Danger and Opportunity - by Edward P Djerejian (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback from esteemed diplomat and former ambassador to both Syria and Israel--a captivating and illuminating book addressing the full scope of complex issues and critical challenges that U.S. leaders face in the Middle East.

Djerejian, an American diplomat who served eight presidents, from John F. Kennedy to William Jefferson Clinton, asserts that Americans are facing one of the most important challenges of our time: the struggle between the forces of extremism and moderation in the Arab and Muslim world. In Danger and Opportunity, he publicly shares for the first time intimate details and colorful anecdotes of his service in the Middle East.

Djerejian explains what has gone wrong with U.S. policy and suggests a way forward for future administrations. The United States must learn to deal with the various religious, ethnic, and cultural factors at play and must not impose its own political structure on the Arab and Muslim world. He maintains that we can help marginalize the radicals and champion a democratic way of life within the cultural context of the region's own mainstream values and ideals. The only book of its kind to address the wide range of issues that U.S. leaders face in the Middle East, Djerejian outlines specific coherent strategies necessary to respond effectively to the imminent danger and dynamic opportunity presented by the unique struggle within the Islamic world.

Review Quotes

"Danger and Opportunity deserves the attention of policy-makers for its insightful and pragmatic roadmap that provides the best chance for empowering the moderate and marginalizing the extremist elements that are seeking to tear apart the civil institutions of the region." -- Henry A. Kissinger, 56th U.S. Secretary of State

"Ed Djerejian, one of our nation's most respected diplomats, frames the need for settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the context of the larger forces at play in the Muslim world with gripping personal narratives and coherent policy recommendations. Danger and Opportunity enriches our comprehension of one of the central issues of our time." -- Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States of America

"Few people understand the Middle East as well, or have as much hands-on experience with it, as Ed Djerejian. He was my right-hand man for this region when I was Secretary of State and he played a key role in making the Madrid Peace Conference possible. The only American to ever serve as ambassador to both Syria and Israel, he expertly weaves those and other unique experiences with his vast knowledge and astute analysis of that critically important region of the world into this enlightening book. Danger and Opportunity is a must-read." -- James A. Baker III, 61st U.S. Secretary of State

"Those in government have long been beneficiaries of Edward Djerejian's unparalleled expertise in Middle Eastern affairs. In Danger and Opportunity, Djerejian provides the general public with a sweeping overview of the myriad challenges the United States faces in the region, as well as pragmatic policies for managing them. It is a timely, persuasive, and immensely enjoyable book that anyone interested in America's relationship with this critical region must read." -- Lee H. Hamilton, President and Director, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

About the Author

Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian began his lifelong career in foreign service in the Kennedy administration. He has served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Near East affairs in both the Bush and Clinton administrations and participated in both the 1985 and 1991 Geneva Summits. After retiring from the Foreign Service in 1994, he became the founding director of the James Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, and he also chairs an advisory group on United States public diplomacy in the Arab and Muslim Worlds.