Author: Ioannis Savvaidis
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012822410X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 349
Book Description
Food Safety in Middle East provides the latest research data on food safety in the Arab countries of the Middle East and summarizes recent developments on food safety practices, policies, and legislations. Food safety is a hot issue in research over the last decade due to the surge in foodborne infections, particularly in this area. Data suggest the increase is due to the foods consumed by the increasing holidaymakers and tourists. This book sums up information published in scientific literature with additional reports, knowledge and expertise to help reduce foodborne illnesses in this growing area. Beginning with the introduction of Middle East's food culture, the book addresses the food safety status in the Middle East. It dives deep in biological hazards (foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections) and in chemical hazards in foods of the Middle East. Additionally, the book reviews current measures that are being used to control foodborne pathogens in common foods widely consumed in the area. Interestingly, important data on food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among food handlers in foodservice establishments in the Arab countries of the Middle East, are being thoroughly presented and analyzed. The book finally summarizes the current food safety legislations implemented at government level in certain Middle Eastern countries. It is a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, librarians and professionals working in the food sector. - Gives an overview of the traditional foods, food safety practices, and food culture in the Middle East - Provides current research on pathogens in traditional foods consumed in the Arab countries of the Middle East - Discusses foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections to gain an understanding of causes to promote best practices - Summarizes data on chemical contaminants and residues in foods addressing potential food safety hazards in the Middle East - Discusses control measures of pathogens in common foods in the Middle East - Includes information on policies and strategies/measures to combat food safety infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections - Presents perspectives on current and future legislations to limit foodborne intoxications to improve food safety in Middle East countries and the Gulf states
Food Safety in the Middle East
Author: Ioannis Savvaidis
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012822410X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 349
Book Description
Food Safety in Middle East provides the latest research data on food safety in the Arab countries of the Middle East and summarizes recent developments on food safety practices, policies, and legislations. Food safety is a hot issue in research over the last decade due to the surge in foodborne infections, particularly in this area. Data suggest the increase is due to the foods consumed by the increasing holidaymakers and tourists. This book sums up information published in scientific literature with additional reports, knowledge and expertise to help reduce foodborne illnesses in this growing area. Beginning with the introduction of Middle East's food culture, the book addresses the food safety status in the Middle East. It dives deep in biological hazards (foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections) and in chemical hazards in foods of the Middle East. Additionally, the book reviews current measures that are being used to control foodborne pathogens in common foods widely consumed in the area. Interestingly, important data on food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among food handlers in foodservice establishments in the Arab countries of the Middle East, are being thoroughly presented and analyzed. The book finally summarizes the current food safety legislations implemented at government level in certain Middle Eastern countries. It is a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, librarians and professionals working in the food sector. - Gives an overview of the traditional foods, food safety practices, and food culture in the Middle East - Provides current research on pathogens in traditional foods consumed in the Arab countries of the Middle East - Discusses foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections to gain an understanding of causes to promote best practices - Summarizes data on chemical contaminants and residues in foods addressing potential food safety hazards in the Middle East - Discusses control measures of pathogens in common foods in the Middle East - Includes information on policies and strategies/measures to combat food safety infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections - Presents perspectives on current and future legislations to limit foodborne intoxications to improve food safety in Middle East countries and the Gulf states
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012822410X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 349
Book Description
Food Safety in Middle East provides the latest research data on food safety in the Arab countries of the Middle East and summarizes recent developments on food safety practices, policies, and legislations. Food safety is a hot issue in research over the last decade due to the surge in foodborne infections, particularly in this area. Data suggest the increase is due to the foods consumed by the increasing holidaymakers and tourists. This book sums up information published in scientific literature with additional reports, knowledge and expertise to help reduce foodborne illnesses in this growing area. Beginning with the introduction of Middle East's food culture, the book addresses the food safety status in the Middle East. It dives deep in biological hazards (foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections) and in chemical hazards in foods of the Middle East. Additionally, the book reviews current measures that are being used to control foodborne pathogens in common foods widely consumed in the area. Interestingly, important data on food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among