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Though lacking in significant oil deposits, North Yemen is located in the centre of the world's most oil-rich region and is thus one of the most strategically important countries in the world. In this up-to-date survey Dr. Wenner's analysis ranges widely across many dimensions of present-day North Yemen; from its geographical characteristics, agricultural heritage, and complex ethnographic make-up to its politico-economic position in the contemporary world and the significant role of North Yemeni emigrants in various countries of the Middle East. Also provided is a brief history of Yemen, with particular emphasis on developments since the revolution of 1962 and the 1970 compromise, which settled the long civil war. ... Read more

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Throughout the Holocene, humans altered the Near Eastern environment so thoroughly that the land has become a human artifact, albeit one that retains the power to shape human societies. In this trailblazing book--the first to describe and explain the development of the Near Eastern landscape using archaeological data--Wilkinson identifies specific landscape signatures for various regions and periods, from the early stages of complex societies in the fifth to sixth millennium B.C. to the close of the Early Islamic period around the tenth century A.D. ... Read more

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Global Studies is a unique series designed to provide comprehensive background information and selected world press articles on the regions and countries of the world. Each Global Studies volume includes an annotated listing of World Wide Web sites and is now supported by an online Instructor's Resource Guide. Visit our website for more information: www.mhhe.com/globalstudies.com. ... Read more

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Kurdish Politics in the Middle East analyzes political and social dimensions of Kurdish integration into the mainstream socio-political life in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Its central thesis is that ethnic conflict constitutes a major challenge to the contemporary nation-state system in the Middle East. Long vanquished is the illusion of the _melting pot,_ or the concept that assimilation is an inexorable process produced by _modernization_ and the emergence of a relatively strong and centralized nation-state system in the region. Perhaps no single phenomenon highlights this thesis more than the historical Kurdish struggle for self-determination. This book's focus is on Kurdish politics and its relationship with broader regional and global developments that affect the Kurds. It does not claim to cover everything Kurdish, and it does not promote the political agenda of any group, movement, or country. ... Read more

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This collective volume provides an integrative historical and contemporary discussion of Sunni 'ulama' in the Middle East in both an urban and a semi-tribal context. The various chapters reinforce a renewed interest in the position of the 'ulama' in modern times and offer new insights as to their ideological vitality and contribution to the public discourse on moral and sociopolitical issues. ... Read more

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Why didn't Arab civilization develop a capitalism of its own? Why didn't communism find popular support? Taking account of the differences between the Arab countries, this book analyzes their transition from a non-feudal tributary mode to a state capitalism and the hegemony of a state bourgeoisie. ... Read more

