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The Middle East Since 1945
From Israel's foundation to the Iranian Revolution to the fall of Saddam Hussein, Teach Yourself the Middle East Since 1945 explores the background of this complicated area. Key events that led to the current situation in the Middle East are discussed in layperson's language, giving you valuable insight into this important region. The Teach Yourself History series present all the facts and dates in a dynamic format that enables you to experience and understand the great historic events that shaped, and continue to influence, our world.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
About the author
Stewart Ross
366 books36 followersStewart Ross has written more than 300 titles, fiction and non-fiction, for children and adults. Many are about (or inspired by) history. He lives near Canterbury, England.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 22, 2023
A very readable book; informative, informal style of writing too.
Stewart Ross presents the facts and main points with a convincing attempt at impartiality.
For such a complex and emotive subject ( I write this 14 days after the dreadful Hamas attacks on Israel, and their ruthless retaliation), I’ve come away with a fare if broad understanding, and a new perspective of the issues for all protagonists.
The tragedy that this book very clearly outlined in my mind, is the continuing repetition of hatred, attacks, retaliation, broken treaties, inept, corrupt or fanatical leaders on both sides, that leads to the loss of thousands of innocent lives.
Trillions of pounds of international aid spent on a cycle of rearmament, refugee support, shattered infrastructure, then more war - that could have been spent improving the lives of everyone living in that region.
My edition of this book was published in 2006; which means that Ross didn’t know about the impending disaster of Syria, the emergence and rise of I.S, and the handing over of Afghanistan back to the Taliban.
This adds a depressing factor to completing this book knowing that Peace is as unobtainable now as at the beginning of the 20th century.
Stewart Ross presents the facts and main points with a convincing attempt at impartiality.
For such a complex and emotive subject ( I write this 14 days after the dreadful Hamas attacks on Israel, and their ruthless retaliation), I’ve come away with a fare if broad understanding, and a new perspective of the issues for all protagonists.
The tragedy that this book very clearly outlined in my mind, is the continuing repetition of hatred, attacks, retaliation, broken treaties, inept, corrupt or fanatical leaders on both sides, that leads to the loss of thousands of innocent lives.
Trillions of pounds of international aid spent on a cycle of rearmament, refugee support, shattered infrastructure, then more war - that could have been spent improving the lives of everyone living in that region.
My edition of this book was published in 2006; which means that Ross didn’t know about the impending disaster of Syria, the emergence and rise of I.S, and the handing over of Afghanistan back to the Taliban.
This adds a depressing factor to completing this book knowing that Peace is as unobtainable now as at the beginning of the 20th century.
November 18, 2021
Prose/Readability: 4
Commitment to Objective/Unbiased Truth: 5
Interesting Content: 4
Perspective Shift: 4
Comments:
Exactly what you’d want and expect from this sort of book.
Quick, easy read. Learn about the recent Middle East history and get more of an understanding of such an interesting and complex place.
Commitment to Objective/Unbiased Truth: 5
Interesting Content: 4
Perspective Shift: 4
Comments:
Exactly what you’d want and expect from this sort of book.
Quick, easy read. Learn about the recent Middle East history and get more of an understanding of such an interesting and complex place.
April 20, 2017
brilliantly written book!
April 5, 2026
Stewart is my mentor and shared his book with me when we met for lunch in February 2026. My edition of this text takes us to summer 2024 and has proven incredibly enlightening, giving clear historical context for many of the political and economic issues in the Middle East.
Ross’s goal was to be objective and tell the region’s story from 1945-2024 in such a way. He did a fantastic job.
I feel more clued up on the causes of the conflicts we’re seeing play out in today’s news.
Highly recommend this book.
Ross’s goal was to be objective and tell the region’s story from 1945-2024 in such a way. He did a fantastic job.
I feel more clued up on the causes of the conflicts we’re seeing play out in today’s news.
Highly recommend this book.
May 8, 2025
Readable and comprehensive. A good overview but should not be considered more.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews