Avi Melamed takes a comprehensive subject and educates the reader without sounding preachy. His background as an intelligence officer rather than a journalist enables him to season the book with insights we normally don’t receive in the filtered press reports. Melamed does explain that much of the issue with the news we receive has much to do with Western misunderstanding of the Arabic language.
This book increased my understanding of the Middle East and its convoluted politics. It is not a book that seeks to scare you with pages of info about terrorists. Rather, it carefully describes all the players (countries and factions and terrorist groups), including all the links between countries and what factors have caused the current situations to be what they are.
I also liked the author’s method of withholding his personal feelings until the last two chapters, where he tells the reader that the chapter is his “personal and political statement as a Jew, an Israeli, and a Zionist.” Rather than litter the entire book with his personal views, Melamed deliberately limits them to a section of the book occurring AFTER you have read all the facts. This is refreshing, as you can use your new knowledge to determine whether or not you agree with his personal view.
No matter your political views, this is a must read for all Americans and anyone who wishes to have a better understanding of what is happening within the Middle East.
With his superb book, “Inside the Middle East,” Avi Melamed accomplishes a rare and important feat: he breaks down the most volatile and complicated region on earth in a way that both policymakers and the average person can comprehend. Avi draws on his decades of experience in the dangerous trenches of the intelligence world to explain and unpack the factors that have led to the rise of ISIS, the Arab Spring, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and other crises that have long confounded the West. Even better, he offers invaluable insights and solutions on how to tackle these complex problems. With “Inside the Middle East,” Melamed cements his reputation as one of the world’s leading authorities on the Middle East. Required reading for Western leaders and citizens alike.
Erick Stakelbeck
Host, TBN’s “The Watchman” program
Author, “ISIS Exposed”
This is a truly important, book for understanding today’s Middle East, as well as the many ways in which we in the West do NOT adequately understand it. The author is fluent in Arabic, and makes use of a vast number of Arabic-language sources most US or European decision-makers can only read in translation, if at all. This allows Melamed to bring us an Arab perspective on their own culture, history, and current affairs. The book is about as up to date as it could be, having been edited in early 2016, so its coverage of the Arab Spring, Syrian civil war, rise of ISIS, etc., is right where it needs to be. I learned an enormous amount about the Arab-Iranian divide, the Suni-Shiite divide, the various non-state actors such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and so much more. The writing is engaging as well as informative, never dull. Everyone involved in American foreign policy for this part of the world should definitely read this book.
Unlike many Middle-East pundits, Avi Melamed’s background is not that of a journalist: He has decades of experience as an intelligence official, living among Arab communities throughout the region and later as a senior advisor to the Israeli government on Arab affairs. It is this insight that comes through in his writing: A thoughtful and well-structured analysis of the issues, problems and potential solutions, this is a must-read for those looking for a rational understanding of the Middle East today
Inside the Middle East is a must read for all of us with an interest in the Middle East, but are tired of the conventional coverage of the region. Melamed gives a completely fresh look — blowing holes in the myths and concepts. He clearly and succinctly uncovers and explains in detail what really makes the region tick. And Melamed doesn’t stop there, providing not only insight but also a clear direction forward. For those of us who have followed his writings, this comes as no surprise. Melamed has already made a name for himself with his hard hitting and to the point analysis. If this is your first introduction to Melamed, get ready for a great read, as well as a real eye opening experience that will leave you with entirely new views of the fast moving developments in the Middle East and their worldwide impact.
Bill Hutman
Managing Director GlobalSource LLC
A Washington DC based private intelligence and consulting company
Insightful first person overview of the ongoing Arab Awakening in the Middle East (along with much of Africa), demonstrating that virtually all critical and conflicting issues are endemic to the region—so if they are to be resolved, they can only be resolved by those living in the region. The author predicts chaos will be reduced over (much) time, with the region becoming more stable primarily through alliances of the Arab states overcoming militant Salafi-Islamism, unfortunately only after more bloodshed and the likely factional dividing of the troubled areas in Syria and Iraq.
He clearly shows how “outsiders” (my word) predominantly hold incorrect views of the Middle Eastern region, and need to cease perpetuating fruitless attempts to interfere.
