Rashid Khalidi's powerful new book examines the record of Western involvement in the Middle East and analyzes the likely outcomes of the U.S.A's most recent incursions in the region. Begun as the United States and Britain moved their forces into Iraq, and specially updated for this U.K. paperback edition to cover the shocking revelations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners and the debate over the war's legitimacy, Khalidi paints a chilling scenario of the present situation. America's path of conflict, occupation and colonial rule is an object reminder that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This cogent and highly accessible book provides the historical and cultural perspective so vital to understanding the U.S.A's dangerous present situation and offers a tangible alternative that can lead America to pursue a more effective and just foreign policy that will lead to peace rather than empire.