Un-Settling Middle Eastern Refugees: Regimes of Exclusion and Inclusion in the Middle East, Europe, and North America

The Middle East has been in continuous upheaval since the Iraq war, resulting in the displacement of millions of people. This book illustrates how refugees navigate exclusion regimes and their aspirations for safety, settlement, and social inclusion in their host societies and new homes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Since the Iraq war, the Middle East has been in a state of continuous upheaval, leading to the displacement of millions of people. These refugees, hailing from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, and Syria, have found their way to various parts of the world, showcasing remarkable resilience and creativity in the face of profound adversity. Through meticulous ethnography, this book vividly portrays how refugees navigate exclusionary regimes, including cumbersome bureaucracies, financial uncertainties, medical challenges, pervasive stereotypes, and the ever-present threat of violence. The collection serves as a testament to their struggles, while also shedding light on their aspirations for safety, settlement, and social inclusion in their host societies and new homes.

The Iraq war marked a significant turning point in the Middle East, leading to widespread displacement and upheaval. Millions of people were forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in neighboring countries and beyond. The refugees who arrived in various parts of the world brought with them a rich tapestry of experiences and challenges.

From Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, these refugees faced a myriad of obstacles. They navigated complex bureaucracies, struggled to find financial stability, faced medical emergencies, and faced pervasive stereotypes and discrimination. The threat of violence was ever-present, casting a shadow over their lives and dreams.

Despite these daunting challenges, the refugees displayed remarkable resilience and creativity. They formed communities, organized support networks, and found ways to adapt to their new environments. They pursued education, learned new languages, and sought employment to rebuild their lives and contribute to their host societies.

The book under review offers a valuable insight into the lives of refugees through careful ethnography. It sheds light on their experiences, struggles, and aspirations. It highlights the challenges they face in navigating exclusionary regimes and the barriers they encounter in seeking safety, settlement, and social inclusion.

Through the narratives of the refugees, the book also sheds light on their hopes and dreams for the future. They yearn for a life free from violence, where they can rebuild their lives, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to their host societies. They seek opportunities for education, employment, and social integration, recognizing the importance of building bridges between different cultures and communities.

The book also raises important questions about the global response to refugee crises. It calls for increased support, humanitarian aid, and legal protections for refugees. It emphasizes the need for governments, international organizations, and communities to work together to address the root causes of displacement and provide long-term solutions that promote stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, the book under review provides a powerful and poignant account of the lives of refugees in the Middle East. It sheds light on their resilience, creativity, and aspirations for a better future. It highlights the challenges they face and the need for a global response that addresses the root causes of displacement and promotes social inclusion and stability.

ISBN-13: 9781800739338