Scan barcode
A review by livrad
Best of Enemies: A History of US and Middle East Relations, Part One: 1783-1953 by Jean-Pierre Filiu
4.0
3.5 stars
This was really informative, even as it blitzed through history of U.S./Middle East relations dating from 1783-1953. It was especially interesting to see a more pulled back view of the Barbary Wars. I thought this was the best done portion of the book and could have been an entire volume itself. Had the book just covered up to the formal establishment of a relationship between the U.S. and the Ottoman Empire in 1862, it would have been much stronger. It would make the series longer, but the following history in the book then jumps around a lot, drops several names without much expansion on them, and makes odd choices on what to prioritize. The history between 1945 and 1953 and the transition from colonial economic control to U.S. oversight is a real whirlwind, without the same careful consideration given to the opening of the book. Still, it was a fascinating look at how much foreign interests have plagued the Middle East for centuries and how keeping areas of the Middle East in turmoil has repeatedly benefitted nations from outside the region. I look forward to reading the next volume.
This was really informative, even as it blitzed through history of U.S./Middle East relations dating from 1783-1953. It was especially interesting to see a more pulled back view of the Barbary Wars. I thought this was the best done portion of the book and could have been an entire volume itself. Had the book just covered up to the formal establishment of a relationship between the U.S. and the Ottoman Empire in 1862, it would have been much stronger. It would make the series longer, but the following history in the book then jumps around a lot, drops several names without much expansion on them, and makes odd choices on what to prioritize. The history between 1945 and 1953 and the transition from colonial economic control to U.S. oversight is a real whirlwind, without the same careful consideration given to the opening of the book. Still, it was a fascinating look at how much foreign interests have plagued the Middle East for centuries and how keeping areas of the Middle East in turmoil has repeatedly benefitted nations from outside the region. I look forward to reading the next volume.