Reading this on the advice of another Pelican (can't remember who it was; may need to go back and find out so i can thank him). It is a history of the US dealings with the middle east beginning in 1776. I am only 80 or so pages into it (i fall asleed really quickly when reading, regardless of subject) but think it's some of the best time i've invested into anything lately.
It's given me lots of 'i'll be damned' and 'geez honey, listen to this...' moments already.
Highly recommend it.
