The challenges of writing Middle East history after 7 October: from Gaza to the climate crisis

Dr Ibrahim Al-Marashi reflects on the process of researching and writing the latest edition of his book, ‘A Concise History of the Middle East’. This book talk on ‘A Concise History of the Middle East’ will discuss history-in-the-making. Close to a year after 7 October 2023, the reverberations of these events will be felt for generations to come, yet are uncertain. Nevertheless, this ‘History’ textbook has documented the region’s past for more than four decades for thousands of students, the 13th edition’s conclusions do reveal a troubling future in terms of political conflicts and climate insecurity. The region has witnessed seismic events, literally, from earthquakes in Turkey and Syria to unprecedented Mediterranean hurricanes, and finally heat waves in the Gulf resulting in the highest temperatures in recorded history. This history demonstrates environmental changes and the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, are interconnected. Despite these political and environmental challenges, there are individuals in the ‘Concise History’ whose resilience and endurance deserves attention and discussion.