With worldwide interest focused on the Middle East, this authoritative volume illuminates contributing factors to many of the region's hot-button issues. Includes fascinating history and reliable maps. 40 color photos.

This revised and updated version of An Atlas of Middle Eastern Affairs provides accessible, concisely written entries on the most important current issues in the Middle East, combining maps with their geopolitical background. Offering a clear context for analysis of key concerns, it includes background topics, the position of the Middle East in the world and profiles of the constituent countries. Features include: Clearly and thematically organised sections covering the continuing importance of the Middle East, the background, fundamental concerns, the states and the crucial issues related to the area. Original maps integrated into the text, placing international issues and conflicts in their geographical contexts. Case studies and detailed analysis of each country, complete with relevant statistics and key facts. Coverage of fundamental considerations, such as: water shortage the petroleum industry conflicts and boundary issues A comprehensive further reading section, enabling students to cover the topic in more depth. Updated to include recent developments such as the "Arab Spring," this book is a valuable introduction to undergraduate students of political science and Middle East studies and is designed as a primary teaching aid for courses related to the Middle East in the areas of politics, history, geography, economics and military studies. This book is also an outstanding reference source for libraries and anyone interested in these fields.

From the author of the bestselling The State of the World Atlas, here is an essential tool for understanding the Middle East and its pivotal role in global politics. As Western powers attempt to redraw the map of the region, Dan Smith uses his forensic skills to unravel the history of this arena of confrontation and instability, from the Ottoman Empire to the present day. With customarily acute analysis, he highlights key issues and maps their global implications to explain why the Middle East has become, and will remain, the focal point for foreign policy. The atlas covers a wide range of topics, including: imperial legacies ethnic and religious differences US presence and policies Arab-Israeli wars Israel and Palestine Iran and Iraq military spending the Kurds Libya and the USA oil and water.

Includes 115 two-color maps, accompanied by clear, concise text, providing a stunning and intriguing visual overview of the Middle East spanning the period from 2050 B.C. to the present.

Maps and concise text introduce the land, population, resources, politics, history of 19 nations (from Libya to Iran) and the region.

Excellent maps and historical data.