This book breaks down and elucidates the relationships between the several leaders of an increasingly religious Middle East. Considering Islamic religious figures as well as the political leaders of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, it explains how, in times of crisis, these leaders counter the influences of moderate and extremist Islamists with Islam itself. Each uses an interpretation of the religion to effect equilibrium amongst their people, thus generating relative stability for their rule. As a result, many leaders have enjoyed remarkable longevity of power, and some have managed to obtain legitimate political ends. This book goes beyond state- and society-centered theories to focus on the dynamic interactions between the rulers and the ruled, shedding new light on how international crises create domestic crises, and suggesting new solutions to the Middle East’s international problems.

The Author: Sonia Alianak is of Armenian origin and grew up in Sudan and Egypt. She received her B.A. at the American University in Cairo, her M.A. at the American University of Beirut, and her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi. Dr. Alianak is the author of several articles on Middle East politics and religion. She has presented papers on Islam and politics at conferences at the national level. She currently teaches courses on Middle East politics, international relations and international organizations at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.