"In the year 1000, the economy of the Middle East was at least as advanced as that of Europe. But by 1800, the region had fallen dramatically behind--in living standards, technology, and economic institutions. In short, the Middle East had failed to modernize economically as the West surged ahead. What caused this long divergence? And why does the Middle East remain drastically underdeveloped compared to the West? In The Long Divergence, one of the...

Publisher's description: While tensions continue to rise in Iraq and surrounding countries, there is a heightened curiosity worldwide for definitive, balanced, and timely information about the Middle East. This concise and distinctive volume provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the driving forces that have led to acts of violence, religious fervor, and costly wars in this hostile territory and lends valuable insight into the present situation....