Soldier in the Sand

With the Middle East in a state of persistent change and upheaval, there has long been a need for a comprehensive, yet readable, study that can give the intelligent and interested `lay-person' a greater understanding of this diverse, complex region.

The author, whose links with the area are deep and long-standing, successfully does just that in Soldier in the Sand. As well as analyzing its history and religions, which strongly influence people's actions, attitudes and relationships, he draws...