"Much has been written in recent years about the Middle East. At the same time, no other region has been as misunderstood, nor framed in so many cliches and mistakenly-held beliefs." "In this much-needed expose, Fred Halliday selects one hundred of the most commonly misconstrued 'facts' - in the political, cultural, social and historical spheres - and illuminates each case without compromising its underlying complexities. The Israel-Palestine crisis, the Iran-Iraq war, the US-led Gulf incursions, the Afghan-Soviet conflict and other significant milestones in modern Middle Eastern history come under scrutiny here, with conclusions that will surprise and enlighten many for going so persuasively against the grain."--BOOK JACKET.