ctfc

This one is pretty useful as a general reference guide:

The Arab World Handbook: Arabian Peninsula and Iraq Edition

..and this one is excellent for comprehensive history of the region and very readable:

The Middle East: 2000 Years of History from the Rise of Christianity to the Present Day

Thinkingaboutit

Thanks. I already have the Bernard Lewis book, between that, Fisk, and Wiki I think I should get there in the end!

I have also bought this book, and would seriously recommend it:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dubai-Comple...1997575&sr=8-1