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Islam's Role in Shaping the Iranian War Effort
In this book, Saskia Gieling examines how the Iranian leaders sacralized, or gave the Iran-Iraq war a religious dimension. She seeks to answer the question of which Islamic beliefs and symbols were used in the sacralization of the conflict. Her study focuses on the central themes of the war rhetoric, mainly the justification of the war and the mobilization of the Iranian population for warfare. As a result of her analysis, Gieling hopes to "contribute to a better understanding of the way Islam is used for political action in Iran" (1). In order to investigate this topic, Gieling adopts a content analysis approach. She analyzes the speeches concerning the war by the ruling elite of Iran, which she defines as those individuals able to frequently transmit positions on foreign policy to unknown persons.
Gieling begins the book with a brief chronological overview of the Iran-Iraq war. In this chapter she details the origins of the conflict, Iraqi offensives and Iranian counterattacks, the role of the international community, the political, economic and social effects of the war on Iran, and the cease-fire negotiations. Gieling then discusses the Islamic theological and doctrinal issues dealing with war among Muslims and how Iranian leaders used these concepts to convey their belief that the war was fought in line with Islamic doctrine. In particular, Gieling looks at how Iranian leaders used Islamic Shî`a beliefs to justify a war they fought against other Muslims and to mobilize the Iranian people to fight against these Muslims. She argues that Iranian leaders justified the war and considered it a jihâd because it was a defense against an attack on Islam, Muslims, and the Islamic republic by Saddâm Husayn, whom they regarded as belonging to the category of bughât or dissenter. She concludes that waging war against Iraq was "therefore justified on grounds that fighting the bughât falls into the category of jihad" (50).
Gieling then looks at specific Qur'ânic terms and notions that played a significant role in Iranian war rhetoric. She argues that Khumaynî divided the war into two sides - Islam and kufr, thus making clear that the war was a religious conflict instead of simply a territorial dispute. For the Iranian leadership, kufr represented all the states and ideologies which opposed the Islamic republic and its ideology. According to Gieling, kufr was essential in drawing the boundary between the Islamic republic and its enemies. As she states, "kufr was used frequently for non-Muslims and for Muslims like Saddâm Husayn, Saddâm-I kâfir (Saddâm the unbeliever)" (82).
Gieling also argues that the Iranian leadership drew on important historical analogies. She notes that the leaders often compared the war to the wars fought by the Prophet in that they were fought to prevent the destruction of Islam. The leadership also drew on the Karbalâ' paradigm. Husayn and his struggles for Islam were held up as a model for Iranians, while Yazid, the alleged murderer of Husayn known for his anti-Islamic attitude, was identified with Saddâm Husayn. As Gieling concludes, "Iranian leaders sacralized the war, by identifying with historical figures who are venerated or, in contrast, despised much in Shî`îbelief, but also by association with historical Islamic events in order to make clear that the war with Iraq had strong resemblances to these events" (130).
Gieling notes that there was a significant universalist and religious-national dimension to Iranian war rhetoric. The war was justified because it threatened the survival of the Islamic republic and the universal aspects of the Islamic revolution, mainly the spread of Islam to other countries. Gieling argues, however, that when Iranian leaders talked about Islam it was in reference to `their' Islam, that which was observed in the Islamic republic. Religious remarks were also sometimes tainted with nationalist sentiments. As Gieling notes, "Nationalist remarks by leaders had a religious basis and focused on the idea that Iran was the Islamic country par excellence" (149).
Gieling also analyzes the religious arguments which Iranian leaders used in opposition to peace and those they used to justify their acceptance of UN resolution 598. Gieling argues that Khumaynî, in his speeches, emphasized that peace with the Iraqi regime was against the principles of Islam since it would be peace with immoral people. As Iranian fortunes soured, however, the leaders focused on new messages to pave the way for a cease fire. For example, the leaders drew on the treaty of Hudaybiya concluded between Muhammad and the Meccans in which peace was made with unbelievers to ensure progress. In fact, Gieling argues that the leaders presented the UN resolution as ensuring the survival of the republic and the spreading of the revolution.
Saskia Gieling does a good job supporting her claim that the Iranian leaders sacralized the Iran-Iraq war. She shows how important beliefs and symbols were incorporated into speeches to justify and mobilize the populace for war. It is clear that she has performed extensive research on the subject and has drawn from numerous speeches to support her arguments. Gieling's conclusion, however, merely rehashes her argument and fails to extend it further. While it is interesting to learn the specific methods Iranian leaders employed to sacralize the war, her work is more descriptive than analytical. She does not address important issues such as whether or not the rhetoric was in line with the Iranian leaders' true beliefs or was it merely used as a tool to motivate the people. Similarly, she never addresses the impact that the sacralization of the war had on the people ofIran. While readers learn about the symbols and beliefs involved, they are left guessing about the impact that these symbols and beliefs had on Iranians. The reader never learns if religion was truly a driving force for the Iranian population during the war or if it can be extrapolated that religion has played a similar role in the lives of Iranians in the years since the war. ... Read more

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The Palestinians have been at the center of Middle Eastern and world history for nearly a century. The core issues of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are still the ones that emerged in 1948, after what Palestinians term al-Nakba, the destruction of historical Palestine and the dispossession and expulsion of its people. At the center of this vortex of politics, diplomacy, oppression, resistance, and struggle are the Palestinians. The Palestinians are an ancient Arab people, with both Islamic and Christian adherents, and their traditional culture and present way of life under difficult conditions are greatly illuminated for students and general readers.

