Reference no: EM133703991

Questions:

1. What is the "real significance" (p. 1) of the Arab Spring democratic uprisings, according to Ayoob? Why might its upheavals lead to a "domino effect" that could lead the Middle East to an "implosion" (p. 4)? What are the five "key sources of potential combustion" (p. 5)?
2. What is "Islamism" (p. 12), according to Ayoob? What challenges does it pose to Middle East stability because of (1) "Western skepticism and suspicion" (p. 15), (2) "Islamist militancy" (p. 24), "Counter-revolutionary political Islam" (p. 27), "Transnational jihadism" (p. 31), and "Shia Islamism" (p. 37), in his account?
3. What challenges does the continued "Deadlock over Palestine" (p. 46) pose to Middle East stability, according to Ayoob? Why have Israel-Palestine relations worsened to a "zero-sum game" (p. 53)? What have been the "impact of the Arab uprisings" (p. 59)? Finally, why does a "two-state solution" (p. 70) look increasingly unlikely?
4. What "Regional and Global Rivalries" (p. 73) pose a challenge to Middle East stability, according to Ayoob? In what way has the Syrian Civil War worsened relations between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran, in his account?
5. What challenges do Iranian nuclear ambitions, or "'the Bomb'" (p. 113) pose to Middle East stability, according to Ayoob? What is the best "way out" (p. 136)?
6. How does Ayoob answer the question "Will the Middle East Implode" (p. 144)? What will have to occur with respect to "Egypt's military coup" (p. 146), "Islamist radicalism" (p. 150), and the "Sunni-Shia divide" (p. 154) to ensure stability, in his opinion?