For a comprehensive understanding of the Modern History of the Middle East, two highly recommended books are “A History of the Arab Peoples” by Albert Hourani and “The Ottoman Endgame: War, Revolution and the Making of the Modern Middle East, 1908-1923” by Sean McMeekin. Hourani’s book is celebrated for its coherent, consistent, and engaging narrative that spans from the Atlantic to South Asia, covering the diverse political systems, geographic locations, and the consistent culture and civilization of the Arabs across different epochs. It’s an excellent choice for gaining a deep understanding of Arab history and its influence on the Middle East