Includes bibliographical references (p. 195-198) and index.

1. Understanding the Terrorist Threat -- 2. "Why Do They Hate Us So Much?" -- 3. Does Public Opinion in the Middle East Matter? -- 4. The Role of the Arab-Israeli Issue -- 5. The Role of the Persian Gulf Region -- 6. The Prudence of Compassion.

"In The Stakes, Shibley Telhami provides a concise and penetrating analysis that explains Arab and Muslim attitudes toward the United States and shows why there is much reason for concern. Telhami shows why the Arab-Israeli conflict remains central to the war on terrorism and to international stability, and considers the consequences of a post-war Iraq: its effect on Middle Eastern politics and American foreign policy, the recovery of the region, and its future with the rest of the world. The Stakes provides a well-reasoned, calm analysis that will be essential reading for anyone who wonders where American should go from here, amid the dangers and opportunities in the ever-volatile Middle East."--BOOK JACKET.