Beginning in December 2010 popular revolt swept through the Middle East, shocking the world and ushering in a period of unprecedented unrest. Protestors took to the streets to demand greater freedom, democracy, human rights, social justice, and regime change. What caused these uprisings? What is their significance? And what are their likely consequences? In an engaging question-and-answer format, The Arab Uprisings explores all aspects of the revolutionary protests that have rocked the Middle East. Historian James Gelvin begins with an overview - What sparked the Arab uprisings? Where did the demands for democracy and human rights come from? How appropriate is the phrase "Arab Spring"? - before turning to specific countries around the region. He looks at such topics as the role of youth, labor, and religious groups in Tunisia and Egypt and discusses why the military turned against rulers in both countries. Exploring the uprisings in Libya and Yemen, Gelvin explains why these two states are considered "weak," why that status is important for understanding the upheavals there, and why outside powers intervened in Libya but not in Yemen. Next, Gelvin compares two cases that defied expectations: Algeria, which experts assumed would experience a major upheaval after Egypt's, and Syria, which experts failed to foresee. He then looks at the monarchies of Morocco, Jordan, and the Gulf, exploring the commonalities and differences of protest movements in each. The final chapter discusses the implications of the uprisings. What do they mean for the United States? For Iran? Has al-Qaeda been strengthened or weakened? What effects have the uprisings had on the Israel-Palestine conflict? What conclusions might we draw from the uprisings so far? For anyone wishing to understand the dramatic events in the Middle East, The Arab Uprisings is the place to turn.
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"A remarkably readable, informative, slim volume...Of particular worth is James Gelvin's ability to show how the protests are interlinked, yet also independent of each other. Brief forays into the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and the current state of al-Qaeda are also illuminating...an excellent primer for the general reader." --Publishers Weekly
"This impressive achievement brings together a vast amount of information in a lucid manner. Highly recommended." --Library Journal
"A solid primer on the Arab Spring...[Gelvin's] background on the Arab world will certainly help non-experts better understand the region...A useful attempt to understand a still-unfolding story." --Kirkus Reviews
"Highly recommended...Gelvin's claim to provide "what everyone needs to know" does not unduly exaggerate the usefulness of the book for students and other nonspecialists. Even specialists in contemporary Arab affairs will benefit in some ways, notably by using it as a model in their own teaching and general writings." --CHOICE
"James Gelvin has throughout his career explained to us the role of popular demonstrations and symbolic action in the modern Middle East. There could be few more expert guides for the public to the remarkable Arab uprisings of 2011. Gelvin avoids easy answers for the hard one, and never prefers simple theory to complex realities." --Juan Cole, Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History, University of Michigan
About the Author
James L. Gelvin is Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the author of The Modern Middle East: A History and The Israel-Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Winner!
Feb 4 2012
By A.J. Tanner
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
James Gelvin's "Arab Uprisings" is a must read if you've been trying to follow the events unfolding in the Middle East. I have tried to keep up with the "where" and "why of each rebellion and/or revolution, but the sheer numbers often made it confusing that often left me with more questions than answers. Gelvin's book was what I was looking for. It sheds light on the historical, political, and cultural aspects that each country has undergone by linking the various uprisings in the differing states (such as Tunisia and Egypt, Libya and Yemen, Algeria and Syria, and the monarchies). The book is clearly written, and the Q &A format makes for an easy but substantive read. Each answer reads like a mini-essay, and I particularly enjoyed the answers to "Where did the phrase `Arab Spring' come from?", "How appropriate is it to describe events in the Arab world?", "What are the ten biggest myths about the Egyptian uprising?", and "Was Qaddafi crazy or crazy like a fox?" The author obviously knows his history as well as the contemporary issues confronting the region. (His "Modern Middle East" and "Israel/Palestine Conflict" are also must reads.) The last section of "Arab Uprisings" is illuminating in showing the impact of the uprisings on both the American and Iranian positions in the region, on the Israel-Palestine Conflict, and on al-Qaeda. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Gelvin fulfills his promise with the book's sub-title, "What Everyone Needs to Know," because I walked away having a greater understanding of what's going on in the Middle East. I now can watch the continuing unfolding of events with both the information and confidence that the author has provided.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book
Feb 14 2012
By Cat
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First off, I feel I have to disclose that Gelvin is actually my professor. Normally, I'd be concerned about creating a biased review but the book is so well-written that the fact that I am in his lecture periods has little bearing. The book is written in question-answer form allowing for clear, straight to the point answers. Gelvin avoids "fluff" and answers the questions in the same conversational manner he uses during lecture that engages his students (and the reader). I found the book easy to get through while providing the information expected of it. It truly is a great read; it is simple to understand but not lacking in necessary information.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Feeling more intelligent already!!!
Mar 14 2012
By S. Cutting
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Getting confused when watching the news? Want to feel smart at your next dinner party or gathering? Curious about the events going on in the Middle East, but feel intimidated by the subjects complexity? If so than this is definitely the book for you! With sections titled "Ten Greatest Myths about the Egyptian Uprising" Gelvin cleverly breaks down the fundamental aspects of the uprisings into digestible bites that can be understood by most who have but a minimal understanding of the region. While you will not be expert enough to bring peace to the Middle East, you will be left with a birds eye view of the many issues affecting these regional players. The format allows for short bursts of information that are well segmented allowing the reader (myself) to not become overwhelmed by information overload; furthermore the almost casual nature allows for good flow and smooth transition between topics. Inevitably it would be difficult to write a book about events that are currently being reported on in the media almost daily, but Gelvin masterfully accomplishes this feat. If you are curious, but unfamiliar with this topic, then get this book! If you are familiar with the politics of the region, but are looking for a light read to gain further insight, then I highly recommend this read! Well written and executed with the precision of a surgeon. A must read!!
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