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davidlz1's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very easy to read history of the political history of the Middle East and how the governing powers 'then' and the governing powers 'now' influenced events there. The end of the book goes forward with a proposal for why there should be an alignment of the three countries in the title and the probably impact that would have if it were to come to pass. Highly recommended.
steveatwaywords's review against another edition
3.0
Basing his argument on common values established by Turkish and Iranian history (and voiding the values argument with Israel and Saudi Arabia), Kinzer suggests that the US re-align its foreign policy by building a new global alliance for the Middle East. The argument is compelling (and the historical narratives particularly so), though how we must begin the cautious narrative with Iran is unclear. Kinzer does follow his argument with a few sentences which suggest that the current Iranian regime may have to pass in order to launch the effort. After our missed opportunity in 2009, however, it remains to be seen whether democracy in that country can take root. The short-sighted US policies of the 20th century (and following Sept 11) are illuminating and distressing.
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