Iyad El-Baghdadi and Ahmed Gatnash’s book provides a comprehensive picture of the history and current situation of the modern Middle East, while offering an in-depth analysis of the region’s most pressing issues. The authors discuss in detail the complex issues of tyranny, terrorism, and foreign intervention that have defined and continue to define political and social conditions in the region. The book not only focuses on the events of the past and present, but also looks to the future by examining demographic, economic and social trends. Their analysis shows that the challenges facing the Middle East are serious and often worrying, but the opportunities and desire for change in the region are also significant. El-Baghdadi and Gatnash are not afraid to face the truth: the ever-growing young population, urbanization and technological development are both great opportunities and potential threats. Using concrete examples, the authors make it clear that previous military interventions and political deals with dictators have not brought lasting solutions. At the same time, however, El-Baghdadi and Gatnash outline a hopeful vision for the future, proposing strategies and policy approaches that rely on diplomacy, social justice and sustainable development rather than aggressive military intervention. The book offers ambitious and thoughtful ideas for solving the problems in the Middle East. The authors reject violent means and cynical political maneuvering and instead focus on cooperation and the creation of long-term stability. Their proposals not only offer guidance to the inhabitants of the region, but also contain valuable lessons for the international community.

Meszár Tárik is a senior researcher at the Eurasia Center