Now in its second edition, this popular text presents a comprehensive and balanced analysis of the international politics of the Middle East. Part I provides a historical framework, Part II looks at major themes in international relations and applies them to the Middle East, and Part III examines region-specific conflicts and issues. Featuring carefully edited contributions from international experts, this volume offers students essential background information and also gives them access to the most current material and perspectives. Fully revised and updated, the second edition of International Relations of the Middle East features two new chapters--on the nature of Islam and the war in Iraq--and adopts a wider, more current focus on security throughout. It also integrates additional coverage of the role of the media, the U.S. war on terror, and the transnational phenomena of Islamic radicalism.