Britain and the Middle East in the 9/11 Era [Paperback]

This authoritative book examines British policy in the Middle East, focusing on how Britain’s response to 9/11 – particularly the decision to join the US invasion of Iraq – has affected its role and relations in the region.

• Establishes what was ‘new’ about the New Labour approach and policies towards the Middle East and what changed as a result of 9/11 and the ‘war on terror’
• Analyses in detail how the Blair government handled the Iraq crisis, invasion and fallout, including developments in relations with Iran
• Documents Britain’s ‘niche’ role in the Middle East peace process.
• Argues that arms sales, trade and finance bind Britain to the Arab Gulf states
• Traces Britain ’s involvement in US–regional security arrangements

Introduction.

Chapter 1: Historical Background: Stages in the Relationship.

Chapter 2: New Labour Worldview and the Middle East.

Chapter 3: New Labour: New Policy-Making Process.

Chapter 4: Britain’s Role in the Peace Process: 1997 to 2001.

Chapter 5: The Road to War in Iraq.

Chapter 6: Reaping the Whirlwind: the Fallout from the Invasion of Iraq for British Relations across the Middle East.

Part I: Inside Iraq.

Part II: Around the Region.

Chapter 7: Realpolitik and the Peace Process after 9/11.

Chapter 8: Still Flying the Flag: Britain and the Arab Gulf States.

Chapter 9: Conclusions.

Index.

Hollis analyses British participation in the ‘war on terror', contending that New Labour failed to understand the lessons of the past and radicl³%