This book includes the entire spectrum of contemporary politics and economics of the Middle East. The coverage is intended to deal with the Middle East, its political dynamics, economic policies, and institutions. Included in this compilation are: the politics, elections and benchmarks of Iraq as well as a look at the Kurds in post-Saddam Iraq; the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), economic conditions and elections of 2009; Israeli-Arab negotiations; Jordan and its background and U. S. relations; the United Arab Emirates Nuclear Program; U. S. security assistance to the Palestinian Authority; and the politics, government formation and performance of Afghanistan.