The Cross and the River: Ethiopia, Egypt and the Nile » (New Edition)

Erlich (Middle Eastern and African studies, Tel Aviv U.) explores the longstanding dispute between Eqypt and Ethiopia over the Nile waters. The author develops three main themes: the political relationship between successive Eqyptian and Ethiopian regimes; the connection between the Christian churches in both countries; and the way in which sharing the Nile has affected perceptions of the other, and contributed to the formations of national identities of the two countries. He concludes with a discussion of Egyptian-Ethiopian relations today and possible directions for the future. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)