The story of Muhammad, and the events surrounding his life and the problems of succession are covered in a quite objective fashion.  All perspectives are given equal time, and this becomes increasingly apparent, and useful when one arrives at the modern era. 

In the interim, there are chapters covering the Arab empire, the relations between Islam, Law and the State, The rise of the Turks, and eventually how the Arab and Islamic regions became the “Sick Man of the Middle East.”  Much of the content of these chapters explains how Arab society views the world from a very different perspective than Euro-American or East Asian cultures.  It also covers why it is so difficult to separate religion and politics in that part of the world. 

The rise of Arab nationalism, its difficulties, and the conflict with Israel are covered in more detail and with greater objectivity than is frequently found in histories of this region.  It also provides some details on the Islamist militant groups and the reasons for Arab violence against the west, and against other Arabs.  The role of Islam as a political cause is portrayed at times in a stark fashion, but without outright condemnation.  It is not the author’s intent to take sides, but to say what happened and why.  Many modern journalists could benefit from Mr. Sowell’s approach.

For those who are interested in more detailed studies of this region there is a large bibliography section, and a glossary for those who find the transliterated Arabic terms confusing at times.  A very detailed index rounds out the volume. 

For the reader who wants a concise, detailed authoritative and objective history of the region, The Arab World is an excellent value.

Steven Laib is a practicing attorney.

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