This book is a must read, especially by the inside the Beltway crowd, to include Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
In depth look at the struggle for dominance in the Middle East today. Addresses alliances which are being formed among countries, some of them unlikely, and shifting like the sands. Information is up-to-date and thoroughly written from the perspective of an Arabic speaker which is a plus. Stability of monarchies, emirates, sultanates in the region explored.
As the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute, Avi has created a new learning model and groundbreaking program – Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives. Through applying classic intelligence techniques, he is empowering young people with the tools to build an accurate view of the Middle East and to be media literate critical thinkers honoring the 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy of leadership excellence. Avi Melamed adds a desperately needed voice to the conversation about the Middle East and he consistently brings our attention to “the story behind the story.” He is a keen analyst with a rare understanding of the Middle East – including what the future holds for the region. As a gifted and passionate educator, he offers us the insight and understanding so we can navigate the increasingly complex Middle East reality.
Major General William “Bill” Matz, US Army (Retired)
Member of the Eisenhower Institute National Advisory Council
Gettysburg College ‘61
I read this book back in March, so that I could interview Mr. Melamed and another person (Lucy Aharish) at an event in Baltimore. I learned much from reading the book. So as not to repeat the positive comments already written by professional reviewers and Amazon customer reviewers, I will address only those points that struck me in particular. Melamed explains that his understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the Middle-East overall is “never black and white” and that “1 + 1 never equals 2.” They are extremely complicated matters, and often things that happen and positions taken don’t make sense to us Westerners. Western “experts” often get things wrong. In the Preface (xv – xvi) and on pages 178-195 of the hardback edition, Melamed criticizes various “experts” for creating a “looping echo chamber that percolates into public discourse” and influences the shaping of public policy about the Middle East. His criticism is based on the fact that most of these folks don’t “speak or read Arabic” and are thus “dependent on mediated, translated, and sometimes deliberately manipulated information.” As a result, he argues, “[t]he concepts they communicate become ‘the facts,’ the narratives they convey become ‘the reality,’ and the theories they creates become ‘the truth.'” One of the other reviewers gives the example, provided by Melamed, of President Carter’s gross misinterpretation of what a Palestinian leader told him. . . . In Melamed’s chapter, “The Distorted Compass” (p. 18), he argues, concerning the Arab world: “Experiencing the world through a lens of conspiracies, seeing the world through a shift of responsibilities to the other, and being immersed in deeply embedded hollow slogans and inciting demagoguery continues to be a broken compass by which the Arab world navigates.” . . . . Melamed (p. 78) expresses skepticism that the West is at fault for Militant Islam: “It’s critical to recognize and state simply and clearly, with no equivocation or room for misinterpretation, that militant Islam did not appear because of anything related to the West or Israel. Militant Islam appeared because of the immense hardships in the Arab world.” . . . . The author explains in detail that “[s]igns point to a collaboration, or at least an understanding, between ISIS and Assad, and both have incentives to cooperate.” This claim may appear counter-intuitive, but makes sense when all the facts related by Melamed are considered. . . . . By the way, all of these quoted statements are explained in detail in the book; I am just bringing out the conclusions that I found particularly interesting. All in all, this book definitely is worth a careful reading. Melamed has made several predictions over the years, and these mostly have come true. He attributes his predictive talent to his various “intelligence strategies: “It’s how in 2008 I was able to ‘predict’ the Arab Awakening; in 2010 I was able to ‘predict’ the war in Syria; in 2012 I was able to ‘predict’ the crisis within the Muslim Brotherhood as well as Hezbollah sinking in the Syrian mud; in 2013 I was able to ‘predict’ Hamas’s crisis; and in mid-2014 I was able to ‘predict’ the violence in Yemen.” . . . . I look forward to reading his next book, whenever that may come.
“The Mid(dle)East is not the MidWest,” as commentators from Benjamin Netanyahu to Daniel Pipes have advised us. In this book, Avi Melamed digs far below the surface of glib quips such as this one, offering clear and insightful commentary into “the most dangerous and complicated region” in the world today.
