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Introduction

Since October 7th of last year, the looming threat of a full-blown regional war in the Middle East has seized the center stage of global affairs, underscoring the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the region’s history and politics. 

For the last nine months, many, including myself, have kept their eyes peeled on the Middle East. Now, with the recent assassination of Hamas’s leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran, and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Lebanon, many are on their toes about the future of the Middle East. 

While some eagerly await the future, I looked into the past to learn more about the intricacies of the Middle East. 

From strategic political alliances to religious divides, revolutions overthrowing dictators, and the holy wars that helped shape the region, these books on Middle Eastern history and politics have been invaluable in helping me grapple with the area’s complexities.

Author’s Note: I have read 17 of the 25 books. I will include links to book reviews for the books I have read and give disclaimers to those I have not read but plan to read.

Also, please note that TBR is an abbreviation for “to be read” at a later date.

General Middle East History

The New Middle East by Paul Danaher

Danaher analyzes the transformative changes of the Arab Spring, a series of revolutions shaping the Middle East and their implications for the region’s future.

Note: This book is incredible; it was among my top 10 books in 2023. It’s one of my favourite books in the Middle East, and I highly recommend that everyone read it. 

You can find my book review here.

The Middle East by Christopher Catherwood 

Catherwood provides a sweeping overview of the Middle East’s history, from ancient civilizations through the modern era. The book integrates the region’s diverse cultural, religious, and political developments into a cohesive narrative.

Note: This book is on my August TBR.

Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson

Anderson explores T.E. Lawrence’s influential role in the Arab Revolt during World War I, highlighting his complex interactions with Arab leaders. In the book, Anderson details how Lawrence’s actions significantly affected the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Note: This book is on my September TBR.

The History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani

Hourani offers a thorough historical account of the Arab peoples, from the rise of Islam to contemporary times, delving into the cultural and political evolution that has shaped the Arab world.

Note: I read this book in 2018 while still at University. However, this was before my book-reviewing days, so I didn’t write one. Further, too much time has passed for me to write one now (especially given the magnitude of the book), so I will re-read it at some point this year to write a proper review.

A World Without Islam by Graham Fuller

Fuller explores alternative scenarios to ponder how global history might have taken a different course if Islam had never emerged.

He offers a thought-provoking analysis of the role of religion in shaping global events, highlighting the idea that a world without Islam may not be significantly different from the one we know.

Note: I started this book but still need to finish it. I will eventually re-try at a later date. Also, this book is not what it sounds like.

Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore

Montefiore’s detailed chronicle covers Jerusalem’s tumultuous history and its significance to various faiths and empires, weaving together the city’s complex past with its modern-day struggles.

Note: This book is in my September TBR.

The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge

Asbridge provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the series of medieval military campaigns fought between Christian and Muslim forces over control of the Holy Land.

Note: This book is on my October TBR.

Understanding Iran & Saudi Arabia

The Coup by Ervand Abrahamian

Abrahamian investigates the 1953 CIA-backed coup in Iran that deposed Prime Minister Mossadegh, exploring its profound effects on Iranian politics and highlighting the international and domestic factors involved in the coup.

Note: You can find my book review here.

Black Wave by Kim Ghattas

Ghattas examines the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, revealing how their competition has influenced regional and global politics.

Note: This book was in my top 10 books of 2022. 

You can find my book review here.

Iran by Abbas Amanat

Amanat’s comprehensive history of Iran traces its development from ancient times to modern political challenges, offering an in-depth look at its cultural and historical evolution.

Note: I am reading this book (it’s 1,000 pages, so it’s taking me a while).

Understanding Israel, Palestine, and Beyond

The Question of Palestine by Edward Said

Said critically analyzes the Palestinian quest for statehood and the historical context of their struggle, offering a deep exploration of the ongoing conflict and its broader implications.

Note: You can find my book review here.

Except for Palestine by Marc Lamont Hill

Hill critiques Western approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing for a more just and fair resolution—the book challenges prevailing policies and calls for substantial change.

