The Center for the Near, Middle East and Africa of the Institute of Current International Problems (IAMP) of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry has prepared a scientific work " Russia and the countries of the Near, Middle East and North Africa. Problems and prospects of cooperation". Collection of articles (Moscow, Vostok-Zapad. 2009. 252 p), devoted to the analysis of key international problems in one of the most important geopolitical regions of the world.

The book, written by scientists, diplomats, and orientalists, summarizes the efforts of recent decades to update the entire range of economic, cultural, humanitarian, and political relations between modern Russia and its traditional partners-the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. As it is rightly noted in the reviewed work, the first decade of the XXI century witnessed the revival and dynamic growth of trade and economic ties with the countries of the region, "gradually overcoming existing tensions and mutual fears, creating a climate of trust and establishing interaction at the regional and international levels" (p.67).

The authors focused on the most acute problems of the Expanded Middle East and North Africa : the Middle East conflict, the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, the civil war in Algeria, the new role of Iran in the international arena, as well as the growing influence of Islamist groups and regional security issues.

Interest in the scientific work is reinforced by the fact that among its authors are eyewitnesses and direct participants in the events of recent decades. In particular, O. G. Peresypkin (Ambassador to Yemen, Libya, and Lebanon) and N. I. Kozyrev (Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iran) headed our country's diplomatic missions in the countries of the region.

The published work is dedicated to the memory of V. E. Dontsov , a well-known Arabist, professor, doctor of Political Sciences, who led the work of the Center for a long time. The publication includes his latest analytical articles, reflections on modern Islam and its future, and the role of the USSR./Russia's role in international relations, in the socio-political life of the Eastern countries.

The current issues of the publication will attract the attention of not only specialists in Arabic and Oriental studies, but also a wide range of readers.

A. A. TKACHENKO, Candidate of Economic Sciences