Elie Podeh is Lecturer in the Department of Islam and Middle Eastern Studies, at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Research Fellow at The Truman Institute for the Advancement of Peace.

In spite of its short duration, the rise and demise of the United Arab Republic the union between Egypt and Syria (195861) is considered a seminal episode in the modern history of the Arab world. At the time, many Arabs hoped that the union would herald realization of the pan-Arab dream, but its disintegration shattered this dream beyond repair. With the wisdom of hindsight it is also clear that this episode had a significant, lasting impact on the evolution of Arab politics. -- From the Foreword by Moshe Maoz, author of "Asad: The Sphinx of Damascus"A superb narrative and analysis long overdue. -- Choice Outstanding Academic Book"An important book. Podehs is the most reliable of the histories of the union." -- The International History Review