Barry Rubin

Barry Rubin (1950-2014) was an American-Israeli scholar and author who specialized in Middle Eastern politics and history. He served as director of the Global Research in International Affairs Center and was editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs. Rubin wrote and edited over 100 books and published numerous articles on Middle Eastern politics, terrorism, and international affairs. His most widely-known works include "The Truth About Syria," "The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East," and "Revolution Until Victory?: The Politics and History of the PLO." As a foreign policy analyst, Rubin frequently contributed to major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Foreign Affairs. His analytical work focused particularly on Israel, Iran, Turkey and Arab states, examining both historical developments and contemporary political dynamics. Rubin taught at various institutions including Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and Tel Aviv University. His research and commentary significantly influenced academic and policy discussions about Middle Eastern geopolitics and U.S.-Middle East relations during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Readers consistently note Rubin's depth of expertise in Middle East politics and appreciate his clear explanations of complex regional dynamics. On Amazon and Goodreads, his books average 4.3-4.7 stars across hundreds of reviews. Readers highlight: - Thorough research and extensive citations - Balanced analysis of Israeli-Palestinian conflicts - Breaking down complicated geopolitical relationships - Historical context that illuminates current events Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive points across multiple books - Some readers perceive bias in coverage of Islamic movements - Updates needed for post-2013 developments A typical review notes: "Rubin provides detailed analysis backed by primary sources, though the writing can be dry at times." (Goodreads) Average ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (789 reviews across top titles) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,243 ratings) Google Books: 4.4/5 (328 ratings)

Nazis, Islamists, and the Making of the Modern Middle East (2014) Examines the political alliance between Nazi Germany and Arab nationalist movements during WWII and its lasting impact on Middle Eastern politics.

The Truth About Syria (2007) Analyzes Syria's political system, foreign policy, and role in regional conflicts under the Assad regime.

The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East (2005) Documents the efforts of Arab reformers and their challenges in promoting democratic change across the Middle East.

Revolution Until Victory?: The Politics and History of the PLO (1994) Chronicles the Palestinian Liberation Organization's evolution from its founding through the Oslo peace process.

Islamic Fundamentalists in Egyptian Politics (1990) Examines the role of Islamic movements in Egypt's political landscape and their influence on society.

Secrets of State: The State Department and the Struggle Over U.S. Foreign Policy (1985) Analyzes the internal workings of the U.S. State Department and its impact on American foreign policy decisions.

Paved with Good Intentions: The American Experience and Iran (1980) Details the history of U.S.-Iran relations and the events leading to the Iranian Revolution.

Istanbul Intrigues (1989) Describes Turkey's role during World War II and the complex diplomatic maneuvering between various powers in Istanbul.

Bernard Lewis specialized in Middle Eastern and Ottoman history, producing foundational works on Islamic-Western relations and modern Middle Eastern politics. His analytical approach to regional historical developments parallels Rubin's focus on power dynamics and political movements.

Daniel Pipes focuses on Middle Eastern politics, Islamism, and Arab-Israeli relations through his academic work and policy research. He examines similar themes to Rubin regarding regional conflicts and ideology's role in Middle Eastern politics.

Martin Kramer analyzes Middle Eastern politics with emphasis on Islamic movements and Arab intellectual history. His work at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and various academic institutions covers similar territory to Rubin's research on regional political developments.

Fouad Ajami wrote extensively about Arab political culture and the modern Middle East's ideological landscape. His analysis of Arab nationalism and political transformation aligns with Rubin's examination of regional political movements.

Walter Laqueur produced comprehensive works on terrorism, Middle Eastern politics, and contemporary history. His research on political violence and radical movements complemented Rubin's focus on regional security issues and political extremism.