China and the Middle East uniquely explores China's growing presence in the Middle East, and both the benefits and anxiety that this presence has caused in the region, as well as in the West. There are currently very few sources of reference from a Middle Eastern standpoint on the role that the China is currently playing out in the Middle East. Muhamad Olimat addresses this gap in the literature, presenting an in-depth analysis of Chinese-Middle Eastern relations, highlighting some of the most important events that characterize the ties between China and the Middle East, and examining their relationship in key areas such as energy, trade, arms sales, culture and politics. The title consists of 8 chapters, focusing on the following topics: An Overview of Sino-Middle Eastern Relations A Theoretical Perspective A Tridimensional Approach to Sino-Middle Eastern Relations Energy Security and the Growing Demand for Oil in China Cultural Exchange: the Growing Stature of China in the Middle East Great Power Rivalry in the Middle East Challenges to Sino-Middle Eastern Relations Future Trends This title assists the understanding of the uniqueness of the Chinese model of engagement in the Middle East and develops a theoretical framework to understand, analyse and predict future trends in Chinese-Middle Eastern relations. It is therefore of major interest and use to scholars, post graduates and final year undergraduates of Middle East Politics, Chinese Foreign Policy, Sino-Middle Eastern relations, China's international relations, international relations of the Middle East, Middle East political economy, Saudi Studies, Iranian Studies, American-Chinese relations and Great Powers policies toward the Middle East.

This manuscript examines relations between China and the Middle East in historical context. It highlights some of the most important events that characterize the ties between China and the Middle East, and examines their relationship in key areas that include energy, trade, arms sales, culture and politics.

The centre of China s relations with Israel is arms sales and advanced technology, while the core of Sino-Saudi relations is oil. Iran and China are tied with deep historical, civilizational, cultural and political relations, but China s current interests in Iran centre on oil. Relations between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) centre on trade. The UAE serve as a primary hub for Chinese business corporations not only in the Gulf or the wider Middle East, but also in Africa and the world. China s relations with Algeria have been based on political co-ordination since the early days of the Algerian War of Independence and the early days of the People s Republic of China. China provided Algeria with political, diplomatic and military support to accomplish its national liberation from France. Since then, their partnership has developed.

Finally, the book develops a tridimensional approach in which China s ties with Middle Eastern countries are viewed as an outcome of interaction between three actors in each situation. The book reaches the conclusion that China s national interests in the Middle East are only increasing, and it is anticipated that Sino-Middle Eastern relations and strategic partnerships will be enhanced in the near future, provided that China is not perceived as undermining the Arab Spring.

Key Features

• Offers an in-depth analysis of Chinese-Middle Eastern relations
• Assists students and scholars in understanding the uniqueness of the Chinese model of engagement in the Middle East
• Explains why most Middle Easterners prefer China s engagement to Western engagement
• Explores the future of Sino-Middle Eastern relations

This volume examines the role of Arab women in the Arab Spring and their contribution to the ongoing process of change sweeping the region. The book begins with an examination of the process of democratization and its impediments in the Arab World since the Second World War. It then looks at the conditions that led to the upsurge of the so-called Arab Spring. Finally, it underscores women's role as participants, organizers, leaders, but also as victims. The main thesis of the book is that while Arab women were an integral part of the revolutionary efforts within the Arab Spring paradigm, they did not benefit from their sacrifices. Although they continue to be part of the process of change, their gains, rights and scope for participation are still limited. If the expansion of women's participation and the scope of their rights do not seem to be a priority for revolutionary forces, women have made remarkable achievements, especially in some Arab Spring countries such as Yemen and Libya. The book includes case studies of some Arab Spring countries and other countries influenced by developments: Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. It calls on revolutionary and reformist forces to give special attention to issues related to Arab women, as they are an indispensable pillar in the process of reform, development, peace and stability in the Middle East.