food handlers in foodservice establishments in the Arab countries of the Middle East, are being thoroughly presented and analyzed. The book finally summarizes the current food safety legislations implemented at government level in certain Middle Eastern countries. It is a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, librarians and professionals working in the food sector. - Gives an overview of the traditional foods, food safety practices, and food culture in the Middle East - Provides current research on pathogens in traditional foods consumed in the Arab countries of the Middle East - Discusses foodborne infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections to gain an understanding of causes to promote best practices - Summarizes data on chemical contaminants and residues in foods addressing potential food safety hazards in the Middle East - Discusses control measures of pathogens in common foods in the Middle East - Includes information on policies and strategies/measures to combat food safety infections, intoxications and toxicoinfections - Presents perspectives on current and future legislations to limit foodborne intoxications to improve food safety in Middle East countries and the Gulf states
Chemical Regulation in the Middle East
Author: Michael S. Wenk
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119223644
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
A noted expert offers a guide to the complex chemical regulations in the Middle East region Chemical Regulation in the Middle East offers an essential guide to the patchwork of chemical regulatory programs and the complex system of permits and licenses that manage chemicals in the countries of the Middle East. The book explores the range of ministry, legislative, and other decrees that encompass pesticides, occupational safety and health, as well as safety data sheets and product labels that address regulation to widely-varying degrees. The author explores the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and reviews the key regulatory agencies and chemical substance regulations. The text outlines the pesticide regulations, occupational safety and health regulations, waste regulations and safety data sheets and labels in Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi. This important guide: Offers a compendium of the diverse range of chemical regulations in the countries of the Middle East Untangles the complex system of permits and licenses that are unique to the various countries in the Middle East Contains information based on the research and experience of a noted expert in the field Includes a review of the key regulatory agencies and chemical substance regulations of the Arab States of the Gulf Written for chemical organisations and professionals doing business in the Middle East, Chemical Regulation in the Middle East offers a must-have resource that details the unique chemical regulations in each country in the region.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119223644
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
A noted expert offers a guide to the complex chemical regulations in the Middle East region Chemical Regulation in the Middle East offers an essential guide to the patchwork of chemical regulatory programs and the complex system of permits and licenses that manage chemicals in the countries of the Middle East. The book explores the range of ministry, legislative, and other decrees that encompass pesticides, occupational safety and health, as well as safety data sheets and product labels that address regulation to widely-varying degrees. The author explores the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and reviews the key regulatory agencies and chemical substance regulations. The text outlines the pesticide regulations, occupational safety and health regulations, waste regulations and safety data sheets and labels in Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi. This important guide: Offers a compendium of the diverse range of chemical regulations in the countries of the Middle East Untangles the complex system of permits and licenses that are unique to the various countries in the Middle East Contains information based on the research and experience of a noted expert in the field Includes a review of the key regulatory agencies and chemical substance regulations of the Arab States of the Gulf Written for chemical organisations and professionals doing business in the Middle East, Chemical Regulation in the Middle East offers a must-have resource that details the unique chemical regulations in each country in the region.
Food Safety Handbook
Author: International Finance Corporation
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 1464815496
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
The Food Safety Handbook: A Practical Guide for Building a Robust Food Safety Management System, contains detailed information on food safety systems and what large and small food industry companies can do to establish, maintain, and enhance food safety in their operations. This new edition updates the guidelines and regulations since the previous 2016 edition, drawing on best practices and the knowledge IFC has gained in supporting food business operators around the world. The Food Safety Handbook is indispensable for all food business operators -- anywhere along the food production and processing value chain -- who want to develop a new food safety system or strengthen an existing one.
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 1464815496
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
The Food Safety Handbook: A Practical Guide for Building a Robust Food Safety Management System, contains detailed information on food safety systems and what large and small food industry companies can do to establish, maintain, and enhance food safety in their operations. This new edition updates the guidelines and regulations since the previous 2016 edition, drawing on best practices and the knowledge IFC has gained in supporting food business operators around the world. The Food Safety Handbook is indispensable for all food business operators -- anywhere along the food production and processing value chain -- who want to develop a new food safety system or strengthen an existing one.
