valuable insights into ongoing gridlock in Middle East.Four years is a very long time in the politics of the Middle East. This collection is interesting. But to read it four years after its publication shows up the lack of realism on the part of some of the contributors rather badly. It is understandable that they were full of admiration for people whom they knew, and who were taking considerable risks in taking on miserable regimes. It seemed to me, however, that in the pieces dealing with then-current politics, not enough thought was given to the spread of attachments in the countries in question or to how these might be accommodated, structurally. The historical pieces, while covering - albeit briefly and in an interesting way - a now familiar story, have (understandably) stood up much better. While the contributions dealing with literary issues also remain interesting.Excellent update on the continuing tragedy in the Middle East.