This indispensable and tremendously relevant study takes on 100 of the most popular and misinterpreted ?truths about the Middle East?from the political, cultural, social, and historical spheres?and unravels them without diminishing their inherent complexity. Halliday rigorously analyzes topics as diverse as the Palestinian crisis, the war between Iraq and Iran, U.S. military engagements in the Gulf, the Afghani-Soviet conflict, and other milestones of modern Middle Eastern history to arrive, in a rational and convincing way, at conclusions that will challenge a number of misconceptions and preconceived notions about the region. A glossary of terms that have entered the public lexicon since September 11 is also included.