Newly revised and updated, this is the only comprehensive general geography of the Middle East by an American geographer, making it critical reading for all students of geography, regional history, comparative governments, economics, politics, and anthropology Now in its fourth edition, Middle East Patterns continues to be the only comprehensive, authoritative geographical study of the region. Colbert Held, a US geographer who experienced first-hand every country during his years of service in the region, has revised and updated his classic work while retaining the basic, well-received framework of past editions. Held examines the Middle East from a topical and then a regional, country-by-country perspective. A thoughtful consideration of the physical environment lays the groundwork for re-emphasis on cultural-political and geopolitical patterns, which are the essence of the study. Middle East Patterns has been widely commended for its careful balance in analyzing the several geopolitical problems of the area, notably the disputes regarding Israel an Palestine. Richly illustrated with 70 clear map - virtually all hand drawn exclusively for this book - as well as over 100 photographs, Middle East Patterns now includes new, post-9/11 history and insight. Held addresses the ramifications of the Iraq war, and includes a special new section specifically on terrorism.