The World Today Series: The Middle East and South Asia. More than a quarter of the worlds population live in the Middle East and South Asia, yet our knowledge and understanding of the region is often limited to news updates about the latest conflicts and crises. This edition of the annually updated volume of the World Today Series provides important insights that take the reader beyond the headlines. It offers detailed and up-to-date information about the politics, economies and societies of the twenty-four states that make up the region. Contemporary events are placed in their historical context, through an examination of major civilizations and key historical events. This volume introduces major themes that have shaped the region, including the struggles of ordinary people to achieve democratic rights; the role of oil in shaping society; burgeoning environmental threats; and the rise and fall of the Islamic State caliphate. While there is reason for optimism in regards to the Middle East and South Asia, this is tempered by the very real challenges that confront the region. The general reader will gain an understanding of these challenges and opportunities through an exploration of current and past developments.

Ilan Pappeis the director of The European Center for Palestine Studies and a senior fellow at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter. He has published 20 books.

The State of Democracy: Seasons of Hope and Despair

Black Gold or Resource Curse? The Impact of Oil on the Middle East and Beyond

An Uncertain Climate: Regional Environment Challenges

The Rise and Decline of a Modern Caliphate

Historical Background

The Spread of Civilization

The Rise and Fall of Empires

Hebrews and Judaeans

The Hellenistic Age, Roman Rule, and Christianity

Zoroastrian, Buddhist, and Hindu Cultures

Muhammad and the Rise of Islam

Islamic Expansion and Society: The Arab Caliphate

The Barbarian Invasions

The Safavid, Ottoman, and Mogul Empires

European Expansion into the Indian Ocean

The Creation of the British Raj

Nations of the Middle East

Bahrain

Egypt

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Palestine

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

Yemen

Map 1910

Map Today

Nations of South Asia

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Bhutan

India

Maldives

Nepal

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Disputed Territories

Abu Musa (Gap Sabzu) and the Greater and

Lesser Tunbs

British Indian Ocean Territory

(the Chagos Archipelago)

The Occupied Territories

East Jerusalem (Arab Jerusalem)

The Golan Heights (Jawlan)

Jammu and Kashmir

Regional Organizations

Gulf Cooperation Council

League of Arab States

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

Selected Bibliography of Key English Language Sources