Culture and Conflict in the Middle East
"...argues that the confrontation that has erupted across the globe may have as many Arab as Islamic roots.Culture and Conflict in the Middle Eastdefines the patterns intrinsic to Arab culture and shows how they shape behavior in ordinary daily interactions in the region as well as in broad-based political confrontations.  This lucidly written study should be on the reading list of every introductory course on the Middle East.  Salzman's book blends fascinating case studies with a deep understanding of how culture functions across time and space in the Middle East." --Donna Robinson Divine, Morningstar Family Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Government, Smith College, author ofWomen Living ChangeandPolitics and Society in Ottoman Palestine"Salzman, an anthropologist, has peered deeply into the social structure of Middle Eastern societies to develop an original, powerful, and persuasive theory about the reluctance of peoples from that region to accept modern ways. In a nutshell, he points out that they overwhelmingly divide into tribal members or the subjects of despotism; they are not citizens. The insights are deep and the implications plentiful. It's one the handful of most important books I've read during nearly four decades of studying the Middle East." --Daniel Pipes-- Director, Middle East Forum