The Kurds (Major Muslim Nations)

The Kurds are considered the largest ethnic group without a state of their own. Most live in the mountainous region historically known as Kurdistan; however, this region, which includes parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, never existed as a political entity. Under the rule of others, the Kurds were discriminated against and sometimes persecuted-most infamously by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. As a result the dream of autonomy or a national home holds a powerful grip on the Kurdish imagination. This book examines the economic and political issues facing the Kurdish people today. It provides up-to-date information about the geography and climate of the areas in which the Kurds live, the history of this ethnic group and its society, important Kurdish cities and communities, and the Kurds' relations with the governments of the countries in which they live. Read more Continue reading Read less FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Gr 7 Up-Previously published in two editions as "Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World" (2003) and "Major Muslim Nations" (2010) , this set has been minimally revised. Changes include some new information about the momentous events and changes that have roiled the region and its governments in the last decade, updated statistics, and new photos. Books are objective and well written and cover standard geographic topics such as history, land, peoples, religions, political organizations, economic structures, foods, and celebrations. Each has several maps, which is a plus, and the large photos are attractive. War, terrorism, and political turmoil have radically altered the customs, religions, and populations of many Middle Eastern countries. Because the revisions don't reflect many of those changes, this set's content is rapidly becoming dated, reducing its value as a report resource. VERDICT Of limited use.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the library edition. Read more Continue reading Read less