'This is an outstanding book, bracing in its understanding of the rapacious forces that set upon the Middle East and meticulous in weaving the historical threads that explain why.' -- John Pilger 'A thought provoking and original take on the present catastrophic realities in the Middle East. This is a timely research into the causes of the failure of the Arab Spring. It deems the defeat of the 'Spring' as a counter revolution prompted by external interventions. The book is a tour de force that begins with the past European Revolutions and ends up with an intriguing and highly convincing analysis of the demise of the Arab Spring. No one is spared in this incisive analysis: Arab regimes, fundamentalist movements, the West and Israel are all castigated here for their responsibility for the suffering of the people of Middle East today.' -- Ilan Pappe, Professor of History, University of Exeter 'An avalanche of spies, lies, covert actions and overt aggression - Davidson shows how many of the West's troubles in the Middle East have emerged from its relentless search for resources.' -- Leif Wenar, Professor and Chair in Philosophy and Law, King's College London 'Mr Davidson is one of the most knowledgeable academics writing about the region.' The Economist

Christopher Davidson is a Reader in Middle East Politics at Durham University.