A clear historical overview of Palestine, the diaspora, and the conflict is provided, and the history colors the rest of the narrative, addressing crucial aspects of Palestinian society. Palestinians struggle to retain their traditions. Their modern social structure, values, social customs, and life, including education, in villages, refugee camps, and cities are covered. The importance of extended family and women's roles in a continuing patriarchy are also addressed. The famed Palestinian embroidery and typical food dishes are celebrated. Chapters on modern literature and the arts and cinema stress the artistic focus on the conflict with Israel. A helpful timeline, copious bibliography, and glossary round out the coverage.

Customer Reviews (3)

The rich culture of an admirable people
A few days ago Israeli bombs killed dozens of innocent civilians so that they could also kill Hamas leader Nizar Rayan. American journalists at the time gleefully alluded to alleged rumours that the late leader had sent his son on a siucide mission and reported that all four of his wives along with a dozen or so of his children had been killed in the same blast. Such details were designed to appeal to the bias of the average American reader - portraying Palestinians as immoral polygamists. However, as one can learn through reading this marvellous introduction to Palestinian culture, while odd instances of bigamy can be encountered, the Palestinian society as a whole tends to shun it, making fun of both this insitution and those rare persons who practise it. Even then a prospective bride is always given the option of taking a clause to preclude this. Some Sephardic Jews in the area, as well as many Yemenite Jews, however, still practice this dubious custom - Yemenite Jews even taking up to four wives. Indeed, while the aforementioned uninformed and misleading American journalist, tried to use the recent tragedy of the Palestinian people as a vehicle for making a sly slur on this wonderful people, it should be remembered that the tradition of polygamy ( which is an exception is Palestine) is rife in Saudi Arabia. There one can find the most obnoxious regime which mistreats women and perpetuates injustice. The state of Saudi Arabia does not even show any loyalty to oppressed fellow-muslims like the Palestinians - however, the Saudis are tolerated for their oil reserves and the revenues which they bring to the U.S. economy. For this reason Palestinians and Iraqis must go on being the scapegoats and paying for the terrorist acts committed mainly by privileged Saudi citizens (on 11th September). Significantly Bin Laden is also a Saudi Arabian! Talking of polygamy, there is also the 'American/Western' from of polygamy. I am not referring just to certain fundamentalist mormons but to 'respectable' politicians who take mistresses as well as indulging in casual sex- no names are necessary!
The Palestinian people, to a far greater extent than the Saudi sheiks, respect women and the institution of the family. This can be seen from fascinating wedding rituals centred around the bride. Significantly the bridal dress is called in their local Arabic dialect 'malak' which has connotations of 'queenly', showing how the bride is regarded by her husband as his respected and cherished queen - an idea shared, for intance, with the Greek newlyweds who wear 'stephana' or 'crowns' like an actual king and queen.
Apart from the inevitable historical background which puts the Palestinian people in their true context, the most interesting chapters are those which deal with their customs and traditions, not to mention festivals. Art, literature, food, dress and culture are also included and a full glossary of Arabic terms is most useful.
Unlike all other equally scholarly titles in this splendid series, e.g. on Syria, Germany, Nigeria etc. here there is a significant difference. This is the only title that refers to the people and not their country. Perhaps the publishers whished to avoid being misconstrued by using the title 'Palestine'. However, this does not detract from the quality of the book. Like all other works in the series, this is written by an expert yet in and interesting and readable way intended for the layman. Most people who call themselves 'journalists' would be best advised to inform themselves by reading this book before they pretend that they are correspondents in the Holy Lands. Perhaps then they would be able to impart real and impartial news -not just impose their own reactionary and immoral views trying to justify the new holocaust/genocide against the Palestinian people.
Having written this, I must stress with pride that I have several Jewish friends and, indeed, prior to the occupation, most Palestinians regarded their Jewish neighbours as friends. However, peace-loving Jewish people should not be blamed for the ruthless actions of certain zionist politicians. Both peoples: Jews and Palestinians have so much in common and so much to share. It is a tragedy that they should lose that because of other dark powers who, for their evil motives and advantage, seek to stirup strife between them.

A Good Book
Farsoun represents the struggles of many Palestinians who had to leave their home in Historic Palestine but never wavered in their devotion or love for serving their people and country. He was born in Haifa in 1937, but received his PhD in sociology from the university of Connecticut. Combining these two worlds, he taught for thirty years at the American University in Washington, DC, publishing six books on the sociology and politics of the Middle East, in addition, to several dozens of articles and book chapters. In 2004, he was named the Dean of academic affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University in Kuwait. Sadly, in 2005 at the age of 68 Farsoun died after living a prolific life. His work, Culture and Customs of the Palestinians is his last published book.

Farsoun states that this "book provides a general overview of the culture and the customs of the Palestinians set in the historical context of their defining experience," that is the destruction of their society in 1948 and its results (xiv). He attempts this overview by presenting seven chapters that introduce the Palestinian political history, its society and social customs, its familial make up and characteristics, its dress and cuisine, its religious traditions, its literature, and its traditional and modern arts including olive wood carvings, theater, songs, music, dance, and cinematography, respectively. The book further includes a chronology of the major historical events of Palestine from 661 A.D. to 2004, a detailed appendix on settlements, a glossary of Arabic words and other terms, a useful bibliographic list arranged according to different topics and interests, more than a dozen of expressive photos, and an index.

At the outset, Farsoun divides the Palestinian people into three groups: Palestinians who remained in Israel and later became its citizens, Palestinians who live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and Palestinians who were dispersed worldwide (p. 4). However, this diversity does not influence the course of the book, its content, or its portrait of the Palestinian identity. On the contrary, Farsoun combines these three groups in the rest of the book asserting that "despite the varying trajectories of the social and political history of the three major segments" they are all concerned about the Israeli oppressive occupation and the denial of rights and identity (122).

Understandably, Farsoun focuses on the common identity among Palestinians especially their struggle and outcome of their war with Israel in 1948. However, this focus deprives the unlearned reader from recognizing the significant socio-political differences between Arab Israelis, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the Palestinians who live outside historic Palestine. The overemphasis on unity has sacrificed presenting important diversities. Arab Israelis, for example, are different from Palestinians in Gaza Strip in their linguistic, economic, and cultural make up. As Israeli citizens, their present relationship with Israel and its Jewish citizens is radically different from other Palestinians even though five decades ago they shared a common identity. Further, Farsoun's description of the Palestinian culture is not sophisticated enough to include Samaritans, Druze, and the unique identity struggles of the Jerusalemites who are Israeli residents but not Israeli citizens. It is unfortunate that Farsoun's good work on family, art, and culture has been driven by a misleading political construct, that is, the main defining feature of the Palestinian identity is Al-Nakba or the catastrophe of the 1948. Admittedly, it is an important element in defining their identity; nevertheless, there are many other equally important factors that have been overlooked.

The best part of the book is chapter six in which Farsoun highlights some of the best literary works introducing many Palestinian authors such as Fadwa Touqan, Mahmoud Darwish, Sahar Khalifeh, Ghassan Kanafani, Emile Habibi, and Edward Said. Chapter five, Religion and Religious Traditions, is also helpful for a concise understanding of the pillars of Islam and the diversity within Palestinian Christianity.

Last, I think that this book is a fairly good introduction to traditional Palestinian Culture. Although Farsoun has nothing positive to say about the contributions of Jewish-Arab interactions to the Palestinian identity and has few editorial inconsistencies (see for example the spelling of some names or the presentation of dates on pages 111, 112, and 117), he succeeds in presenting a helpful book that should be read by any Palestinian interested in explaining their identity to a Western audience, and by Westerners who are interested in Palestinians and the Middle East.

Yohanna Katanacho
PhD Candidate @ Trinity International University

A Good Book
Farsoun represents the struggles of many Palestinians who had to leave their home in Historic Palestine but never wavered in their devotion or love for serving their people and country.He was born in Haifa in 1937, but received his PhD in sociology from the university of Connecticut.Combining these two worlds, he taught for thirty years at the American University in Washington, DC, publishing six books on the sociology and politics of the Middle East, in addition, to several dozens of articles and book chapters.In 2004, he was named the Dean of academic affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University in Kuwait.Sadly, in 2005 at the age of 68 Farsoun died after living a prolific life.His work, Culture and Customs of the Palestinians is his last published book.

Farsoun states that this "book provides a general overview of the culture and the customs of the Palestinians set in the historical context of their defining experience," that is the destruction of their society in 1948 and its results (xiv).He attempts this overview by presenting seven chapters that introduce the Palestinian political history, its society and social customs, its familial make up and characteristics, its dress and cuisine, its religious traditions, its literature, and its traditional and modern arts including olive wood carvings, theater, songs, music, dance, and cinematography, respectively.The book further includes a chronology of the major historical events of Palestine from 661 A.D. to 2004, a detailed appendix on settlements, a glossary of Arabic words and other terms, a useful bibliographic list arranged according to different topics and interests, more than a dozen of expressive photos, and an index.

At the outset, Farsoun divides the Palestinian people into three groups: Palestinians who remained in Israel and later became its citizens, Palestinians who live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and Palestinians who were dispersed worldwide (p. 4).However, this diversity does not influence the course of the book, its content, or its portrait of the Palestinian identity.On the contrary, Farsoun combines these three groups in the rest of the book asserting that "despite the varying trajectories of the social and political history of the three major segments" they are all concerned about the Israeli oppressive occupation and the denial of rights and identity (122).

Understandably, Farsoun focuses on the common identity among Palestinians especially their struggle and outcome of their war with Israel in 1948.However, this focus deprives the unlearned reader from recognizing the significant socio-political differences between Arab Israelis, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the Palestinians who live outside historic Palestine.The overemphasis on unity has sacrificed presenting important diversities.Arab Israelis, for example, are different from Palestinians in Gaza Strip in their linguistic, economic, and cultural make up.As Israeli citizens, their present relationship with Israel and its Jewish citizens is radically different from other Palestinians even though five decades ago they shared a common identity.Further, Farsoun's description of the Palestinian culture is not sophisticated enough to include Samaritans, Druze, and the unique identity struggles of the Jerusalemites who are Israeli residents but not Israeli citizens.It is unfortunate that Farsoun's good work on family, art, and culture has been driven by a misleading political construct, that is, the main defining feature of the Palestinian identity is Al-Nakba or the catastrophe of the 1948.Admittedly, it is an important element in defining their identity; nevertheless, there are many other equally important factors that have been overlooked.

The best part of the book is chapter six in which Farsoun highlights some of the best literary works introducing many Palestinian authors such as Fadwa Touqan, Mahmoud Darwish, Sahar Khalifeh, Ghassan Kanafani, Emile Habibi, and Edward Said.Chapter five, Religion and Religious Traditions, is also helpful for a concise understanding of the pillars of Islam and the diversity within Palestinian Christianity.

Last, I think that this book is a fairly good introduction to traditional Palestinian Culture.Although Farsoun has nothing positive to say about the contributions of Jewish-Arab interactions to the Palestinian identity and has few editorial inconsistencies (see for example the spelling of some names or the presentation of dates on pages 111, 112, and 117), he succeeds in presenting a helpful book that should be read by any Palestinian interested in explaining their identity to a Western audience, and by Westerners who are interested in Palestinians and the Middle East.

Yohanna Katanacho
PhD Candidate @ Trinity International University ... Read more

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Africa and the Middle East are undergoing dramatic environmental, demographic, economic, and political transformations. This volume highlights 14 endangered cultures as examples of how diverse peoples are coping with these radical evolutions in the 21st century. ... Read more

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Comprehensive Introduction
Good introductory coverage of the everyday struggles of 14 endangered people like the Ogoni's of Nigeria and the Palestinians in the Middle East.Highly recommended for students learning about endangered cultures and societies.The presentation of several cases allows the reader to contrast and compare the commonalities amongst people struggling for freedom. ... Read more

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Social scientists have generally remained impervious to a major economic and cultural adaptation--namely, the peripatetic lifestyle--although this adaptation has been an integral part of developments within the socioeconomic and cultural networks that social scientists study. This lack of interest derives perhaps from the ambiguous integration of peripatetics into these networks as well as the often negatively charged constructs--"Gypsies," "outsiders," or "marginal others"--imposed on peripatetics by dominant cultures. As "peddlers of the strange" to borrow a phrase from Clifford Geertz, peripatetics are situated at the fringes of their host societies and many students of the social ecological, and behavioral sciences still continue to overlook the roles of peripatetic peoples. All told, the essays in this collection provoke vital reassessments of the anthropological focus on the role and status of "cultural brokers" and go-betweens in political, economic, and social interactions. ... Read more