Food Chain Security
Author: Hami Alpas
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9048195586
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 154
Book Description
The pilot study on Food Chain Security was launched in 2003 by NATO Public Diplomacy Division Science for Peace and Security Section (SPS) under the leadership of Turkey. The purpose of the study was to study the safety and security of food stuffs in the face of their careless/ignorant handling as well as against expected terrorist attacks at the system which may destroy and/or degrade it at the source during distribution, processing and in the consumption phase. The study included the protective and response measures which may have to be taken to reduce the risk and mitigate the consequences of these threats to the food system. The final outputs of this pilot study were agreed to be mainly: To allow comparison between country partners To identify common weaknesses of the food systems As a result of the terrible September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States the nature of the terrorist threat appears to be more uncertain and diffused, therefore the terrorist threat against the food system which comprises production, processing, distribution, restaurants, and retail can be very diverse and unpredictable and involve chemical, biological, and radiological agents of various kinds. Preparing for all possible contingencies was not practical, so a “risk management approach” was used in this study based on risk management principles that acknowledge while risk generally cannot be eliminated, enhancing protection from known or potential threats can reduce it.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9048195586
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 154
Book Description
The pilot study on Food Chain Security was launched in 2003 by NATO Public Diplomacy Division Science for Peace and Security Section (SPS) under the leadership of Turkey. The purpose of the study was to study the safety and security of food stuffs in the face of their careless/ignorant handling as well as against expected terrorist attacks at the system which may destroy and/or degrade it at the source during distribution, processing and in the consumption phase. The study included the protective and response measures which may have to be taken to reduce the risk and mitigate the consequences of these threats to the food system. The final outputs of this pilot study were agreed to be mainly: To allow comparison between country partners To identify common weaknesses of the food systems As a result of the terrible September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States the nature of the terrorist threat appears to be more uncertain and diffused, therefore the terrorist threat against the food system which comprises production, processing, distribution, restaurants, and retail can be very diverse and unpredictable and involve chemical, biological, and radiological agents of various kinds. Preparing for all possible contingencies was not practical, so a “risk management approach” was used in this study based on risk management principles that acknowledge while risk generally cannot be eliminated, enhancing protection from known or potential threats can reduce it.
Food Safety for the 21st Century
Author: Carol A. Wallace
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119053595
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 500
Book Description
Revised to reflect the most recent developments in food safety, the second edition of Food Safety for the 21st Century offers practitioners an authoritative text that contains the essentials of food safety management in the global supply chain. The authors — noted experts in the field — reveal how to design, implement and maintain a stellar food safety programme. The book contains industry best-practices that can help businesses to improve their systems and accelerate the application of world-class food safety systems. The authors outline the key food safety considerations for individuals, businesses and organisations involved in today’s complex global food supply chains. The text contains the information needed to recognise food safety hazards, design safe products and processes and identify and manage effectively the necessary control mechanisms within the food business. The authors also include a detailed discussion of current issues and key challenges in the global food supply chain. This important guide: • Offers a thorough review of the various aspects of food safety and considers how to put in place an excellent food safety system • Contains the information on HACCP appropriate for all practitioners in the world-wide food supply chain • Assists new and existing business to meet their food safety goals and responsibilities • Includes illustrative examples of current thinking and challenges to food safety management and recommendations for making improvements to systems and practices Written for food safety managers, researchers and regulators worldwide, this revised guide offers a comprehensive text and an excellent reference for developing, implementing and maintaining world-class food safety programmes and shows how to protect and defend the food supply chain from threats.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119053595
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 500
Book Description
Revised to reflect the most recent developments in food safety, the second edition of Food Safety for the 21st Century offers practitioners an authoritative text that contains the essentials of food safety management in the global supply chain. The authors — noted experts in the field — reveal how to design, implement and maintain a stellar food safety programme. The book contains industry best-practices that can help businesses to improve their systems and accelerate the application of world-class food safety systems. The authors outline the key food safety considerations for individuals, businesses and organisations involved in today’s complex global food supply chains. The text contains the information needed to recognise food safety hazards, design safe products and processes and identify and manage effectively the necessary control mechanisms within the food business. The authors also include a detailed discussion of current issues and key challenges in the global food supply chain. This important guide: • Offers a thorough review of the various aspects of food safety and considers how to put in place an excellent food safety system • Contains the information on HACCP appropriate for all practitioners in the world-wide food supply chain • Assists new and existing business to meet their food safety goals and responsibilities • Includes illustrative examples of current thinking and challenges to food safety management and recommendations for making improvements to systems and practices Written for food safety managers, researchers and regulators worldwide, this revised guide offers a comprehensive text and an excellent reference for developing, implementing and maintaining world-class food safety programmes and shows how to protect and defend the food supply chain from threats.
CDC Yellow Book 2020
Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Publisher:
ISBN: 0190065974
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 721
Book Description
The definitive reference for travel medicine, updated for 2020 "A beloved travel must-have for the intrepid wanderer." -Publishers Weekly "A truly excellent and comprehensive resource." -Journal of Hospital Infection The CDC Yellow Book offers everything travelers and healthcare providers need to know for safe and healthy travel abroad. This 2020 edition includes: � Country-specific risk guidelines for yellow fever and malaria, including expert recommendations and 26 detailed, country-level maps � Detailed maps showing distribution of travel-related illnesses, including dengue, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis, and schistosomiasis � Guidelines for self-treating common travel conditions, including altitude illness, jet lag, motion sickness, and travelers' diarrhea � Expert guidance on food and drink precautions to avoid illness, plus water-disinfection techniques for travel to remote destinations � Specialized guidelines for non-leisure travelers, study abroad, work-related travel, and travel to mass gatherings � Advice on medical tourism, complementary and integrative health approaches, and counterfeit drugs � Updated guidance for pre-travel consultations � Advice for obtaining healthcare abroad, including guidance on different types of travel insurance � Health insights around 15 popular tourist destinations and itineraries � Recommendations for traveling with infants and children � Advising travelers with specific needs, including those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, health care workers, humanitarian aid workers, long-term travelers and expatriates, and last-minute travelers � Considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees Long the most trusted book of its kind, the CDC Yellow Book is an essential resource in an ever-changing field -- and an ever-changing world.
