The greatest danger to America's peace and prosperity, notes Middle East policy analyst Pollack, lies in the political repression, economic stagnation, and cultural conflict within Arab and Muslim nations. By inflaming political unrest and empowering terrorists, these forces pose a direct threat to America's national security. The impulse for America might be to turn its back in frustration over the Bush administration's mishandling of the Iraq War and other engagements. But such a move, Pollack asserts, will only exacerbate problems. He counters with the idea that we must continue to make the Middle East a priority in our policy, but in a humbler, more humane, more realistic, and more cohesive way. He argues that the greatest problem has been Washington's persistent unwillingness to make the sustained effort needed to help the people of the Middle East overcome the crippling societal problems facing their governments and societies.--From publisher description.

America's interests in the Middle East -- The problems of the modern Middle East -- The threats we face from the Middle East -- The core of a grand strategy for the Middle East -- A region of crises -- Looking farther down the path.