"Pollack achieves the dual purpose of analyzing the factors that have consistently hindered these armed forces and providing a robust assessment of their strengths and weaknesses during various battles. Since the experiences of these forces continue to shape military action around the world, this important overview belongs in all military research libraries and larger university libraries." Library Journal (October 2002)"Ken Pollack's critical analysis of the Arab military is comprehensive and illuminating. A masterful, much needed and timely work of practical scholarship." -Lt. Gen. Bernard E. Trainor, USMC (Ret.

) Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations."An important reference for anyone working on the history of the Middle East, regional security studies, and military and arms control analysis." Anthony H. Cordesman, author of Peace and War: The Arab-Israeli Military Balance Enters the 21st Century and Iran's Military Forces in Transition: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction"classic study." Fareed Zakaria's "World View" column in the April 7 issue of Newswee.