Summary:
The book provides a firsthand account of the transformative events and conflicts in the Middle East over a span of twenty years, as witnessed by the author, a veteran foreign correspondent. It covers the rise of Al Qaeda, the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War, offering insights into the region's complex politics and the impact of these events on global affairs.
Key points:
1. Middle East Complexity: Engel highlights the region's diverse mix of cultures, religions, and politics, noting that it's too complex for simple explanations or fixes, shaped by empires, colonialism, and power struggles.
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