A positive scholarly contribution to the field of knowledge in near eastern and southwestern Asian studies. Carefully edited, the writings will be a valuable source of insight for students of culture, ethnicity, and politics.-- "Perspective"
It keeps our focus where it ought to be in examining the destiny of this critical area of the world.-- "Pacific Affairs"
The array of essays by prominent, established scholars provides insights into the ways in which the breakup of traditional forms of tribal authority have led to the creation of new forms of ethnic identity.-- "Contemporary Sociology"
The unifying theme of this volume is the dynamics of the effort to form a strong central government in Islamic societies historically torn by serious ethnic and tribal divisions, which have never been successfully accommodated or resolved.-- "Arab Book World"