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Saudi Arabia is a young nation with an ancient history. It is one of the most conservative traditional societies in the world grappling with the impact of modernization wrought by the influx of great oil wealth beginning only in the mid twentieth century. Saudi culture is in constant flux, and the culture gap between the West and Saudi Islamic culture is wide. Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia is the first cultural overview of country and provides timely, authoritative insight into a major Middle Eastern power.

The Saudis are a proud people with a closed society, but circumstances have caused them to play an important role in current world affairs. The author has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia and has extensively used his contacts there to provide up-to-date material. Saudi culture developed through age-old interactions between the Arabian peoples and their harsh desert environment. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and the basic Islamic values of Saudi culture have remained to this day. The themes of an ancient desert society infused with Islam values on a collision course with modernity are interplayed throughout chapters on the land, people, and history, traditional Islamic culture and modernization, the extended family and gender roles, cuisine and dress, social customs, rites of passage, and holidays, communication and mass media, and artistic expression. Color photos and a map, chronology, and glossary round out the narrative.

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Syria has served as a major crossroads in the Middle East since prehistoric times, leaving it open to change and passing customs from other societies. Syria's melting pot of cultures has led it to become an ethnically diverse country, sometimes leading to turbulence among other countries as well as within its own borders. Focusing on contemporary traditions, topics such as religion, cuisine, fashion, music, and art unveil Syria's true modern-day culture. Readers will discover how Syrians live today-what they eat, what they wear, and how they celebrate life in today's conflicted Middle East. Ideal for high school students and general readers, Culture and Customs of Syria serves as a staple for all library shelves.

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Examines the background of the present crisis in the Middle East precipitated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; and discusses the Arab-Israeli conflict and the search for a solution to the Palestinian problem. ... Read more

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A history of the nation of Yemen and a discussion of its role in the Middle East. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Felix Arabia or a failed state?
This book is part of a Young Adult (YA) series called "Creation of the Modern Middle East."All of the books contain an introduction by Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and Professor of International Relations, School of International Service, American University, in which he congratulates "Chelsea House Publishers for taking the initiative in helping us to understand the Middle East through this series."

I've read a couple now, and they are written in a newspaper-like manner (who, what, when, where, why):"Egyptian troops left in October 1967." and "Under strange circumstances, Ghashmi was killed by a suitcase bomb on June 24, 1978."(Actually, I wish the author had explained the 'strange circumstances' in the latter sentence).

Yemen's early history, when it was known as 'Arabia Felix' ('happy' or 'prosperous' Arabia), was quite unexpected (at least, to me).As opposed to ' Arabia Deserta' (Saudi Arabia), the plateaus of Yemen "possess abundant rainfall and fertile soil."Grain crops, beans, lentils, onions, and even cotton can be raised here."The city of al-Mukha (Mocha) is famous for its coffee groves, which produce a fragrant strong coffee called mocha."An important caravan route called the 'Incense Road' wound through Yemen, transporting luxury items from East Africa, India, and China, as well as the frankincense and myrrh that was produced from Yemeni trees.

The Ottomans, Egyptians, and Europeans began a long struggle over Yemen beginning in the early 1500s.They wanted its coffee and the large port of Aden.This was the beginning of Yemen's long decline, and its sundering into two separate states.

"Both North Yemen and South Yemen eventually threw off the yoke of outside rule, but remained undeveloped and poor relative to many of their Middle Eastern neighbors."

In 1990, the two countries united and formed the Republic of Yemen.Field Marshal Ali Abdullah Saleh is the current President.He ruled North Yemen from 1978 to 1990, and then presided over the reunification of North and South Yemen in 1990.

Although this book mentions the bombing of the USS Cole and other terrorist activity in Yemen, it tries to end on an optimistic note, praising President Saleh and hoping for a return of 'Arabia Felix.'

