The contemporary Middle East has experienced a series of costly, enduring conflicts over the past several decades. This course offers an analysis and discussion of the causes, consequences, and efforts to resolve regional conflict, focusing on Arab-Israeli relations and the two Gulf Wars. We use theoretical perspectives from political science to shed light on their dynamics, the successes and failures of attempts to resolve them, and the varied roles played by the United States and other major international actors. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: a midterm, final exam and one 8- to 10-page paper. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 39. Preference to Political Science majors.

Hour: FLIBBERT