Note: You can find my brief book review here.

Cursed Victory by Ahron Bregman

Bregman explores the intricate history of Palestine, Israel, and the Arab World after the Six-Day War, specifically analyzing political relations from 1967 to 2007.

Note: Incredible book. It was in my top 10 books of 2023. 

You can find my book review here.

The Arc of a Covenant by Walter Mead:

Mead analyzes the influence of American foreign policy on the Middle East, focusing on the U.S.-Israel relationship, and how American actions have shaped the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Note: This book is on my September TBR.

From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas Friedman

Friedman reflects on his experiences as a journalist in Beirut and Jerusalem, offering personal insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Lebanese civil war and providing a unique perspective on Middle Eastern politics.

Note: This book is on my September TBR.

Political Biographies

Blood & Oil by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck

A highly detailed account of Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, examining his ambitious plans for transforming Saudi Arabia and the controversies surrounding his leadership.

Note: This book was exceptional. It was in my top 10 books of 2023. I recommend it to everyone.

You can find my book review here.

Libya: The Rise of Qaddafi by Alison Pargeter

Pargeter traces Muammar Qaddafi’s rise from a young officer to the ruler of Libya, detailing his impact on the country’s politics and society and providing insight into Qaddafi’s complex and often turbulent rule.

Note: You can find my book review here.

Saddam Hussein: And The Crisis in The Gulf by Judith Miller and Laurie Mylroie 

Miller and Mylroie explore Saddam Hussein’s rise to power and role in the Gulf crises, examining his impact on regional and global affairs.

Note: This book is in my October TBR.

Memoirs

The Naked Don’t Fear the Water by Matthieu Aikins

Aikins narrates his journey with Afghan refugees as they navigate challenging routes to Europe, capturing their struggles and aspirations.

Note: It is one of my favourite memoirs. I highly recommend it. This book was in my top 10 books of 2023.

You can read my book review here.

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Nafisi recounts her experiences teaching Western literature in Iran during an intense political repression, illustrating how literature served as a form of resistance. The memoir highlights the power of storytelling in oppressive environments.

Note: This is a decent book.

You can read my book review here.

The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad

Seierstad’s account of a Kabul bookseller provides an intimate view of life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and the cultural challenges faced by its people. Through the lens of a single family, Seierstad captures the complexities of Afghan society.

Note: You can read my very brief book review here.

Out of Place by Edward Said

Said’s autobiography explores his experiences as a displaced individual and his search for identity in a world marked by political and cultural upheaval. In his memoir, Said reflects on themes of exile, identity, and belonging.

Note: You can read my book review here.

The Devil’s Double by Yahia and Michael Weiss

Yahia’s memoir details his life as a body double for Saddam Hussein’s son, Uday, offering a gripping narrative of his experiences within the Saddam regime.

Note: This book has been adapted into a film, which I highly recommend watching. However, both the book and film are gruesome, so be mindful.

Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat

Nemat describes her harrowing experiences as a political prisoner in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, focusing on her endurance and quest for freedom, shedding light on the personal cost of political repression.

Note: You can read my book review here.

Lost in Beirut by Ashe and Magdalena Stevens: 

This memoir offers a personal account of the authors’ experiences navigating life in Beirut, Lebanon, amidst political and social upheaval during the 2006 war.

Conclusion

There is no shortage of incredible books written about the Middle East. Although this list contains 25 books, it hardly scratches the surface of Middle Eastern history. 

I have yet to explore the ancient world—Mesopotamia, Byzantine, Sumerians, Persians, and Phoenicians, to name a few—and have only read extensively about a handful of countries. Other countries in the region that I have not read about but are still crucial players are Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Egypt, and other countries in MENA.

Since the possible threat of war continues to loom over the region, meaning I won’t be able to visit Lebanon in the foreseeable future, I can only continue to read about the extensiveness of the Middle East – a place I call home.

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