100 Myths About the Middle East

About the Book

Much has been written in recent years about the Middle East. At the same time, no other region has been as misunderstood, nor framed in so many clichés and mistakenly-held beliefs.

In this much-needed exposé Fred Halliday selects one hundred of the most commonly misconstrued ‘facts’ – in the political, cultural, social and historical spheres – and illuminates each case without compromising its underlying complexities. The Israel-Palestine crisis, the Iran-Iraq war, the US-led Gulf incursions, the Afghan-Soviet conflict and other significant milestones in modern Middle East history come under scrutiny here, with conclusions that will surprise and enlighten many for going so persuasively against the grain.

About the Author

Fred Halliday (1946–2010) was Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the London School of Economics and a research professor at the Barcelona Institute for International Studies. He published over twenty books, including Two Hours that Shook the World and 100 Myths about the Middle East (both by Saqi Books).

Reviews

'A writer of true calibre.'
Independent

'Fred Halliday's grasp of the Middle East makes him an invaluable source of readable and authoritative material on the main issues.'
Irish Times

‘Fascinating reading … Challenging proverbial ‘wisdom’, pat answers and politically motivated lies, he addresses 100 common misconceptions about the Middle East and how the region figures into US and European foreign policy.’
Jordan Times