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| Submitted: Monday, July 9, 2007; 9:19 a.m. print this page ● feedback ● main ALSBOM site |
Americans of this generation have always been somewhat familiar
with the region of the world called the Middle East. The
historic events during the last several decades have all but
ensured that this nation would be concerned about the volatile
group of nations which comprise that area of the world.
Michael B. Oren, well-known author of several books on the
subject of Middle Eastern history, has added to that inventory
with Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East:
1776 to the Present. Oren chose the title because he feels
these three words summarize the fascination and interest that
Americans have had with the Middle East throughout this nation's
history. His book is a historical journey through American
History as it relates to this enchanting area of geography.
He begins the pilgrimage in the Washington administration as the
young nation had to come to grips with the Barbary Pirates who
created havoc for American trade in Mediterranean coast of North
Africa. This problem became a chronic one for future
administrations. Presidents Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln
were challenged by relationships in this important part of the
world as well, even though their administrations were known for
other more notable events in American history.
In 1902, an American coined the term Middle East to
differentiate from the Far East and the Near East. The name
developed a life of its own and today is almost universally
used. Teddy Roosevelt and his distant cousin FDR had to deal
with the growing prominence and importance of the region. World
War II had a major battle front in North Africa and the fading
Ottoman Empire, which now is basically Turkey, an adversary
during the second world war.
However, with the establishment of the nation of Israel after
the war, the volatile region became even more of a challenge in
terms of foreign relations for every president. From Truman to
the second Bush administration, which now means the War on
Terror, the nation's leaders have confronted colossal
difficulties.
Power, Faith and Fantasy represents an relatively
readable approach to these complex issues. Oren is an authority
on the region as is evidenced by being a Senior Fellow at the
Shalem Center. He takes an ostensibly objective approach to the
matter as he fleshes out the story.
For America, power or influence in the Middle East came as a
result of World War II and the demise of colonial European
presence worldwide. Oren also eloquently describes the interest
Americans have in faith or religion as it relates to the region.
Present-day Israel and its former provincial state form have
always held huge interest for American Protestants, Catholics
and Jews. The city of Jerusalem -- as a holy place for
Christians, Muslims and Jews -- illustrates the point quite
well.
Oren further contends that Americans have historically held some
fantasy ideas about the Middle East. The Book of One Thousand
and One Nights is a long-standing example of the mythmaking
concerning the people of the region. The Indiana Jones films
also offer such evidence. However, the fantasy ideas have been
almost eradicated by 911 and other terrorist events of recent
decades.
My interest in the Middle East is admittedly seen through
American eyes. Like most evangelicals, The Bible Lands are very
special to me. My visits there served only to enhance that
connection. Yes, I did grow up on the Arabian Nights stories,
along with King Arthur and other noble accounts of adventure.
Furthermore, I recognize the important influence, or as Oren
calls it "power," that the U.S. has in the Middle East.
Therefore, the book interested me and informed me. It help me
understand America as well as the Middle East.