For me, the most valuable part of a very valuable book is the “outside-the-box” solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that Mr. Melamed proposes. Without giving too much away, his plan involves setting aside the notion of an Israeli-PALESTINIAN agreement and thinking instead of an Israeli-ARAB agreement.
The knowledge that such an informed and clear-headed analyst as Mr. Melamed believes that a solution at this time is realistic and possible will bring joy to the hearts of all of those who fervently hope for peace in the Middle East, including peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
If you read just one book this year on the Middle East, this should probably be the one. The author’s view is truly that of an insider and his insights are profoundly illuminating.
The foreword by Lucy Aharish, an Arab Muslim woman journalist who grew up in Israel, makes an excellent contribution.
Avi Melamed’s inside knowledge of the Middle East makes him a vital resource for anyone striving to find accurate context for today’s news from one of the world’s most intractable battle zones.
If you really want to understand the Middle East and know where the region is heading, there is no better source. His expertise in the geo-political realities that face the Middle East are clear and concise. With unflinching accuracy and gripping facts, he illuminates the hard reality of war.
His layered and nuanced analysis offers insight so far beyond the superficial that it shines a light on the profoundly layered nuance of this rich and complex region.
Linda Solomon Wood
CEO, Observer Media Group
Editor in Chief at The National Observer
This is a truly important, book for understanding today’s Middle East, as well as the many ways in which we in the West do NOT adequately understand it. The author is fluent in Arabic, and makes use of a vast number of Arabic-language sources most US or European decision-makers can only read in translation, if at all. This allows Melamed to bring us an Arab perspective on their own culture, history, and current affairs. The book is about as up to date as it could be, having been edited in early 2016, so its coverage of the Arab Spring, Syrian civil war, rise of ISIS, etc., is right where it needs to be. I learned an enormous amount about the Arab-Iranian divide, the Suni-Shiite divide, the various non-state actors such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and so much more. The writing is engaging as well as informative, never dull. Everyone involved in American foreign policy for this part of the world should definitely read this book.
Insightful first person overview of the ongoing Arab Awakening in the Middle East (along with much of Africa), demonstrating that virtually all critical and conflicting issues are endemic to the region—so if they are to be resolved, they can only be resolved by those living in the region. The author predicts chaos will be reduced over (much) time, with the region becoming more stable primarily through alliances of the Arab states overcoming militant Salafi-Islamism, unfortunately only after more bloodshed and the likely factional dividing of the troubled areas in Syria and Iraq.
He clearly shows how “outsiders” (my word) predominantly hold incorrect views of the Middle Eastern region, and need to cease perpetuating fruitless attempts to interfere.
This book is a must read, especially by the inside the Beltway crowd, to include Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Avi Melamed is an outstanding Middle East analyst with exceptional insight into the Arab world, based on his unique set of experiences (or professional history). Through (insert the name of the book), Avi grants his audience “behind the scenes” access to the drama of today’s Middle East. His impressive track record in prognosticating actions and reactions is based on decades of professional experience and ongoing, painstaking work monitoring events and trends. The deep, yet highly engaging analysis of the different players, the developing trends and their future implications, offers the readers a unique compass to navigate the incredibly complex labyrinth of the Middle East.”
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir
National Director and CEO
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
In depth look at the struggle for dominance in the Middle East today. Addresses alliances which are being formed among countries, some of them unlikely, and shifting like the sands. Information is up-to-date and thoroughly written from the perspective of an Arabic speaker which is a plus. Stability of monarchies, emirates, sultanates in the region explored.
Avi Melamed uses his years of experience to help make sense of an increasingly complex and chaotic region. Using both an Israeli and an Arab lens, he allows the Western observer to gain unique insight into a world very foreign to us. With this work, Melamed brings difficult and fuzzy issues into sharp focus, allowing the reader to gain clear understanding of the multiple, competing factions inside the Middle East. Drawing on his years in the intelligence and political sectors, Melamed’s works are essential for any serious student of the Middle East irrespective of one’s political leanings. This work is vital for navigating this most difficult time in an eternally challenging region of the world.
Avi Melamed’s inside knowledge of the Middle East makes him a vital resource for anyone striving to find accurate context for today’s news from one of the world’s most intractable battle zones.
