Writers: Jean-Pierre Filiu and David B.
Artist: David B.
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| via Amazon |
We all know the contentious issues in US/Middle East relations these days: oil, Israel/Palestine, Sunni/Shia, economic disparity, radical Islam, despotism, human rights, etc. It's easy to forget, however, that a lot of the battle lines were drawn during the global dynamics of the Cold War era. For most of the time period covered in the book, Israel, Saudi Arabia and, interestingly, Iran were allied with the United States. Meanwhile, the other major powers of the region - most importantly, Egypt - were under the influence/protection of the USSR, though not technically Communist per se.
Part Two covers a lot of ground: two wars between Israel and Egypt (plus Arab allies), the formation of the PLO, the Camp David Accords, the Iranian Revolution (which abruptly slammed the door on the alliance with the US), the Soviet-Afghan War and the Lebanese Civil War among other conflicts and maneuvers. Just as in Part One, the authors maintain an impressive neutrality. None of the parties involved is portrayed as virtuous. They're all bad guys with lots of blood on every hand. The lasting impression is the overwhelming complexity of the issues and the astonishing web that connects them.
One event I remember from the time which is left out is the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. Maybe they're planning to include that in another book. Speaking of another book, I certainly hope they write one. At the moment, this is all there is, even in the original French. Obviously, there's plenty of material to explore post-1984 so I hope they'll continue.
These I actually want to read, but I doubt I will ever go find them or buy them. I'll have to come across them somewhere.
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ReplyDeleteI like that there's a part one and two, but leaving out Sadat is a bit thing. I'd read these to figure things out and see how the past connects with today.I don't always keep up with current events.
ReplyDeleteWe get the Sadat story up to the Camp David Accords, then the book moves on to Iran. My guess is that if there ever is a Part Three, it will pick up the Egypt history from Sadat's assassination.
DeleteYou have a much better pipeline for good books than I do; I'm feeling a bit out of the loop on some of these - and I would read this, for sure.
ReplyDeleteSadat's assassination...truly a low. I'd like to see that in book three, too.
The pipeline is my wife. In nearly all things, she has a nose for the good stuff.
DeleteYou've gotta figure the next part of the history would be the rise of terrorism. Sadat's assassination was an early chapter in that story.
I am trying to understand how they could miss Sadat's assassination. I remember when that happened and was greatly saddened actually. I hope they cover it in book 3
ReplyDeleteMy guess is they will.
DeleteI took a look at the Amazon preview and it's a unique way of showing history in context and it could definitely make a third book. Especially with what's going on. Thanks for the heads up on this A.S.!
ReplyDeleteI've learned a lot. The Middle East is the nexus of so many geopolitical issues right now - and into the foreseeable future. The books cover an awful lot of ground.
DeleteSounds like interesting story.
ReplyDeleteIt is the story of our time.
DeleteI was given a two-book, Persepolis, a history of Iran. The art looks like the book above. Mine was a simple understandable explanation of how and what.
ReplyDeletePersepolis is excellent. I recommend two other books by Satrapi: Chicken with Plums and Embroideries.
DeleteI need to read these books... I remember taking an upper level political science class on Middle Eastern Political Systems in the late 70s and that information is way out-of-date!
ReplyDeleteMy high school had a class in Middle East studies (early '90s). I learned a lot but so much has happened in the region since, as you suggest. 9/11 was a game changer. The issues are not so different but the stakes are higher, at least from the perspective of the average American.
DeleteThe book sounds really interesting and a must read indeed. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteGreetings to you!
DeleteIt sounds interesting, I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will, Nas.
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