ROOTS OF THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST - Softcover

We seem to be captivated today by events unfolding in the Middle East. Why one would ask, would we not be? It is the cradle of three of the world’s most influential religions, in order of their arrival, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In fact, the Temple Mound (to the Jewish and Christians) and The Dome of the Rock (to Muslims) are at the exact same place, in old Jerusalem. This site is where Jews and Christians believe that Abraham tried to sacrifice Isaac and is the site of the Second Jewish Temple. It is the site where Muslims believe that Abraham attempted to sacrifice Ishmael and where Muhammad left for his skyward journey to heaven. Thus it has an incalculable cultural importance.With the discovery of oil, it has developed a substantial economic impact. It is the location of significant strategic waterways, not the least the Suez Canal and the Straits of Hormuz.The most recent impact was America’s direct involvement with Operations Desert Shield and Storm and the invasion and occupation of Iraq. (Named not quite properly Operation Iraqi Freedom.)I am a Christian. Obviously, that will impact my efforts to a great extent. I am a combat veteran of Operations DesertPage 4 of 60Shield and Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This too will influence my writing. Before my third combat deployment, I endeavored to read as much as I could about the recent events in the Middle East, and I believe I developed at least a cursory familiarity with the recent history.Lastly, I am a historian of sorts. While only my undergraduate studies focused on history, I have studied the subject for a lifetime. Here I must offer apologies. My efforts are not to produce a scholarly dissertation. There will be no footnotes, this is a historical survey, and is intended to do two things: cure a defect in what I perceive as a whole in the education of many people and to encourage the reader to seek further reading and understanding.I also invite feedback. I do not doubt that this will bring forth emotions in many people and, well if you disagree let me know. I only ask that you do some reading on your own. Bring me back facts with which to support your views and not merely an emotion.I wish that thank my wife for encouraging me to engage in this effort.It has occurred to me that most Americans are hugely ignorant of what has transpired in the Middle East in the past one hundred years.