What's Really Wrong with the Middle East
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'One of the many merits of this book is that it tries, as far as possible, to let the Arabs provide the narrative. The narrative comes partly from Whitaker's encounters as a traveller interested in the Middle East and later as a journalist reporting for the Guardian newspaper; partly from written sources; and also from a series of lengthy interviews conducted especially for this book. Listening to the Arabs makes a refreshing change from the all too common habit of western pundits of pontificating about the Middle East and lecturing to the Arabs. Whitaker has given us a lively, highly readable and illuminating survey of the countless things that are wrong with the Middle East today. What emerges clearly from his survey is that the root problem, at least in the Arab world, is the lack of freedom. He concludes that in order to achieve peace, prosperity and full participation in the global economy, the Arabs should embrace far-reaching social, economic and political reform. Few would disagree with this conclusion but one has to be an incorrigible optimist to expect real change to take place in the foreseeable future.' --Avi Shalaim The Guardian Review 28th November 2009
(Should) be required reading by Arab elites from the Atlantic to the Gulf... This book will anger some and excite others. It is one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years by a western writer to analyse what is really wrong with the Middle East.' --Patrick Seale, Al Hayat
'A passionate call for political and social change in Arab countries... and a stern critique of the status quo.' Jeremy Bowen, BBC Middle East Editor 'This is an interesting and informative book, and a passionate attack on the corrosive effects of inequality.' --Sholto Byrnes, New Statesman
(Should) be required reading by Arab elites from the Atlantic to the Gulf... This book will anger some and excite others. It is one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years by a western writer to analyse what is really wrong with the Middle East.' --Patrick Seale, Al Hayat
'A passionate call for political and social change in Arab countries... and a stern critique of the status quo.' Jeremy Bowen, BBC Middle East Editor 'This is an interesting and informative book, and a passionate attack on the corrosive effects of inequality.' --Sholto Byrnes, New Statesman
Product Description
Western governments see the Middle East only in terms of its impact on the West. But how do people in the Middle East view their own countries, governments and institutions? Few would argue that the Middle East is thriving, but what do those living in the region identify as their greatest obstacles to peace, prosperity and full participation in today's global economy? Using his time as Middle East Editor for "The Guardian", as well as new research he has conducted for this book, Brian Whitaker analyses the views of Arabs living in the region and articulates the opportunities and challenges facing ordinary men and women.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great summary of middle-eastern society.....,
By Orangutan (uk) - See all my reviews
This review is from: What's Really Wrong with the Middle East (Paperback)
I really enjoyed this book - it was very readable. It has a pretty ambitious scope - a discussion of Arab society and politics taking in the whole region both contemporaneously and with historical insight. The chapters address in turn
1. the influence of Islam on society, its conservative influence on social values and the effect this has on the political system. 2. the influence of corruption and "favours" on limiting the development of a meritocratic state, 3. the political repression of Arab leaders and the political hypocrisy of western governments, happy to turn a blind eye to it for "allies." 4. the double standards in speaking out against human rights abuses abroad (eg Guantanamo) but staying silent on those occurring at home, 5. the concept of society as a much more cohesive force than in the west - where people forgo personal happiness for the good of their family or to prevent shame being brought upon their family name. 6. the failure of the Arab bloc to organise in any serious political or economic manner like seen with the EU.... it contains a wide range of quotes from a selection of Arabic thinkers, writers and residents, which do offer an interesting insight into how such ideas are debated in the region and like any good book which offers up criticisms, it finishes with suggestions for how the middle east can reform into a more democratic and less repressive region....which crucially must happen from within, and won't happen simply from external western pressure. overall i would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the middle east and Arabic society....
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good guide to the puzzled,
By King of Fools (world traveller) - See all my reviews
This review is from: What's Really Wrong with the Middle East (Paperback)
I've worked in he M.E. for a few years and often wondered what was wrong with these people who one on one are so kind and thoughtful but as a society a bit ignorant and off putting.
Where's the initiative? Why are their opinions so narrow? Whats with all the praying? This book gives some answers: 1. The eduction that only encourages "inside the box" thinking. 2. The paternal, tribal, and governmental power structures. 3. The disconnect between the leaders and the citizens 4. The politicization of religion. 5. Corruption culture. 6. The massive state intrusion and control and more. An easy read, plenty of anecdotes told by the locals, a good book that I enjoyed.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A three year old analysis but still relevant in understanding the Arab Spring,
This review is from: What's Really Wrong with the Middle East (Kindle Edition)
Whitaker's book is a well-researched analysis of the Arab world, relying heavily on interviews to bring an intimate feel to the discussion. Though some countries such as Egypt and Lebanon draw greater focus than others, Whitaker tries to keep it relevant to the entire Arab world, from Morocco to Iraq. I make the distinction between the Arab world and the middle east, as Whitaker only discusses other nations - Israel, Turkey and Iran - in their relationship to the Arabs (e.g. Israel's use as a scapegoat by the regimes).
Written in 2008, this edition comes with an introduction written February of this year. He acknowledges the Arab Spring and that with it has comea chamge in perspective such as he concluded would be necessary to change in the region, but the second edition of his book has no other differences with the first. This isn't a criticism, but it means that readers cannot take his book at face value but must keep the Arab Spring and the cultural change of the last year in mind, putting Whitaker's analysis in perspective. It also cannot be read on its own. Whitaker's interviewees are from all over the Middle East, and while may of the basic criticisms can be used on most or all of the Arab countries, Arab culture isn't monlithic, changing vastly as you move from Morocco in the west to Iraq in the east. The reader should keep an open mind and keep from generalising the entire Middle East based on region specific anecdotes and extreme examples. As the book's focus jumps between countries often, I felt I had to remind myself of this fact.
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