Much of the Middle East is in a continuing state of visible, often revolutionary, change in almost every fi eld-social, cultural, economic, political. Although time will have greatly modifi ed the conditions here presented, the author emphasizes those aspects which, being the least ephemeral, were likely to remain valid for some years and indicates the areas in which the most change can be expected. Therefore, in evaluating any change that has occurred, the reader will at least be informed of the conditions out of which-or because of which-such an event occurre