SKU: 62811586458

Armies of Sand: The Past, Present, and Future of Arab Military Effectiveness

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Armies of Sand: The Past, Present, and Future of Arab Military EffectivenessSince the Second World War, Arab armed forces have consistently punched below their weight. They have lost many wars that by all rights they should have won, and in their best performances only ever achieved quite modest accomplishments. Over time, soldiers, scholars, and military experts have offered various explanations for this pattern. Reliance on Soviet military methods, the poor civil military relations of the Arab world, the underdevelopment of

Since the Second World War, Arab armed forces have consistently punched below their weight. They have lost many wars that by all rights they should have won, and in their best performances only ever achieved quite modest accomplishments. Over time, soldiers, scholars, and military experts have offered various explanations for this pattern. Reliance on Soviet military methods, the poor civil-military relations of the Arab world, the underdevelopment of the Arab states, and patterns of behavior derived from the wider Arab culture, have all been suggested as the ultimate source of Arab military difficulties. In Armies of Sand, Kenneth M. Pollack assesses these differing explanations and isolates the most important causes. Over the course of the book, he examines the combat performance of fifteen Arab armies and air forces in virtually every Middle Eastern war, from the Jordanians and Syrians in 1948 to Hizballah in 2006 and the Iraqis and ISIS in 2014-2017. The book ultimately concludes that reliance on Soviet doctrine was more of a help than a hindrance to the Arabs. In contrast, politicization and underdevelopment were both important factors limiting Arab military effectiveness, but patterns of behavior derived from the dominant Arab culture was the most important factor of all. Pollack closes with a discussion of the rapid changes occurring across the Arab world, and suggests that because both Arab society and warfare are changing, the problems that have bedeviled Arab armed forces in the past could dissipate or even vanish in the future, with potentially dramatic consequences for the Middle East military balance. Sweeping in its coverage, this will be the go-to reference for anyone interested in the history of warfare in the Middle East since 1945.


Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 01/15/2019
ISBN: 9780190906962
Pages: 696
Weight: 2.40lbs
Size: 9.50h x 6.40w x 1.70d

Review Citations: Choice 05/01/2019
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SKU: 62811586458

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Thomas MacEntee
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Way better than expected - Not a "costume" at all!
Size: X-Large, Color: Christmas Green
I’m going to be honest: I was fully prepared to open this package and find a cheap, shiny, flammable-looking costume that belonged in a discount Halloween store. Buying a tuxedo on Amazon feels like a total gamble, and I was definitely a skeptic. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This suit is actually fantastic. First off, the fabric. It doesn’t have that "plastic" feel I was dreading; it actually feels elegant and has a nice weight to it. The floral pattern is sharp and the colors are vibrant without being "too much." It looks way more expensive than the price tag suggests. The fit was the biggest surprise. I’m always wary of "slim fit" labels, but this hit the mark perfectly. It’s tailored in the right places without feeling like I’m about to burst a seam if I sit down. I originally bought this thinking it might work for a one-off event, but now I’m genuinely excited to break it out for an upcoming casino night and a wedding later this year. If you’re on the fence because you’re worried about Amazon quality, just go for it. This is a legitimate suit that’ll definitely get you some compliments. 10/10 would buy again.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026
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K. Johnson
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Showstopper! Incredible Fit and Stunning Floral Design!
Size: Medium, Color: Black
I bought this Mgnaie floral tuxedo for a special event, and I was absolutely blown away by the quality and the fit! Getting a slim-fit suit online can be a gamble, but this two-piece set fit perfectly right out of the package. The blazer hugs the shoulders beautifully, and the pants have a modern, sleek profile without being too restrictive or tight. The floral pattern is exactly what I wanted—bold and eye-catching, yet elegant enough for a formal setting like a wedding, prom, or gala. I received compliments all night long! The fabric feels premium, breathable, and comfortable enough to wear and dance in for hours without losing its shape. For the price, you are getting a high-end look that rivals much more expensive designer tuxedos. If you want to stand out from the crowd in the best way possible, I highly recommend this suit. It is an absolute must-have for any formal wardrobe!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2026
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Bertha
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great jacket 🤩
Size: Medium, Color: Bright Purple
This jacket really impressed me🤩the material is feel good and the fit is perfect 😘the stylish is gorgeous 😘the color is a nice vibrant good quality true to size 🤩good fabric perfect for any occasions wedding party birthday church etc🤩absolutely worth the price 🫶
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2025
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Mellissa
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for Prom, the satin detail elevates the look
Size: Medium, Color: Black, Size: Medium, Color: Black
This sport jacket was a great item for prom. We had it altered and taken in a little to be more form fitting. It was lightweight enough to be comfortable and the color was a nice black with satin collar. It was a great value for the money and this is the second one I've bought. The first one was red for freshman homecoming. Fits true to size as this is a medium but we did want it a little more form-fitting.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2025
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zeesmum
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
well made
Size: Medium, Color: Black
My son looked SO handsome for Prom. This suit was surprisingly well-made for the cost. After pricing tux rental, this was a no-brainer.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026

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