Cauldron of Turmoil: America in the Middle East

Author: Barry Rubin

This book provides a history and analysis of political events in the Persian Gulf since the Iranian revolution as well as an analysis of U.S. policy. The purpose of this book was to provide an explanation of how the Persian Gulf area had developed into an area of such importance and turmoil. It focuses on explaining the modern histories of Iran, Iraq, and the evolving political situation in the area. The book describes the events giving rise to radical regimes in Iraq and Iran as well as the subsequent events. It includes an analysis of the role played by the concentration of oil in the Gulf, the Iranian revolution, hostage crisis, Iran-Iraq war, and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Extensive attention is also paid to U.S. policy and its growing interactions with the Gulf. From today’s standpoint, this story provides the backdrop to the September 11, 2001, attacks on America and the ongoing crisis involving Iraq’s efforts to escape sanctions and again seek hegemony in the Gulf.

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