Edward I.O'Brien 
 
2023-07-20
 
 
  
Inside the Middle East. A great book to read.
This book is outstanding and presents a comprehensive review of the many important issues affecting the Middle East. It covers all of the countries in the region and is a must read for people interested in this very important part of the world.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Joseph DeMattos 
 
2023-02-26
 
 
  
I urge all with an interest in Middle East studies or world affairs to read this book.
Inside the Middle East, A New Era, by Avi Malamed is a comprehensive and scholarly work that outlines the present state of affairs in the Middle East, while linking some of the historical drivers of the current state of affairs, and new outside of the Middle East pressures of the current dynamic.As the Chinese Proverb goes, may you live in interesting and challenging times. This book and the author’s expertise most certainly and credibly outline why relative to the Middle East and world affairs, we do indeed live in interesting, challenging, and potentially perilous times.I give a five-star rating to Inside the Middle East, A New Era, and urge all with an interest in Middle East studies or world affairs to read it.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Nelson Aspen 
 
2023-01-05
 
 
  
Expertise and Insight
Understanding the complicated geopolitics of the Middle East is never black/white and it is ever-evolving, so the author's experience, expertise and insight makes for fascinating and often enlightening reading. His is an important, knowledgable voice in the cacophony of pundits and commentators weighing in on the subject.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 N. Weinraub 
 
2023-01-02
 
 
  
Insightful Overview of Middle East Challenges
I'd caught a webinar or two from this author before, and have always been impressed with his take on things. Only wish it covered events since 2016, but I'd most definitely recommend this for anyone interested in some of the region's complex issues.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Avi 
 
2023-01-02
 
 
  
A must read and invaluable reference
If you need to choose one book, and for that matter, one educator for objective, unbiased information on the Middle East, Avi Melamed is your go-to address. His most recent book, “Inside the Middle East, Entering a New Era” is a treasure of information for the lay-citizens of the world, and the international affairs strategist alike. While it’s language is down to earth, it is not a short read by any means. And yet, it is still worth every moment of time invested.I found the book’s in-depth insights and analyses of the regional and global player’s roles in this complex region to be eye-opening.This book is a must read and invaluable reference for all who seek knowledge, understanding, and even hope for a better middle east, and for that matter, a better world.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 William Richard Hinson 
 
2022-06-07
 
 
  
An invaluable guide to the power struggles in the Middle East
I have long sought a book to explain what I thought was the source of most conflict in the Middle East: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I obtained Inside the Middle East Entering A New Era and thought I would find the explanation I was looking for. This book gave me so much more than I expected! Mr. Melamed is not only a skilled writer, but an excellent educator! There are so many layers to the power struggles and conflicts in the Middle East that a casual observer can’t fathom. Mr. Melamed presents an overall picture of a complicated area and then peels back the layers that hide the true motivations of the players in this region. He uses concise historical thumbnails of Middle Eastern countries that give the reader an understanding of how and why they are where they are today without losing the reader in a sea of confusing detail. The index in the back of the book with an alphabetical listing of key individuals, organizations and concepts is incredibly helpful as a reference point as one is reading the book. I give Mr. Melamed great credit for his intimate understanding of the Middle East and his ability to convey his knowledge in an understandable form to his readers.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Mishmish 
 
2022-04-30
 
 
  
Detailed analysis with a western bias
This book details the Geo-political environment and challenges of the Middle East today. The analysis is from a sympathetic western perspective that sees countries allied to the USA as “moderate” despite their dismal human rights records and wars. For example, the houthis in Yemen are portrayed primarily as agents of Iran without explaining who they are and what they really want. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are listed while Saudi Arabian attacks on the Houthis including SA’s launch of the war are glossed over. No background is provided to explain why the houthis took over the capital, (such as the central gov’s war on them), or that the houthis were working with the USA to fight al quada until Obama betrayed them to regain favor with SA. This book is a great intro to the Middle East but be aware of the bias. (A common critique for all books on the region).
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Susan 
 
2022-03-08
 
 
  
A must-read insight to the Middle East.
Avi’s book is a must read for everyone! He brings the Middle East, it’s history, countries, people and conflicts into very understandable focus. The region grapples with diverse players with varied agendas, and this book provides a roadmap to understanding and a look into possible futures for this important region.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Coleman B. Levy 
 
2022-02-15
 
 
  
Excellent explanation of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Excellent explanation of the power struggle od Iran and Turkey and their respective methods to try and achieve their goals. A must read.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 yaron ben 
 
2022-02-14
 
 
  
If you're going to read ONE book about the Middle East, you MUST READ Inside The Middle Eas
If you're going to read ONE book about the Middle East, you MUST READ Inside The Middle East | Entering A New Era! The author does an incredible job of synthesizing events into one cohesive picture.The title does not disappoint. This book truly does take you inside the Middle East. The array of Arab voices the author cites and highlights bring information to the reader that is not covered in the Western media. Plus, the incredible number of maps really helped me follow the story in a very understandable way.This book offers a distinct and unique perspective on a broad array of Middle East issues - from Iran to Turkey; from Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia; from the Abraham Accords to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; from the realignments of interests to the changing balance of power in the region. Each chapter in itself and the entire book as a whole is gripping and eye-opening.It is clearly written by someone who has a rare understanding of the region. Avi Melamed is a voice that must be heard in the West! He has written the most comprehensive, understandable, and reader-friendly book on the Middle East that I have ever encountered. A MUST read for anyone who wants to really understand the region!The Middle East is genuinely in a transitional phase. After reading this book, I now feel that I can finally understand the news!01/10/2023 As someone who follows Avi and participates Avi Melamed's online education programs, I often check back to see the reviews of his book. I noticed today a generous review by N. Weinraub.I just wanted to note to Norm, and others who might see Norm’s review, that Avi’s 2016 book, Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth does indeed end in 2016.HOWEVER, His newest book, Inside the Middle East: Entering a New Era, picks up where the 2016 book ended and brings us up to 2022.I hope everyone that has not read BOTH BOOKS will because having Avi’s perspectives over that period of time is invaluable to those who really want to understand the news TODAY!