Overview

This deeply informed book considers the intertwined roles of faith, force, and finance in shaping the modern Middle East. Leading expert Monte Palmer argues that these factors will continue to have a major impact on the Middle East as the United States and other major powers increasingly find themselves embedded in conflicts that defy resolution. Palmer considers the lessons learned from past and current conflicts: the limits of using tyrants as avenues of force; the transformation of faith into force; the root causes of terror; and the perils of a global environment that threatens a new cold war between Russia and the United States, a war of religions between the Abrahamic faiths, and a war of terror that is rapidly becoming global. As he clearly shows, the relative dominance of faith, force, or finance is always shifting, depending on time, place, and local conditions. Drawing on cases from ten critical periods, from World War I through the current chaos and stalemate, the author offers constructive paths forward for building a Middle East of peace and stability.

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9781538117880

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Reviews

From the burdens of history to the despotism that afflicts the region, Monte Palmer knows the Middle East and calls it like it is. Palmer makes clear that the United States must rein in its regional allies and prevail on them to coexist peacefully with moderate Islam in order to break the chain of terror. -- Hilal Khashan, American University of Beirut Powers interested in the Middle East's natural resources have for a century exacerbated its instability to ensure a global energy hegemony. Monte Palmer explains why an intrinsically unstable region has been made even more unstable. He highlights the toxic mix of local, cultural, and revolutionary turmoil and the cynical interventions of global powers-who have chosen to do what they could, rather than what they should. His excellent analysis shows why it is essential for us to understand this crisis-riven region. -- Tony Allan, SOAS London and King's College London Monte Palmer has developed an important framework to evaluate the Middle East's complex ongoing turmoil. As he analyzes his three concepts of faith, force, and finance, he adds a fourth essential dimension-the role of major powers in the game of force. His indispensable book provides a critical assessment of the Middle East at large. -- Michel Nehme, Notre Dame University Louaize

From the burdens of history to the despotism that afflicts the region, Monte Palmer knows the Middle East and calls it like it is. Palmer makes clear that the United States must rein in its regional allies and prevail on them to coexist peacefully with moderate Islam in order to break the chain of terror. -- Hilal Khashan, American University of Beirut Powers interested in the Middle East's natural resources have for a century exacerbated its instability to ensure a global energy hegemony. Monte Palmer explains why an intrinsically unstable region has been made even more unstable. He highlights the toxic mix of local cultural and revolutionary turmoil and the cynical interventions of global powers-who have chosen to do what they could, rather than what they should. His excellent analysis shows why it is essential for us to understand this crisis-riven region. -- Tony Allan, SOAS London and King's College London Monte Palmer has developed an important framework to evaluate the Middle East's complex ongoing turmoil. As he analyzes his three concepts of Faith, Force, and Finance, he adds a fourth essential dimension-the role of major powers in the game of force. His indispensable book provides a critical assessment of the Middle East at large. -- Michel Nehme, Notre Dame University Louaize

Recommended: In recent years the Middle East has dominated the news, yet many people struggle to understand the how and why. Palmer provides a concise and accessible chronological introduction, using the framework of faith, force, and finance to explain the modern Middle East. Each chapter focuses on a specific time period (starting with 1914-40 and concluding with post-2017 ) and examines major events; each chapter concludes with lessons learned, which summarizes the key points. Faith refers to both religious beliefs and faith in the nation or a charismatic leader, e.g., Gamal Abdel Nasser; force includes state force and terrorism; finance focuses on the ways governments and non-state actors use oil wealth, foreign aid, and other revenue to maintain power or carry out their agendas. Palmer includes the US as a prominent actor in the region, wielding its own faith, force, and finance. In order to keep the length of the book in check, Palmer limits his analysis to the major players in the region, particularly Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iraq, along with non-state actors, such as ISIS. The last chapter outlines possible solutions to reduce or eliminate terror, improve life for those living in the Middle East, and stabilize global relations. * CHOICE * Powers interested in the Middle East's natural resources have for a century exacerbated its instability to ensure a global energy hegemony. Monte Palmer explains why an intrinsically unstable region has been made even more unstable. He highlights the toxic mix of local, cultural, and revolutionary turmoil and the cynical interventions of global powers-who have chosen to do what they could, rather than what they should. His excellent analysis shows why it is essential for us to understand this crisis-riven region. -- Tony Allan, SOAS London and King's College London Monte Palmer has developed an important framework to evaluate the Middle East's complex ongoing turmoil. As he analyzes his three concepts of faith, force, and finance, he adds a fourth essential dimension-the role of major powers in the game of force. His indispensable book provides a critical assessment of the Middle East at large. -- Michel Nehme, Notre Dame University Louaize From the burdens of history to the despotism that afflicts the region, Monte Palmer knows the Middle East and calls it like it is. Palmer makes clear that the United States must rein in its regional allies and prevail on them to coexist peacefully with moderate Islam in order to break the chain of terror. -- Hilal Khashan, American University of Beirut

Author Information

Monte Palmer is professor emeritus of government at Florida State University, where he directed the Middle East Studies Center. He was also director of the Center for Arab and Middle Eastern Studies at the American University of Beirut from 1998 to 2000. His books include The Arab Psyche and American Frustrations, Politics in the Middle East, and Islamic Extremism: Causes, Diversity, and Challenges.

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