Gennaro Buonocore is a U.S. Naval Reserve Foreign Area Officer and former reserve Civil Affairs officer in the Italian military who has operated extensively in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and North Africa over the last twenty years. In his latest book, Checkmate: The King’s Game in the Middle East, Buonocore uses his experience to give readers an inside understanding of the complex situation in the Middle East. In Checkmate, he compares the conflict in the Middle East to a game of chess, full of complexity and tension. He introduces the players: Iran, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, and the U.S., and explains their roles and motivations for playing. He looks into the past and at the present to explain what drives the conflicts, and the problems with current policies.

Checkmate was written primarily for military personnel and others who might find themselves operating in the Middle East, but anyone with an interest in current affairs will find it a fascinating read. It is well-written and easy to understand, and Gennaro Buonocore’s insider perspective is a refreshing change. Most people get their information on the Middle East from the media, often biased in one way or another. But Buonocore’s knowledge comes from his own first-hand experience. Readers will be introduced to different viewpoints and new ideas. Buonocore’s analysis is detailed and thought-provoking, delving into the way the world players think and why. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a better understanding of the situation in the Middle East.

Checkmate: The King’s Game in the Middle East is an analysis of the political situation in the Middle East. Of course, the history of the area is a critical part of where the region stands today, so author Gennaro Buonocore writes much about history, too. Some knowledge of the game of chess would be useful to profit from this book, although it is not necessary, because Buonocore likens the region to a giant chessboard. In Buonocore’s view, the United States is the queen, Turkey and Israel are bishops, Egypt and Iran are rooks, and China and Russia are knights. Some previous knowledge of the situation in the Middle East and history, in general, will also be useful to potential readers. The author spent many years serving in the Middle East as a soldier and as a statesman. His knowledge is both deep and broad.

Checkmate: The King’s Game in the Middle East is not light reading. As Gennaro Buonocore himself says, “. . . this book is meant to be studied.” He refers several times to the complexity of the political and military situation in the Middle East, and he’s right. However, likening the situation to a chess game is a unique and useful technique to help readers understand the complexities. Some of the book relies on Buonocore’s personal observations and experiences, which are of great value. Many people may disagree with his premises and conclusions, but his book is thought-provoking and will engender discussion. This book would be a useful resource in college and graduate-level political science courses. There’s no disputing Buonocore’s knowledge, experience, and insight.