A more realistic view of Yemen comes from a newspaper editorial in "The Guardian" (07/27/09):

"A perfect storm of state failure is now brewing [in Yemen]: disappearing oil and water reserves; a mob of migrants, some allegedly with al-Qaida ties, flooding in from Somalia, the failed state next door; and a weak government increasingly unable to keep things running. Many worry Yemen is the next Afghanistan."

Although the author oversimplifies in places, and packs too much detail into others (the 20th Century is clumped with indigestible chunks of names and dates), this book is still an interesting introduction to a little-known country.Its photographs are well-chosen, and kept this reader plowing through some of the denser thickets of text.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An interesting if somewhat inaccurate history of Kuwait
This book is part of a Young Adult (YA) series called "Creation of the Modern Middle East."All of the books contain an introduction by Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and Professor of International Relations, School of International Service, American University, in which he congratulates "Chelsea House Publishers for taking the initiative in helping us to understand the Middle East through this series."

I've read three now, and they are written in a newspaper-like manner (who, what, when, where, why):"In May 1999 the emir issued several history-making decrees dealing with women's suffrage, economic liberalization, and nationality." and "Muhammad died in 632...Islam spread rapidly among Arabian tribes, challenging the powerful Ottoman and Persian Empires."

Unfortunately the latter sentence contains a huge blooper.The Ottoman Empire doesn't appear until nearly a millennium after Muhammad's death. It would also be more accurate to say 'Sassanid' rather than 'Persian' Empire, as the Sassanid Empire was the last of the pre-Islamic Persian Empires.I was disturbed enough by the factual error to check the author's credentials at the end of this book:

"Susan Korman is the author of more than 20 books for young readers, including picture books, series fiction, and several biographies.Formerly a children's book editor at several publishing companies, she currently works as a freelance writer and is studying to become a school librarian.While Susan has never visited Kuwait, she enjoyed learning more about this Persian Gulf nation as well as the rest of the Middle East."

If the editors of the 'Creation of the Modern Middle East' series were going to use writers without much background in the Middle East, shouldn't they have edited the resulting manuscripts for factual content?

Kuwait's history, like many of the countries on the Arabian Peninsula is divided into before and after the discovery of oil.Pearl-diving, fishing, and ship-building were the main Kuwaiti occupations before the discovery of oil:

"In June 1946 the first barrel of oil was exported from Kuwait.[Sheik Ahmad] turned the silver valve wheel on a pipe, loading the first Britain-bound tanker with oil.With this ceremonious gesture, the Sheik also opened wide his country's door to unimaginable wealth."

This book takes us through the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, and the rebuilding of this country after the Persian Gulf War.The author shapes much of her history through the personalities of Kuwait's rulers, the al-Sabahs, which makes it very readable.I just wish it could have been a bit more accurate.
... Read more

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Students and other readers looking to more fully understand and appreciate Israelis of all backgrounds and their ways of life and culture now have a solid source of engaging, balanced, and accurate information. Israel's brief, turbulent history and the Arab-Israeli conflict are always taken into account in the narrative; however, the emphasis here is non-political and encompassing of the heterogenous culture of its citizens, including Jews, Arabs, Druze, and others. The predominant Jewish culture itself is multicultural, with immigrants from all over the world. ... Read more

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Iran is often a hotspot in the news, and the Muslim state is usually negatively portrayed in the West. Culture and Customs of Iran rejects facile stereotyping and presents the rich, age-old Persian culture that struggles with pressures of the modern world. This is the first volume in English to reveal the important sociocultural facets of Iran today for a general audience in an objective fashion. Authoritative, substantive narrative chapters cover the gamut of topics, from religion and religious thought to Iranian cuisine and festivals.

