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A series of essays which analyze the causes of conflict in the Middle East, how peace might be achieved, and the role which the United States should play in this region

In this chapter in the Strategic Survey 2004/5, the authors analyze issues & events impacting the strategic developments of the Middle East/Gulf states from the viewpoint of American policy initiatives on transnational Islamist terrorism & political reform. The first discussion addresses the complex political task of reforming the Iraqi state in the security vacuum of counter-insurgency enforcement, & the challenges facing the government's ability to bring order to the country. The second issue challenging security in the Middle East is pinpointed to be Iran's elusive domestic politics & nuclear strategy that challenge stability in the region. Thirdly, although the tensions in US-Saudi relations reflect geopolitical frustration in the region, the bilateral relationship has remained stable. Fourth, success for peace in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict will ultimately dependent on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, & will require the US to empower a secular leadership in Palestine as a viable substitute for Hamas. J. Harwell

Middle East political scientists have broached a number of themes that coincide with general problematics in comparative political science. These themes include the state, civil society & democratization, religious fundamentalism, political economy, identity, & gender. This work has provided empirical data for cross-national theory building & variations on qualitative methodologies, as well as some world-class authoritative works. 78 References. M. Pflum