<p>I think in today’s world, it’s definitely a good idea to know a little history regarding the Middle East. The Middle East will never be fruits and daisies, so if you know a little about the past, it will help you better understand what’s happening now (and events in the future).</p>
<p>Treacherous Alliance by Trita Parsi; book focuses on relations between Israel, the US, and Iran from 1948 onwards (Israel is created/start of first Arab-Israeli war). My favorite assigned book of the 9342783283 I had for my ME class.</p>
<p>Babylon by Bus: Or, the true story of two friends who gave up their valuable franchise selling YANKEES SUCK T-shirts at Fenway to find meaning and adventure in Iraq, by Ray LeMoine The title says it all. True Story. Great book, I finished it in one sitting during finals week.</p>
<p>The Looming Tower is also a great book for some perceptive on 9/11 & al-qaeda.</p>