A collection of essays designed to highlight the foibles, misguidedness, and sometimes conspiratorial aspects of American policy in the Middle East. Most of the authors take a decidedly revisionist view of the past. Some, such as Richard Cottam and Mansour Farhang, are genuinely provocative in the best sense. Others are more predictable, sometimes naive. Despite all the criticism of policies past, little is suggested for the future apart from such bromides as improving the American image, showing more understanding for the peoples of the region and avoiding "random, erratic measures"--like the war against Iraq!