Richard Robison

The Middle East Explained: Answering the Critical Questions on America's Middle East Challenge Richard Robison

Enchantingly beautiful, the Middle East is like a mysteriously veiled woman, yet fortunately for us her raven eyes are visible, a window to her soul. Umm Idduniya, the "Mother of the World," the Middle East is at the center of each of us, whether we recognize it or not. Yet, for political reasons I suspect, our national leaders appear to believe the average American is unwilling to understand the true extent of America's role there. For example, the U. S. Administration refuses to utter the "O" word. Any discussion of oil or oil politics is absolutely forbidden. In the process, we are being told precious little of America's true Mideast equities and the strategic power of this oil...perhaps because our leaders fear we are not yet ready for the truth?I resent the premise. Therefore, from well-placed sources what follows are the 24 KEY QUESTIONS Americans should be asking about our role and purpose in the Middle East, and the seldom explored answers. What are the Six Principal Reasons the United States invaded Iraq? Chapter 1 leaps at that question with both feet. What specific threats are Muslim fanatics making against America? Why isn't the media accurately reporting those threats? That question illuminated in Chapter 5. Why is it impossible to understand the strategic importance of the region without considering the "China Card"? How does China magnify the threat rushing at us from the Islamic Republic of Iran? And finally: What is the endgame? How do we finish terrorism once and for all?Obviously the stakes are high. But there is hope, a hope shining from the eyes of a half-a-billion young Muslims from Marrakech to Bangladesh. America and the world's long-term security, peace, and prosperity are now riveted firmly to the future of the Middle East. Success is in our hands. God help us if we fail.