War in the Persian Gulf

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- In five short chapters, this book presents a cursory overview of the recent war. The history of conflict in that region, the role of oil in international politics, the rise of Saddam Hussein, attempts at sanctions, and the war itself are summarized in dry and sometimes technical terms. The highlight is the chapter on the politics of oil, in which Bratman clearly demonstrates the consequences of the U. S.'s changing energy policy, and shows how power struggles within OPEC led to the trouble between Iraq and Kuwait. Issues of more immediate concern to young readers--such as the separation of families and the experiences both of soldiers and Middle Eastern children during the battle--are given very brief mention. There are no references to protests, the treatment of Arab-Americans, the management of the news media, civilian casualties, or any of the other problematic issues the war raised. Instead, the focus is on the events leading up to armed confrontation; the war itself is covered in a scant seven pages. Although the role of Islam and ``traditional Islamic values'' are mentioned several times, these and other terms are not adequately defined. Visually, the book relies on standard, if full-color, photos and maps; they are sometimes separated by a page or two from the relevant text. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, CA