This collection of essays, written by a Western expert in Islamic studies, gives background on present Middle Eastern conflicts with the West. It also reflects on how this religion - from its first expansion to the exploits of Saddam Hussein - has been fatefully involved with the Western world.



Recent events have made an understanding of the turmoil in the Middle East more important than ever. In these essays, Bernard Lewis, a leading expert on Islam, gives essential background on Middle Eastern conflicts with the West and shows how Islam — from its first expansion to its interpretation by Saddam Hussein and other extremists — has always been inextricably linked to the Western world.