ONE
Introduction
In this book we introduce the Middle East to students and other readers
who have never been exposed to the area. It is tragic that for most Ameri¬
cans this exposure came with the attacks of 11 September 2001. Although
many citizens were and are unaware of the fact, the US government was
deeply involved in Middle Eastern affairs long before this date, and these
activities will be detailed in this book. For now, remember that historical
events grow out of often complex contexts. If Americans are to act ratio¬
nally and effectively to minimize the possibility of similar attacks in the
future, they must pay attention to and understand clearly the contexts out
of which such events emerge. We hope that this volume will help you to
do just that. Middle East is a rather imprecise term describing a geograph¬
ical area that extends from Egypt to Afghanistan, or the cultural region in
which Islam arose and developed. We plan to make the term clearer in this
chapter. First, let us tell you why we think history is the discipline best
suited for your introduction to the area. After all, you might look at the
Middle East through its systems for allocating power and values, using
the discipline of political science. An economist would focus on the ways
in which its inhabitants organize themselves to satisfy their material
needs. A student of comparative religions would examine their systems of
belief and worship. A geographer would study the interaction between the
people and their physical surroundings. Sociologists and cultural anthro¬
pologists would analyze the institutions and group behavior of the various
peoples who constitute the Middle East. You could also view its various
cultures through its languages, literature, architecture, art, folklore, and
even its cuisine.