In this completely updated sixth edition, Peretz offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, politics, and contemporary life of the Middle East. This is the book for those who have little or no previous academic background to the region.

Since its initial publication in 1963, this definitive survey has been widely acclaimed and frequently used in history and political science classes. As with previous editions, this volume offers a basic understanding of the forces that shape life and politics in Israel, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States, and is up to date through the September 1993 Israeli-P.L.O. accords.