“David Oualaalou, a geopolitical analyst, military veteran, Middle East specialist, and linguist with unique firsthand experiences and knowledge gained from personal field intelligence in Middle East wars—and a fresh and unique writing style—has produced a challenging perspective and a thought-provoking book. I believe this book is crucial reading for any person interested in the future nuclear Middle East.” —William A. Mitchell, author of Baylor in Northern Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom In an age of nuclear experimentation, military conflicts, and ISIS, the Middle East is unstable and the Iran nuclear deal is shrouded in controversy and mistrust. How will this agreement impact US relations and strengths, not only in the region, but around the world? Will the US be challenged for world leadership? In Volatile State: Iran in the Nuclear Age, global affairs analyst David Oualaalou explores the new geopolitical landscape and how it will allow a nuclear Iran to flex its military, economic, and ideological muscles with the assistance of Russia and China. Taking into consideration how other governments have reacted to the agreement, Oualaalou provides a fresh perspective on current and future relations among the US and its current allies and provides a compelling path forward for future strategies in the Middle East. Volatile State is a “must read” to help understand the implications of and future with a nuclear deal with Iran. Contents Preface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 2 History of the Persian Empire 3 Emergence of Modern-Day Iran 4 Political Landscape of the Middle East 5 Nuclear Arms Race in the Middle East 6 The Future of the Middle East and Its Geopolitical Outcome 7 Author’s Reflections Notes Index