An indispensable research tool for academic, public, and high school libraries, corporate and non-profit organization libraries, as well as U.S. and foreign government agencies and news media companies, this guide is the one-stop source for vital information and analysis on every major aspect of government and politics in the Middle East. The new edition is fully updated with coverage of events through the end of 2007.  An in-depth introductory essay analyzes the issues, trends, and events that affect the entire Middle East, including : Ongoing war in Iraq United States′ effort to bring democracy to the region Developments in Afghanistan and the revival of the Taliban The resurgence of al-Qaida in Pakistan Lebanese-Syrian relations The Israeli-Palestinian relationship and Fatah vs. Hamas The question of nuclearization in Iran International oil markets and OPEC′s response The Darfur crisis