First published in 1979, this book highlights the crucial developments in the Middle East during the twentieth century: the coming of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the effects of the Cold War and the four 'hot wars' in the Middle East. This is a fascinating and inclusive study which provides essential background to the on-going turmoil in the region.

Introduction; Part I 1. Memories of the Past 2. The Rise of Nationalism 3. The Struggle for Independence 4. The Growth of Capacity; Part II 5. The Cold War 6. Hot Wars 7. American Diplomacy 8. Lebanon and Palestine 9. Begin and Sadat; Part III 10. Potential for the Future 11. Conclusion; Appendix A: The Camp David Agreement; Appendix B: Framework for an Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty; Appendix C: Treaty of Peace between the State of Israel and the Arab Republic of Egypt; Appendix D: Memorandum of Agreement on Assurances signed by the U.S. Secretary of State Mr Cyrus Vance, and the Israel Foreign Minister, Mr Moshe Dayan, on 26 March 1979; Index; Bibliographical Note