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Christians in the Arab East is a comprehensive study of the varying roles that Arabic speaking Christians have played in Islamic society since the Muslim conquests, and in the states of the Arab East since independence. Except for Lebanon where they are an official majority and where they continue to be dominant many areas of society and government, these Christian communities are a minority conspicuous for their affluence, education, and Western orientation. Detailed demographic statistics, many made available here for the first time in English, the power structure and political involvement of the various churches, Christians participation in the Palestinian nationalist movement and Lebanon in the immediate aftermath of the 1975-76 civil disturbances are examined in the light the growing importance of the Middle East in world affairs.

321 pages, with maps, population tables, footnotes, bibliography, and index, paperback.