If you really want to understand the Middle East and know where the region is heading, there is no better source. His expertise in the geo-political realities that face the Middle East are clear and concise. With unflinching accuracy and gripping facts, he illuminates the hard reality of war.
His layered and nuanced analysis offers insight so far beyond the superficial that it shines a light on the profoundly layered nuance of this rich and complex region.
Linda Solomon Wood
CEO, Observer Media Group
Editor in Chief at The National Observer
Avi Melamed’s inside knowledge of the historical and social roots of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict make him a vital resource for anyone striving to find accurate context for today’s news from one of the world’s most intractable battle zones.
If you really want to understand the Middle East and know where the region is heading, there is no better source. His expertise in the geo-political realities that face the Middle East are clear and concise. With unflinching accuracy and gripping facts, he illuminates the hard reality of war.
His layered and nuanced analysis offers insight so far beyond the superficial that it shines a light on the profoundly layered nuance of this rich and complex region.
knowledgeable, and well written.Excellent A must read
As the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute, Avi has created a new learning model and groundbreaking program – Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives. Through applying classic intelligence techniques, he is empowering young people with the tools to build an accurate view of the Middle East and to be media literate critical thinkers honoring the 34thPresident, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy of leadership excellence. Avi Melamed adds a desperately needed voice to the conversation about the Middle East and he consistently brings our attention to “the story behind the story.” He is a keen analyst with a rare understanding of the Middle East – including what the future holds for the region. As a gifted and passionate educator, he offers us the insight and understanding so we can navigate the increasingly complex Middle East reality.
Major General William “Bill” Matz, US Army (Retired)
Member of the Eisenhower Institute National Advisory Council
Gettysburg College ‘61
Gives me a much better understanding of that area of the world. It should be required reading for all foreign service personnel.
“Avi Melamed is an outstanding Middle East analyst with a rare understanding of the Arab world. Avi grants his audience unique “behind the scenes” access to the drama of the Middle East. His ability to foresee actions, events and trends is remarkable – and his record of accurate predictions is extraordinary. If anyone wants to understand what is going on in the Arab world and wants to know where the Middle East is heading, Avi Melamed is a voice you need to heed.”
Major General (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir
National Director and CEO
Friends of the IDF
Inside the Middle East is a must read for all of us with an interest in the Middle East, but who are tired of the conventional coverage of the region. Melamed gives a completely fresh look — blowing holes in the myths pandered by many of the so-called experts, clearly and succinctly uncovering and explaining in detail what really makes the region tick. And Melamed doesn’t stop there, providing not only insight but also a clear direction forward. For those of us who have followed his writings, this comes as no surprise. Melamed has already made a name for himself with his hard hitting and to the point analysis. If this is your first introduction to Melamed, get ready for a great read, as well as a real eye opening experience that will leave you with entirely new views of the fast moving developments in the Middle East and their worldwide impact.
— Bill Hutman, Managing Director GlobalSource LLC, (a Washington DC based private intelligence and consulting company)
Melamed’s book starts off as an effective primer on the overlapping and interconnecting web of religion, culture, history, tribalism, language and racial identity that define the Middle East in the 21st century. Through analysis that is both detailed and accessible, the author breaks down such factors as the “distorted compass” guiding politics in the Arab world, the “screams of anger” behind the Arab Awakening, the patchwork quilt of jihadist, nationalist and democratic forces currently fighting in the Syrian conflict, and how political Islam is essentially “belly dancing in the driver’s seat.” Melamed’s insight looks at the whole chessboard, outlines the capabilities and limitations of each piece, and discusses why they are where they are, in a way that can be understood by a neophyte as well as appreciated by those experienced with the region.
Perhaps most helpful in the work is Melamed’s holistic approach to the region at large. Avoiding the reductive tendencies of Western thought towards the Middle East...read more
–– Nate Madden, Writer for Conservative Review, focusing on religion and culture. He previously served as the Director of Policy Relations for the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative. A John Jay Fellow, Citadel Parliamentary Fellow and National Journalism Center alumnus, Nate has previously written for World Magazine, The Washington Times, Catholic News Service, Patheos, Ethika Politika, and The Christian Post. Follow him @NateMadden
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