Publisher:
ISBN: 0190065974
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 721
Book Description
The definitive reference for travel medicine, updated for 2020 "A beloved travel must-have for the intrepid wanderer." -Publishers Weekly "A truly excellent and comprehensive resource." -Journal of Hospital Infection The CDC Yellow Book offers everything travelers and healthcare providers need to know for safe and healthy travel abroad. This 2020 edition includes: � Country-specific risk guidelines for yellow fever and malaria, including expert recommendations and 26 detailed, country-level maps � Detailed maps showing distribution of travel-related illnesses, including dengue, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis, and schistosomiasis � Guidelines for self-treating common travel conditions, including altitude illness, jet lag, motion sickness, and travelers' diarrhea � Expert guidance on food and drink precautions to avoid illness, plus water-disinfection techniques for travel to remote destinations � Specialized guidelines for non-leisure travelers, study abroad, work-related travel, and travel to mass gatherings � Advice on medical tourism, complementary and integrative health approaches, and counterfeit drugs � Updated guidance for pre-travel consultations � Advice for obtaining healthcare abroad, including guidance on different types of travel insurance � Health insights around 15 popular tourist destinations and itineraries � Recommendations for traveling with infants and children � Advising travelers with specific needs, including those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, health care workers, humanitarian aid workers, long-term travelers and expatriates, and last-minute travelers � Considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees Long the most trusted book of its kind, the CDC Yellow Book is an essential resource in an ever-changing field -- and an ever-changing world.
Water, Energy & Food Sustainability in the Middle East
Author: Sohail Murad
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319489208
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
This book provides a survey of technologies available to tackle the problems associated with climate change in the energy, water and food security nexus with a special focus on the Middle East. It is divided into three main sections. The energy Section consists of six chapters, the water section of seven chapters and finally the food security section has six chapters. The individual chapters are authored by experts and provide discussions and in-depth views on the current status of each topic.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319489208
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
This book provides a survey of technologies available to tackle the problems associated with climate change in the energy, water and food security nexus with a special focus on the Middle East. It is divided into three main sections. The energy Section consists of six chapters, the water section of seven chapters and finally the food security section has six chapters. The individual chapters are authored by experts and provide discussions and in-depth views on the current status of each topic.
Honey & Co.
Author: Itamar Srulovich
Publisher: Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316337161
Category : Cooking
Languages : en
Pages : 499
Book Description
After falling in love through their shared passion for food, Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer launched Honey & Co., one of London's hottest new restaurants, in 2012. Since opening the doors, they have created exquisite dishes, delectable menus, and an atmosphere that's as warm, inviting, and exotic as the food they serve. Recipes include spreads and dips, exquisitely balanced salads, one-pan dishes, simple fragrant soups, rich Persian entrees, the tagines of North Africa, the Sofritos of Jerusalem, and the herb-infused stews of Iran. Honey & Co. brings the flavors of the Middle East to life in a wholly accessible way, certain to entice and satisfy in equal measure. "Honey & Co.'s food -- taking its cue from generations of dedicated home cooks -- captures everything that is generous, hearty, and delicious in the Middle East."-Yotam Ottolenghi
Publisher: Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316337161
Category : Cooking
Languages : en
Pages : 499
Book Description
After falling in love through their shared passion for food, Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer launched Honey & Co., one of London's hottest new restaurants, in 2012. Since opening the doors, they have created exquisite dishes, delectable menus, and an atmosphere that's as warm, inviting, and exotic as the food they serve. Recipes include spreads and dips, exquisitely balanced salads, one-pan dishes, simple fragrant soups, rich Persian entrees, the tagines of North Africa, the Sofritos of Jerusalem, and the herb-infused stews of Iran. Honey & Co. brings the flavors of the Middle East to life in a wholly accessible way, certain to entice and satisfy in equal measure. "Honey & Co.'s food -- taking its cue from generations of dedicated home cooks -- captures everything that is generous, hearty, and delicious in the Middle East."-Yotam Ottolenghi
Health of People, Health of Planet and Our Responsibility
Author: Wael Al-Delaimy
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030311252
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
