The Middle East: The Clash of History

This title is an acquisition.

For centuries, the Middle East, situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, has enjoyed tremendous strategic and economic importance. Fought over and conquered frequently by outsiders since ancient times, it has also given rise to advanced civilizations that profoundly influenced successive waves of invaders. This documentary, which includes a concise, historical introduction to the region, provides essential information for understanding the connections between its present and its past. Reviewing the cultural cross-fertilization and conflicts that have indelibly marked the area over the centuries, it also traces later developments that gave impetus to Arab-Israeli hostilities between the 1940s and the last decade including the role played by the United Nations and the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Lester B. Pearson. Valuable as a background resource for high-school age and adult audiences, the video will assist viewers in grasping some of the complex issues behind today's headlines.