ONE OF THE GREAT LANDMARKS OF CULTURAL STUDIESFirst published in 1973; revised in 1983; and now updated with new demographic information about the Arab world; The Arab Mind takes readers on a journey through the societies and peoples of a complex and volatile region. This sensitive study explores the historical origins of Arab nationalism; the distinctive rhetorical style of Arabic speakers and its effect on politics; traditional attitudes toward child-rearing practices; the status of women; the beauty of Arabic literature; and much more.MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVERSince September 11; the book s lessons have been misconstrued by some but have proven indispensable to those trying to truly understand the roots of the major political conflicts of our time. Patai s sympathetic but critical depiction of Arab culture explores the continuing role of the Bedouin values of honor and courage in modern Arab culture; inter-Arab conflict and the aspiration toward unity; and how anti-Western attitudes conflated with anti-modernization have led to stagnation in much of the Arab world.DRAWS ON A LIFETIME OF EXPERTISEPatai; a prominent anthropologist and historian; drew on both his research and his personal experience to produce this indispensable work in the field of Middle Eastern studies. With an updated foreword by Norvell B. DeAtkine; former director of Middle East Studies at the JFK Special Warfare School; The Arab Mind remains a relevant and crucial masterpiece of scholarship for anyone seeking to understand this multifaceted culture today.
#526052 in Books Potomac Books Inc. 1998-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.02 x 1.02 x 8.44l; 2.42 #File Name: 1574881809462 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fine book for the very basic concepts of military geographyBy steven s.Fine book for the very basic concepts of military geography. This is more of a classroom textbook than a study of military history.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Goes Way Beyond Hold the High GroundBy John MatlockAny amateur reader of military science and history knows a few maxims of military geography -- hold the high ground and let the enemy come to you for instance. But that is not the way that a professional military officer/geographer knows about the military aspects of geography.This book is an extremely interesting mix of general discussion about military geography combined with detailed discussions of the situation at specific places where the US military has had to go.Of particular interest to me was the chapter on the beaches in Normandy. Among all the descriptions of the physical geography is a description of the obstacles (which modify geography) such as beach fortifications. In talking about these his comment is: 'The aggregate could best be described as awesome.' This leads on to the construction of airfields in Normandy in the days after D-Day; seven airfields were operational by D+20.I suspect that the military has books and courses on geography for their own use; but for the amateur interested in the details about military geography I can't recommend this book to highly.13 of 15 people found the following review helpful. ***Terrain and the 9 Grounds***By T.A.L. DozerSun Tzu the greatest military strategist to ever live dedicated two complete scrolls to the use of geography in warfare. The two scrolls were (translated) "Terrain" and the second was "Nine Grounds". Today the out come of all major conflicts are determined with a list of various factors one of those being geography. Knowing the "lay of the land" is a major asset to a tactician; knowing the "land" enables a planner to estimate probably courses of actions the enemy may take and how he may counter this move while using all available assets to his advantage; like the local geography. This includes every element from the weather; season; night; day; terrain; and that is to name but a few. The book covers topics from sea states to atmosphere as well as outer space and moon conditions. The book uses historical events to promote the topic by illustrating the events outcome due to some overlooked or advantages geographical condition. This book is not just for some planning officer at corps level but is an awesome primer for squad leaders and specialty troops like scouts; snipers and Special Forces operators. The book is also quite a good read for the armchair historian. The content of the book is put together excellent; the text; illustrations; and pictures are crisp and clear. The book is also oversized which makes it easier to read and handle. As a final not if you own this book; or like this topic I also recommend; "Battling The Elements" by Harold A. Winters.
