The armed forces have long been one of the Middle East's most important institutions. The region's armies have frequently seized political power and have always had a powerful influence on government policy. Every country in the region devotes a relatively large proportion of its resources for arms purchases and military spending. The high level of internal disorders and international frictions or wars have also made the armed forces extraordinarily central to the situation in different nations and to the life of the region.

'Armed Forces In the Middle East' examines the area’s leading armed forces and their role in both military and political affairs. It considers their missions, doctrine, training, equipment and effectiveness as fighting forces. At the same time, the various expert contributors discuss the relations between the armed forces and their respective governments, with the issues raised ranging from internal repression to budgetary matters. On some issues, high-ranking officers force Arab regimes to meet their demands. In other ways, regimes impose restrictions on the armies in order to maintain their own political control. These mechanisms also reduce the soldiers’ military quality, and hence their ability to wage war.

Among the armed forces specifically examined in this volume are those of Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Syria and Turkey.

Other chapters provide an overview of the Middle Eastern militaries’ political role and strategic value; of why Arab armies have performed poorly in warfare; and of the part played by the U.S. and Russia in training, arms supplies, shaping the doctrine of local militaries, and engaging in direct intervention.