The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East, Simon Sebag Montefiore

Historian Sebag Montefiore breaks down the region's complexity, cosmopolitanism, and diversity into chapters that readers are able to absorb. This is a fresh look at the history of the Middle East since 1900, from the Ottoman Sultanate and Morocco to Iran. Especially helpful are the maps and guides to families such as the Saudis and the Hashemites. Here is a tip: Before you begin reading, look at the maps at the end of the book on page 426. Don’t try to study them; just look- it's a great introduction. To quote Abu Tammam Habib ibn Aws al-Ta'i in 838 CE, "The consequences of conflict are always unpredictable." Keep that phrase in mind as you navigate this wonderful book and today’s news, whatever it may be. Read any chapter in the book and find interesting tidbits, even the introductory chapter on names, where he explains that even though the concept of “the West” is unfashionable and outdated today, he still uses it. There are many surprising facts to remember. For example, Ariel Sharon, long-time advocate of Jewish settlement anywhere and everywhere in Palestine, made a statement as Prime Minister on June 4, 2003 that it is not in Israel’s interest to govern the Palestinians, but for Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. Then, with the rise of suicide bombings, Sharon wanted withdrawal from Gaza. I’m not saying his motives were pure, but just reminding myself what happened. Sebag Montefiore gives us some understanding of the tactics of Iranian General Soleimani in exercising power with his six proxy armies: Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Assadist Syria, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Houthis. He speaks about the increasing dangers to Israel from within and cautions us that “ignorance is the father of righteous certainty…” So, dear bibliophiles, read, ponder, and enjoy this wonderful book.