Britain And The Middle East In The 9/11 Era

This authoritative book examines British policy in the Middle East, focusing on how Britain’s response to 9/11 – particularly the decision to join the US invasion of Iraq – has affected its role and relations in the region.

• Establishes what was ‘new’ about the New Labour approach and policies towards the Middle East and what changed as a result of 9/11 and the ‘war on terror’

• Analyses in detail how the Blair government handled the Iraq crisis, invasion and fallout, including developments in relations with Iran

• Documents Britain’s ‘niche’ role in the Middle East peace process.

• Argues that arms sales, trade and finance bind Britain to the Arab Gulf states

• Traces Britain ’s involvement in US–regional security arrangements

Biography

Dr Rosemary Hollis is Director of the Olive Tree Scholarship Programme at City University London, and was formerly Director of Research at Chatham House

About The Author:

Dr Rosemary Hollis is Director of the Olive Tree Scholarship Programme at City University London, and was formerly Director of Research at Chatham House.

Table Of Contents:

Map of the Middle East

Introduction 1

1 Historical background: stages in the relationship 5

2 New Labour worldview and the Middle East 30

3 New Labour: new policy-making process 50

4 Britain's role in the peace process: 1997-2001 70

5 The road to war in Iraq 86

6 Reaping the whirlwind: the fallout from the invasion of Iraq for British relations across the Middle East 107

7 Realpolitik and the peace process after 9/11 135

8 Still flying the flag: Britain and the Arab Gulf states 158

9 Conclusions 179

Notes 185

Index 211

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Britain and the Middle East in the 9/11 Era

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