CHAPEL HILL, N.C., March 30, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- For more than 5,000 years, the evolution of the Middle East has been guided not only by the political and cultural forces of its people, but also by the unique landscape of the region. In his new book, Divide and Perish: The Geopolitics of the Middle East (now available through AuthorHouse), Curtis F. Jones presents an intensive guide to the history of this area and the uncertain future it faces.
With decades of expertise in Middle Eastern affairs and diplomacy, Jones explains how it has been shaped in large part by its natural terrain. While this part of the world is connected by valleys, plateaus and rivers, it is isolated by seas and treacherous deserts and mountain ranges. This thorough work highlights how geopolitical influences have affected the people that inhabit the Middle East and the nation-states that fail to take into account the unique topography of the region. The United States, especially, has not considered the fact strongly enough in its shaping of foreign policy, Jones writes, and continuing to disregard it will only bring more frustrated attempts at successfully implementing plans.
Jones also discusses many of the factors that have shaped this area of the world for centuries. From the abundance of oil and lack of water to the ongoing concern over a Palestinian state, the book offers a wide-ranging treatise on the Middle East. From developments in early Mesopotamia to 21st century Islamic fundamentalism, Divide and Perish: The Geopolitics of the Middle East is a breakthrough guide to a region of the world where millions are focusing their attention.
After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1942 and serving in the Army during World War II, Jones began his career at the State Department. Having studied Arabic in the military, he was one of the first participants in the Arabic program at the State Department's Foreign Service Institute. He had occasion to interpret for three secretaries of state. Jones earned a master's degree in international relations through an extension program of George Washington University. He has served in numerous foreign service officer positions overseas, in locations such as Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and South Yemen. He also served as officer in charge of Egyptian and Syrian affairs and director of research and intelligence for the Near East, North Africa and South Asia. Jones was part of the team that dealt with the abduction and murder of two American diplomats by the Palestinian organization Black September. Since his retirement, he has worked as a government consultant, writer, speaker and a regular contributor to the electronic journal American Diplomacy.org.
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