Clearly and concisely, Dilip Hiro provides the background for an understanding of what was taking place in Middle Eastern countries such as Afghanistan, Libya Egypt and Syria at the end of the 1980s. This is a comprehensive and readable work, of great relevance and value to those with an interest in Middle Eastern politics and history, and the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Maps; A Note on the Islamic Calendar; Glossary of Arabic and Persian Words; Introduction; 1. The Rise of Islam: Sunnism and Shiaism 2. Orthodox Islam and Sufism 3. Islam in Modern Times 4. The Muslim Brotherhoods in Egypt and Syria 5. Saudi Arabia: the Oldest Fundamentalist State 6. Iran Revolutionary Fundamentalism in Power 7. Afghanistan: Changing Fortunes of Fundamentalism; Conclusion; Epilogue; Notes; Select Bibliography; Index.