Politics of Persecution: Middle Eastern Christians in an Age of Empire

The book "The Politics of Persecution" examines the historical persecution of Christians in the Middle East and challenges the narrative that they are a homogeneous, helpless group at the mercy of their Muslim enemies. It reveals that Middle Eastern Christians have been repeatedly sacrificed on the altar of Western national interests and that they have developed resilience by adjusting to changing contexts and maintaining a dynamic identity.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 215 pages
\n Publication date: 01 September 2021
\n Publisher: Baylor University Press
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The persecution of Christians in the Middle East has been a persistent issue since the mid-nineteenth century, with a recent resurgence, particularly during the Trump era. This narrative often portrays Middle Eastern Christians as a homogeneous, helpless group at the mercy of their Muslim enemies, a situation that only Western powers can rectify.

The Politics of Persecution, written by Mitri Raheb, delves into the history of Christians in the Middle East, from Napoleon's invasion in 1799 to the Arab Spring. The book analyzes the diverse socioeconomic and political factors that have contributed to the decline of Christian populations in Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan throughout the eras of Ottoman, French, British, independence, Pan-Arabism, and Pan-Islamism. Raheb exposes the politics behind the alleged concerns for these persecuted Christians and how the concept of persecution has been used as a tool in public diplomacy and international politics. He reveals that Middle Eastern Christians have often been sacrificed to serve Western national interests, with the West playing a part in the problem rather than the solution, from the massacre on Mount Lebanon to the rise of ISIS.

The book offers an insider perspective on this contested region, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Middle Eastern Christians in adapting to changing contexts. They have survived atrocities and resisted creatively while maintaining a dynamic identity. The Politics of Persecution provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the Middle East and the ongoing struggles of Christians in this region. It challenges the prevailing narratives and highlights the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to understanding the challenges faced by Middle Eastern Christians.

\n Weight: 426g\n
Dimension: 218 x 228 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781481314404\n \n