This is an essential and accessible introduction to fundamental topics in the current Middle East, written by an all-star cast of contributors. This volume of provocative contributions by an impressive array of leading scholars, journalists, and policy advisors provides an accessible and integrated introduction to selected topical issues of the Middle East. Academic contributors include Arthur Goldschmidt, William Cleveland, Colbert Held, Shibley Telhami, David Lesch, David E Long, Bernie Reich, Samih Farsoun, and Phebe Marr among notable others - complemented by contributions by former State Department official David Phillips, top journalists Mark Huband and Thomas Lippman, and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony Shadid. With an integrative opening essay by highly honoured scholar Arthur Goldschmidt Jr, "The Contemporary Middle East" is an invaluable new core text for courses introducing students to the current Middle East. Its strategic pairing of topics (Israel and Palestine, Iran and Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt) enhances student comprehension of comparison and context, and ensures that students repeatedly re-encounter key issues from a variety of perspectives. A concluding section illuminates United States policy from the perspective of the Middle East. Student resources include an annotated bibliography by William Cleveland, a glossary of terms, a brief biographical dictionary, and a chronology.