Middle East Books

About Middle East

The Middle East has long been a focal point of conflict, empire-building, and strategic competition. As the cradle of civilization and home to three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—it has seen millennia of warfare driven by ideology, territory, and resources. In ancient times, empires such as the Assyrians, Persians, and Ottomans dominated the region. The 20th century saw the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire, followed by colonial mandates and the creation of new nation-states, often with contested borders. The discovery of oil dramatically increased global interest and competition in the region. Key conflicts include the Arab-Israeli wars, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf Wars, the Syrian Civil War, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The region has also been a hotspot for insurgencies, revolutions, and proxy wars influenced by global powers such as the United States, Russia, and regional players like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Since 2001, it has been central to the global War on Terror, with long-term military interventions and occupations. Despite ongoing unrest, the Middle East is also a center for diplomacy, culture, and religious history. Understanding its wars requires navigating complex sectarian, ethnic, and geopolitical layers. This region remains one of the most influential—and volatile—military theaters in the world.