The Six-Day War drastically altered the political and military complexion of the Middle East: three Arab armies lay in ruin, while Israel achieved regional superpower status. The Arab response to defeat was a thirst for revenge, and the process of regrouping to launch the 1973 war was the nearest the Arab world would come to true unity. This book examines the post-1973 development of the armies of Egypt, Jordan and Syria, as well as the Palestinian guerrilla and terrorist groups. Backed by photographs and colour illustrations, this book also details the special military and political roles of the armies' elite units.

Sam Katz was born in 1963, and joined the Israel Defense Forces in 1981. He volunteered for naval duty, and qualified for service in a combat posting. He served in a dual capacity in the HEYL HAYAM during the conflict in Lebanon in 1982. He is the author of articles in Hebrew publications on military matters, and the co-author of several books on the IDF and related Middle Eastern topics. His particular interest lies in the development of IDF elite and counter-terrorist units. Sam is recognized worldwide as an expert on this subject. He is married, and lives in New York.