This open access book not only describes the challenges of climate disruption, but also presents solutions. The challenges described include air pollution, climate change, extreme weather, and related health impacts that range from heat stress, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and chronic diseases to malnutrition and mental well-being. The influence of humans on climate change has been established through extensive published evidence and reports. However, the connections between climate change, the health of the planet and the impact on human health have not received the same level of attention. Therefore, the global focus on the public health impacts of climate change is a relatively recent area of interest. This focus is timely since scientists have concluded that changes in climate have led to new weather extremes such as floods, storms, heat waves, droughts and fires, in turn leading to more than 600,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly 4 billion people in the last 20 years. Previous work on the health impacts of climate change was limited mostly to epidemiologic approaches and outcomes and focused less on multidisciplinary, multi-faceted collaborations between physical scientists, public health researchers and policy makers. Further, there was little attention paid to faith-based and ethical approaches to the problem. The solutions and actions we explore in this book engage diverse sectors of civil society, faith leadership, and political leadership, all oriented by ethics, advocacy, and policy with a special focus on poor and vulnerable populations. The book highlights areas we think will resonate broadly with the public, faith leaders, researchers and students across disciplines including the humanities, and policy makers.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030311252
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
This open access book not only describes the challenges of climate disruption, but also presents solutions. The challenges described include air pollution, climate change, extreme weather, and related health impacts that range from heat stress, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and chronic diseases to malnutrition and mental well-being. The influence of humans on climate change has been established through extensive published evidence and reports. However, the connections between climate change, the health of the planet and the impact on human health have not received the same level of attention. Therefore, the global focus on the public health impacts of climate change is a relatively recent area of interest. This focus is timely since scientists have concluded that changes in climate have led to new weather extremes such as floods, storms, heat waves, droughts and fires, in turn leading to more than 600,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly 4 billion people in the last 20 years. Previous work on the health impacts of climate change was limited mostly to epidemiologic approaches and outcomes and focused less on multidisciplinary, multi-faceted collaborations between physical scientists, public health researchers and policy makers. Further, there was little attention paid to faith-based and ethical approaches to the problem. The solutions and actions we explore in this book engage diverse sectors of civil society, faith leadership, and political leadership, all oriented by ethics, advocacy, and policy with a special focus on poor and vulnerable populations. The book highlights areas we think will resonate broadly with the public, faith leaders, researchers and students across disciplines including the humanities, and policy makers.
What Every American Should Know About the Middle East
Author: Melissa Rossi
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780452289598
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 518
Book Description
The What Every American Should Know series returns with a timely guide to the region Americans need to understand the most (and know the least) The latest edition of Melissa Rossi's popular What Every American Should Know series gives a crash course on one of the most complex and important regions of the world. In this comprehensive and engaging reference book, Rossi offers a clear analysis of the issues playing out in the Middle East, delving into each country's history, politics, economy, and religions. Having traveled through the area over the past year, she exposes firsthand the U.S.'s geopolitical moves and how our presence has affected the region's economic and political development. Topics include: · Why Iran is viewed as a threat by most Middle East countries · What resource is more important than petroleum in regional power plays · What's really behind the fighting between Sunni and Shia · How Saudi Arabia inadvertently feeds the violence in Iraq and beyond · How monarchies like those in Jordan and Qatar are more open and progressive than the so-called republics With answers that will surprise many Americans, and covering a vast history and cultural complexity that will fascinate any student of the world, What Every American Should Know About the Middle East is a must-read introduction to the most critical region of the twenty-first century.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780452289598
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 518
Book Description
The What Every American Should Know series returns with a timely guide to the region Americans need to understand the most (and know the least) The latest edition of Melissa Rossi's popular What Every American Should Know series gives a crash course on one of the most complex and important regions of the world. In this comprehensive and engaging reference book, Rossi offers a clear analysis of the issues playing out in the Middle East, delving into each country's history, politics, economy, and religions. Having traveled through the area over the past year, she exposes firsthand the U.S.'s geopolitical moves and how our presence has affected the region's economic and political development. Topics include: · Why Iran is viewed as a threat by most Middle East countries · What resource is more important than petroleum in regional power plays · What's really behind the fighting between Sunni and Shia · How Saudi Arabia inadvertently feeds the violence in Iraq and beyond · How monarchies like those in Jordan and Qatar are more open and progressive than the so-called republics With answers that will surprise many Americans, and covering a vast history and cultural complexity that will fascinate any student of the world, What Every American Should Know About the Middle East is a must-read introduction to the most critical region of the twenty-first century.