Customer Reviews (1)

A most interesting introduction to Iranian culture
The latest title in the series 'Culture and Customs' lives up to the high standard of the other works. Here we have a valuable introduction to the history and folk culture of the Iranian people, covering such topics as rites of passage, family life and festivals etc. As usual a glossary (in this case comprised mainly of Farsi terms) is provided as an aid to the reader.
Iran is often portrayed by the Western media in a very biased and negative way. However, if one reads this marvellous book one can get a true glimpse of the real Iran and experience a taste of the rich culture of the Iranian people. Sadly this rich culture and unique way of life is under threat by the West. After causing a devastating war between Iran and her neighbour Iraq, America now wants the pretext to cause more problems in Iran. Now with the dubious logic of 'preemptive war', it is not necessary for any country to have acted aggressively - they are still vulnerable to attack.
At last in Iran there is a leader who has already made major reforms and progress. The Hon. president Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has a social conscience and has done a great deal to improve life for people in his country. His wisdom and compassion was also seen by his humane act in releasing the British spies caught violating Iranian territory the year before last. He would have been acting entirely within his rights if he had detained them for longer. Possibly during that episode, certain evil forces in the west had hoped that he would have acted impuslively (as they would have done) and thus have precipitated a situation whereby they had the pretext to hurt once again the Iranian people.
Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has often been misquoted and has been wrongly accused as being an antisemitist. He is not! The Jewish population in Iran (who prefer to live there than in Israel) have enjoyed great freedom under his regime. Indeed, any hypothetical atrocities committed against Iranians or other fellow muslims would only make their existence precarious, putting their safety in jeapordy. I do not believe that hospitable Iranian people would ever harm their Jewish or Zoroastrian minorities; however, it is possible that dark forces such as a Mosad or CIA agent could inflict some casualties on the Jewish community in Iran (as has been done in Jewish synagogues in Istanbul etc. ) and then blame it on the Iranians. Zoroastrianism (Iran's oldest native religion akin to that of the Parsis in India) also flourishes undisturbed. In addition to all the interesting (Shiite)muslim holidays, the book also provides details about folk festivals such as Now Ruz (New Year) on March 21st which have their roots in Zoroastrianism.
Wehn Mr. Ahmadinejad declares that the nuclear energy in his country is intended only for peaceful purposes then I believe him. However, this very fact may well mean that Iran (and the rich culture seen in this book) is in danger. I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who once said that the only way to preserve peace was to prepare for war. Iraq was attacked for the very reason that they did NOT have any proper weapons to defend themselves. Despite lies to the contrary, the Anglo-American oppressors knew very well in advance that Iraq could not defend herself. In a cowardly way they had even demanded that Iraq reduce conventional weapons to appease her enemies. However, once it was sure that Iraq could not repel an evil occupation, war was imminent. At one time Saddam Husein was friendly with the west and imposed by them on the Iraqi people. Now, like the treacherous 'friends' they were, they have gone against the Iraqi people. The same is true of Afghanistan (incidentally the companion volume 'Culure and Customs of Afghanistan' is also highly recommended!). When Rambo was there fighting against the Soviet army, the Afghani Taliban regime was good; however, now it no longer suits Rambo's purposes, he suddenly finds the same allies evil.
Although I am against nuclear weapons, I do not like to have to admit that perhaps the only security we all have NOT to see those existing weapons (of Israel and America) ever used is if other nations can also have their own weapons of defence. Israel and America will never commit any evil crime against the peaceful Iranian people if they realise the full consequences that would invariably follow if they ever did so. Since Israel is given too many weapons of mass destruction, perhaps other states should be similarly armed as a balance. Possibly the only way to avoid seeing the utter devastation of a nuclear bomb is if modern Iran acquires their owntoo as a deterrent. This is why North Korea has not been victim to a cowardly attack - and this is why the genocide/holocaust is taking place now in Palestine. The poor Palestinians do not even have decent antiaircraft guns to defend their civilians against Israeli Apache helicopters bombing civilians.
Reading this book gives one a colourful insight into a fascinating living culture. It is my hope that the rich culture described in these pages will go on living for centuries to come in peace and without any evil threat. ... Read more

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Has globalization replaced colonization as a threat to the heritage and identity of the Middle East City of the twenty-first century? How did colonial influences change the urban form of the Arab capitals? And is today's hybridization of architectural and urban discourse affecting the development of the cities, their spatial planning and design?

These are just some of the questions addressed by Yasser Elsheshtawy and his contributors using case study material for a diverse range of cities in the Arab world, included Algiers, Lake Tunis, Cairo, Khartoum, Baghdad, Sana'a and Dubai.