Fully updated fourth edition. The Middle East is perhaps the most tumultuous area on earth, with ancient battles still being fought. This updated guide offers an intense look - through the lens of present-day knowledge - at current events and the everchanging political and social landscape, as well as the region's history. And it addresses: ?The re-arming of Hezbollah ?Iran's increased threat of acquiring nuclear weapons ?The odds of Palestinian unity in peace talks ?The evacuation from Gaza

Yours"re no idiot, of course. You know that the countries of the Middle East-Israel, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and more-are in the news daily because of failed peace initiatives, suicide bombings, or threats to our security. However, the nations contained within this desert region have fought one another long before it was broadcast on CNN-and even long before the state of Israel existed. Understand the ancient animosities and modern tensions that continue to plague this troubled region. The Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg; to Middle East Conflict, Second Edition, shows you exactly why the Holy Land continues to remain a war zone despite the efforts of peacemakers. In this newly updated and revised Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg;, you get: --The birth of the empires established under the Muslim and Christian faiths. --The division of the Middle East into new nations after World War I-including the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. --How the United States became involved in the region-and the many alliances formed and broken over the decades. --The history of terrorism in the Middle East-and the formation of the U.S.led coalition to combat it.

WWII began in 1939 as a European conflict between Germany and an Anglo-French coalition but eventually widened to include most of the nations of the world. It ended in 1945, leaving a new world order dominated by the United States and the USSR. This book features updated and expanded coverage of the fateful D-Day invasion, a critical timeline of major WW II events, and a WW II timeline highlighting the crucial and most important events of the war. It will include details about major battles on land, in the air, and on the sea - starting with Hitler's rise to power and his goal of European conquest; to Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbour; to the decisive battles such as D-Day and the Battle of Midway, which turned the tides of the war toward the Allies.

You’re no idiot, of course. You know your own mind, but when it comes to understanding what’s really going on in your head—all those synapses! all those neurons!—you feel like you’re just about brain-dead. Don’t let it unnerve you! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Understanding the Brain proves that you don’t need to be a genius to be in the know—and gives you lots of fun stuff to think about, too. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • The history of human knowledge of the brain. • Insights into what causes brain disorders—and how best to treat them. • Thoughtful tips about the many different ways we learn new information. • Fascinating, little-known facts about the nervous system.

• Fascinating, fact-filled writing that delivers hundreds of years in the life of the European continent • Terrific supplementary reading for AP History students

An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy

Small creatures of great importance. Microbiology, the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans, is a key part of medical training curriculum. Written by a top professor of microbiology and an experienced science writer, this book is a basic microbiology course that can be understood by anyone, including medical students, professionals wanting to bone up on the subject, and laypersons wanting to know about the topic. • Includes coverage on microbes and their relationship with each other, the body’s immune system, infectious diseases, biotechnology, and bioterrorism