Discover the captivating story of Hezbollah, the powerful Shi’i political and military organization that has reshaped the landscape of the Middle East. With its entry into the Lebanese government and its decisive role in the Syrian civil war, Hezbollah has become the dominant force in the region.

Augustus Richard Norton provides a deeply insightful and balanced analysis of Hezbollah in this groundbreaking book. This updated edition includes new chapters that shed light on the group’s recent activities, particularly its involvement in Syria.

While policymakers in the United States and Israel brand Hezbollah as a dangerous terrorist organization, its enduring popularity and resilient support cannot be ignored. Norton’s expert account offers a clear and informed understanding of Hezbollah’s complex nature, as both a militia and a political party dedicated to social services and public works.

Embarking on a captivating journey, “Between Beirut and the Moon” by Naji Bakhti takes us into the dreams and aspirations of Adam, a young Arab with an audacious desire to become an astronaut. But in a world where this seems unfathomable, his battle to defy the odds is both inspiring and heartwrenching.

Surrounded by a diverse cast of characters, including his book-loving, eulogy-writing journalist father and his eccentric friend Basil, who embraces the belief in reincarnation and worships goats, Adam finds himself navigating a city scarred by political unrest and warfare.

Through a thrilling rollercoaster ride of laughter and near-death experiences, the story beautifully captures the essence of Beirut, a city struggling to recover from years of turmoil. Adam’s quest to comprehend this enigmatic and ever-changing urban landscape becomes a metaphor for his own personal journey.

Experience the shattering vision of an Arab woman in “Sitt Marie Rose” by Etel Adnan. This remarkable novel, translated by Georgina Kleege, offers English-language readers a rare opportunity to delve into the compelling story of Marie Rose Boulous. As a Lebanese Maronite Christian, divorced and mother of three, Marie Rose’s life was tragically cut short when she was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by the Phalangist militia during the civil war in 1976. Her “crimes” according to the Phalangists? Working in Palestinian camps and living unmarried with a Palestinian doctor.

Etel Adnan skillfully portrays Marie Rose’s rebellion against societal norms, her embrace of human love, and her rejection of sectarianism. Through her story, Adnan forces us to confront the underlying conflict between these values and prevalent Arab society. But make no mistake, the author doesn’t limit the discussion to Maronite Christians alone. She argues that this clannish mentality is deeply ingrained across the Middle East.

The novel’s central theme revolves around the urgent need for social change in the region. Adnan asserts that true progress can only occur when tribal concepts crumble and individuals embrace love and care for those beyond their own tribe. It is within this context that Marie Rose’s connection to the Palestinians becomes profoundly significant.