Whether filtered through the media or through the classroom, the Arab-Israeli conflict has become a pervasive--and often misunderstood--subject of our contemporary cultural landscape. In this compelling new edition of The Arab-Israeli Conflict, widely respected scholar David W. Lesch presents the most balanced and accessible account of the conflict. Combining narrative history, primary sources, and informative analyses, The Arab-Israeli Conflict enables students to form their own educated opinions about complex and controversial issues.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History

History

Lesch, David W.

Middle East

Oxford University Press

Whether filtered through the news, the film industry, or the classroom, the Arab-Israeli conflict has become a pervasive--and often misinterpreted--subject on our contemporary cultural landscape. In this compelling text, David W. Lesch, a widely respected scholar and commentator on modern Middle Eastern politics, presents the most balanced and accessible account of the conflict to date. The Arab-Israeli Conflict puts forth a variety of perspectives--along with concise and informative analyses--to enable and encourage students to form their own educated opinions about complex and controversial issues. Challenging yet not overwhelming, this appealingly slim volume focuses on key information, but also incorporates pedagogical features that help to enhance and expand students' understanding of the subject: * An extensive collection of relevant primary documents * Sidebars highlighting social and cultural history * A glossary of terms * A chronology for quick reference * Comprehensive illustrations, including 17 maps and 17 photos

As David Lesch writes in his Preface, "Historians are a kind of secular priesthood, seemingly endowed with the power and means to select what is and what is not important for the rest of us." In A History of the Middle East Since the Rise of Islam, Lesch focuses on the longue durée. Choosing the rise of Islam as the general beginning point of his one-volume history of the Middle East, Lesch argues that there is an indelible link between the rise of Islam and the overall environment that exists today in the region. The continuum of this chain of events is the primary focus of his book. Combining a comprehensive approach and an appealing, informal tone, Lesch offers the reader enough specifics to digest the flavor of particular periods, dynasties, movements, cultural markers, and ideological developments, yet general enough so that the totality of this history can be compared and contrasted. The result is a brilliant tour de force.

A History of the Middle East Since the Rise of Islam: From the Prophet Muhammad to the 21st Century

Is Syria a rogue state? How important is it to the fates of Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Lebanon? Based on unique and extraordinary access to Syria’s President Bashar al-Asad, his circle, and his family, this book tells Syria’s inside story. David W. Lesch presents the essential account of this country and its enigmatic leader at a critical juncture in the history of the Middle East.Syria has been called the crossroads of civilization for millennia. Lately, however, it is a nation more in the crosshairs than the crossroads. From the U.S. perspective, Syria is on the wrong side of history with respect to Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, the global war on terrorism, and the growth of democracy in the Middle East. Bashar al-Asad assumed the presidency in 2000 after the long reign of his father, Hafiz al-Asad, and soon encountered momentous regional and international events. Bashar’s efforts to integrate his country into this changing environment without being coerced have met with some success and some failure. The fate of Syria, very much tied to its young ophthalmologist-turned-president, will profoundly affect what type of Middle East emerges in the near future.

The New Lion of Damascus: Bashar al-Asad and Modern Syria

Business & Money

Economics

Yale University Press

When Syrian President Bashar al-Assad came to power upon his father's death in 2000, many in- and outside Syria held high hopes that the popular young doctor would bring long-awaited reform, that he would be a new kind of Middle East leader capable of guiding his country toward genuine democracy. David Lesch was one of those who saw this promise in Assad. A widely respected Middle East scholar and consultant, Lesch came to know the president better than anyone in the West, in part through a remarkable series of meetings with Assad between 2004 and 2009. Yet for Lesch, like millions of others, Assad was destined to disappoint. In this timely book, the author explores Assad's failed leadership, his transformation from bearer of hope to reactionary tyrant, and his regime's violent response to the uprising of his people in the wake of the Arab Spring.
Lesch charts Assad's turn toward repression and the inexorable steps toward the violence of 2011 and 2012. The book recounts the causes of the Syrian uprising, the regime's tactics to remain in power, the responses of other nations to the bloodshed, and the determined efforts of regime opponents. In a thoughtful conclusion, the author suggests scenarios that could unfold in Syria's uncertain future.

Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad

In this timely book, David Lesch―one of the only Westerners well acquainted with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad―sheds new light on the ophthalmologist-turned-tyrant and how his regime has failed his country. For this updated edition, Lesch has added an epilogue that discusses the formation of the Syrian Coalition; the use of chemical weapons; whether or not outside nations should intervene; Al-Qaeda and Jihadist groups in Syria; the lessons of Iraq; the Geneva Communique plan for the country’s future; and the ongoing human cost of the Syrian conflict.

Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad; New Updated Edition

The Arab Spring: The Hope and Reality of the Uprisings

L. Haas, Mark

Reference

Routledge

Syria And The United States: Eisenhower's Cold War In The Middle East

repercussions of the events of 1979 down to the present day.

1979: The Year That Shaped The Modern Middle East

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Lesch, David W.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Lesch, David W.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Lesch, David W.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History

The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History

The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History

A History of the Middle East Since the Rise of Islam: From the Prophet Muhammad to the 21st Century

The New Lion of Damascus: Bashar al-Asad and Modern Syria

Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad

Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad; New Updated Edition

The Arab Spring: The Hope and Reality of the Uprisings

Syria And The United States: Eisenhower's Cold War In The Middle East

1979: The Year That Shaped The Modern Middle East