Saudi Arabia

This reference for students in high school and up details key aspects of life in Saudi Arabia and covers the country's history from ancient times to the present, with emphasis on contemporary history. The section on politics begins with an overview of political structures and roles and then covers the country's international relations with Arab, Muslim, and other countries. The section on the economy looks at natural resources, oil and other industries, agriculture, the labor situation, and financial structures. The section on society deals with religion and law, social classes and ethnicity, women and marriage, education, and the roots of current social divisions. There is also material on language, literature, visual art and film, music and dance, and popular culture. The final section considers contemporary issues such as defense, Islamist opposition and terrorism, women and social transformation, the media and censorship, and human rights. The book contains within-chapter chronologies and contemporary b&w photos, plus a glossary of Arabic terms, a section of facts and statistics, a list of country-related organizations, and a 50-page annotated bibliography. Zuhur directs the Institute of Middle Eastern, Islamic, and Strategic Studies at the US Army War College. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Sherifa Zuhur, PhD, is director of the Institute of Middle Eastern, Islamic, and Strategic Studies, and former professor of Islamic studies, history, and national security at the Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA.