In the third decade of the twenty-first century, the Middle East is entering a new era.

The era is both defined by, and a result of, a combination of ancient and modern, domestic, regional, and international processes.

Iran and Turkey each strive to position themselves as the regional superpower. In parallel, the people of the region struggle to overcome increasing domestic challenges.

These developments, combined with an escalating struggle over path, identity, and direction, could result in a new model of statehood in the Arab world.

While some countries take the turbulent path toward a possible new state, others are fighting for their sovereignty and survival.

All of this is occurring while Western hegemony in the Middle East is coming to an end and the Eastern giants are on the rise.

As the region enters the new era, individual players and regional alliances are engaged in an epic power struggle. Some Arab countries are walking the turbulent path towards a possible new model of statehood. Others are fighting for their sovereignty and survival. All of this, while Western hegemony in the Middle East is coming to an end. And the Eastern giants are on the rise.

In his newest book, acclaimed Middle East Analyst, Avi Melamed, takes you on an eye-opening journey through the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East today, challenges common Western concepts, narratives, and theories, and provides predictions about some of the most central regional issues of the day. This distinct understanding allows you to build a multidimensional picture of the geopolitical reality of the Middle East today and provides an unparalleled foundation for navigating the events of tomorrow. The new era we are entering is fraught with challenges and full of opportunities. Is it a new dawn? Or is it a setting sun?

Using primarily sources from the region, Avi provides a professional, rare insider’s view. He clearly and insightfully contextualizes regional events, skillfully helping the reader build a multidimensional picture of the Middle East today. He also challenges common Western concepts, narratives, and theories. And provides predictions about some of the most central issues of the day.

Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, Avi has held high-risk governmental positions. His years of field and operational experience, profound knowledge, and exceptional record of foreseeing the evolution and impact of events in the Middle East, have made him a sought-after speaker at global forums and policy-making centers, and an acclaimed commentator at media outlets.

Acclaimed Israeli intelligence analyst Avi Melamed has spent more than thirty years interpreting Middle East affairs. His long-awaited Inside the Middle East challenges widely-accepted perceptions and provides a gripping and uniquely enlightening guide to make sense of the events unfolding in the region—to answer how the Arab world got to this point, what is currently happening, what the ramifications will be, how they will affect Israel, and what actions must immediately be undertaken, including how Western leaders need to respond.
Melamed considers all the major power players in the Middle East, explains the underlying issues, and creates a three-dimensional picture, an illustration that connects the dots and provides a fascinating roadmap. He elucidates developments such as the Arab Spring, the downfall of the Muslim Brotherhood, the rise of ISIS, the epic Sunni-Shiite animosity, the essence of the war in Syria, the role of the Caliphate and Jihad, and the looming nuclear arms race. He also provides a rare opportunity to journey into the psyche of Arab society. Look through the lens of its leaders and its most ruthless terrorists. See what makes them tick and what they want. Discover how they can be overtaken.
This unparalleled volume is a milestone in our understanding of the Middle East. It is the untold story of the struggles that will shape the region, and the world, for decades to come, and a groundbreaking guide that will shake you to the core, force you to reevalute your outlook, and give you tips to navigate the future.

This vivid behind-the-scenes account of Israeli rule in Jerusalem details for the first time the Jewish state's attempt to lay claim to all of Jerusalem, even when that meant implementing harsh policies toward the city's Arab population.

The authors, Jerusalemites from the spheres of politics, journalism, and the military, have themselves been players in the drama that has unfolded in east Jerusalem in recent years and appears now to be at a climax. They have also had access to a wide range of official documents that reveal the making and implementation of Israeli policy toward Jerusalem. Their book discloses the details of Israel's discriminatory policies toward Jerusalem Arabs and shows how Israeli leaders mishandled everything from security and housing to schools and sanitation services, to the detriment of not only the Palestinian residents but also Israel's own agenda. Separate and Unequal is a history of lost opportunities to unite the peoples of Jerusalem.

A central focus of the book is Teddy Kollek, the city's outspoken mayor for nearly three decades, whose failures have gone largely unreported until now. But Kollek is only one character in a cast that includes prime ministers, generals, terrorists, European and American leaders, Arab shopkeepers, Israeli policemen, and Palestinian schoolchildren. The story the authors tell is as dramatic and poignant as the mosaic of religious and ethnic groups that call Jerusalem home. And coming at a time of renewed crisis, it offers a startling perspective on past mistakes that can point the way toward more equitable treatment of all Jerusalemites.

About the Authors:
Amir S. Cheshin, a retired Israeli army colonel, was Senior Adviser on Arab Community Affairs and Assistant to former Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek.

Bill Hutman was a journalist with the Jerusalem Post.

Avi Melamed was Deputy Adviser on Arab Affairs to Mayor Kollek and Adviser on Arab Affairs to Kollek's successor, Ehud Olmert.