This book, first published in 1969, surveys Soviet policies and Middle Eastern responses during the turbulent 1960s. It deals with changing moods of Turkey and Iran, the Arab-Israeli conflict in the context of big power rivalry in the Middle East, the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean, and the new Soviet interest in Gulf oil. The author also reviews the changing orientations of Middle Eastern communism in the new age of polycentrism.

1. Introduction 2. Prelude: 1945-58 3. The Neutralization of the Northern Tier 4. Russia, Zionism, Israel 5. The Soviet Union and the Arab World 6. Oil for the Lamps of Eastern Europe? 7. Trade and Aid 8. The Soviet Military Presence 9. Communism, Maoism, Arab Socialism 10. Conclusion