Begun as the United States moved its armed forces into Iraq, Rashid Khalidi"s powerful and thoughtful new book examines the record of Western involvement in the region and analyzes the likely outcome of our most recent Middle East incursions. Drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge of the political and cultural history of the entire region as well as interviews and documents, Khalidi paints a chilling scenario of our present situation and yet offers a tangible alternative that can help us find the path to peace rather than Empire. We all know that those who refuse to learn history are doomed to repeat it. Sadly, as Khalidi reveals with clarity and surety, America"s leaders seem blindly committed to an ahistorical path of conflict, occupation, and colonial rule. Our current policies ignore rather than incorporate the lessons of experience. This cogent and highly accessible book should help U.S. citizens to recognize better solutions.

The perils of ignoring history -- The legacy of the Western encounter with the Middle East -- America, the West, and democracy in the Middle East -- The Middle East: geostrategy and oil -- The United States and Palestine -- Raising the ghosts of empire.