History of the Modern Middle East

This course surveys and attempts to make sense of the recent history of a region that has been torn by internal strife and has become the focus of intense international conflict. Focusing on the history of the Middle East in the 20th century this course will examine, amongst other topics: the development of state and society in the aftermath of World War I, the emergence of the state of Israel and an enduring Arab-Israeli conflict, the role of external powers in the history of this region, and the rise of Arab nationalism and the politics of Islam. The course will culminate with a discussion of the "events of 9/11" and the beginning of a new "Gulf War" in 2003.