The Making of the Modern Middle East: A Personal History

Well written by an experienced reporter

I would have happily give 7 out of 10, it was a hard choice between 3 or 4 stars.I've read 20+ well balanced books on the Middle East and Israel over the last year, this give me a good idea of what's happened in the region, so I was disappointed to find this book lacked a similar balance, it increasingly had me wondering if I was getting the full story as I read further chapters, for this reason, I wanted to give only 3 stars.However, the book is very well written, easy to read, and gives a very good explanation from one side of each subject, and it is after all 'A personal History', I made the mistake of thinking it was a balanced book because of the (pre-release) reviews, so, I realised 3 stars would be unfair on the author.I don't even disagree with Jeremy's viewpoint, but feel this book isn't a great first read for anyone wanting to understand the region, I prefer books that explain why both sides acted the way they did, what they each thought they'd achieve, explaining the political, electoral and religious pressures they were under, and explaining why the ideas were flawed, this book did that well, but for only one side of the argument.To be fair to Jeremy, the book is too short to go into such detail for such a complex region with so many regional players, and readers will learn a lot, If I had to recommend alternative books to gain a balanced understanding of the region I would recommend 2 books.Black Wave - Kim Ghattas, this really is a fantastic book, spreading it's wings over so much more than the Saudi-Iran rivalry, I was pleased to have read this book before Jeremy's book, it helped me understand the situations being described by Jeremy, but also made me realise Jeremy's lack of balance.The New Middle East (The world after the Arab spring) - Paul Danahar, this book is a harder read, and not as up to date, but very detailed and balanced, I gained a good understanding of the region and the feelings of the ordinary people from reading this book.

Over the years I have read a number of books about this volatile area and this is, without a doubt, by far the best. Bowen uses his immense experience as a very fine journalist and supplements this with well documented research. The result is an all-embracing account not only of the current situation but also of the historic issues that have contributed to the present day situation.Bowen's objectivity is beyond reproach as the extensive list of references will enable the reader to confirm for themselves.Don't be put off by some of the objectionable views made against Bowen and the BBC. Look carefully at where the critics are coming from before believing their adverse comments.This is a balanced and intelligent in-depth exposition of an extremely troubled area.

Insight into the meddling countries and individuals who carved up and shaped the current Middle East

I sent a copy of this book to a close friend who teaches A/Level History. He got his Masters studying the Middle East. Like me he thought it was a thumping good read, like me he like it that Bowen tried to be balanced throughout. Bowen devoted his life to specialising on covering the Middle East. He attended all the flashpoints. My friend put this book on his Reading List, all his A/Level students are expected to read it before the course starts. I can think of no better choice.

He has written a readable sweeping history of the dire state of the whole of the middle east.His view is that the whole current mess is because America with its supporting allies did not take steps to remove Saddam Hussein after the invasion of Kuwait.I don't know enough to question this , but it's a very persuasive argument .Israel is the only democracy in the area, but is now governed by a horrible right wing regime , a move which appalls most decent folk, including me, a Jewish born atheist.All in all , this must be the most depressing book I have read recently, as there is very little sign of light at the end of a very long tunnel, and shows how the West has failed the area.

"When Israel goes to war, two clocks start running.One counts the time needed by the military. The other is for the time left until the outside world demands a ceasefire, which Israeli diplomats work hard to slow down".That wasn't written about recent events. It was written in the context of how 106 civilians were killed during Israeli shelling of Hizbullah positions in Qana in southern Lebanon during April 1996.And so the wheels keep turning...Read this, if you're looking for something to help put recent events into some wider historical context. A concise, unbiased and wide ranging account of the people, events and places that keep returning the region to our news screens.I began reading this shortly before the Hamas attacks of 7 Oct, and it is sad to think how cycles of violence have been repeated. Mr Bowen's short, focussed chapters move across the region and through recent decades to explain how the situation in the region has evolved, and has mostly failed to improve for its inhabitants. Its a very absorbing read, and you can't help be aware that many of the situations he's witnessed as a reporter must be incredibly difficult to deal with.

I need to learn and get a better understanding of the history of this conflict.

Doesn't beat about the Bush. Explains issues succinctly, to the point.

My book arrived completely stained, as if the book was dropped in some type of oil…:(

Me ha encantado la sencillez con la que se ha escrito esta "Historia Personal" y su imparcialidad. Ahora lo entiendo todo mucho mejor. Enhorabuena.

I haven’t finished yet, but as it is written by a reporter it is easy to read. Hard to put down but I am reading it in small segments to understand the history a little better. Completely up to date.