The USSR's evaluation of and attitude toward Arab regimes, political parties, and issues such as Arab socialism, nationalism, unity, and inter-Arab relations are described in this book. The Arab states are those which the USSR designates as "progressive": Egypt, Syria, and Iraq.

This study covers the period beginning with the emergence of these three Arab states as independent entities after the Second World War through the Six Day War. A final chapter has been added describing Soviet responses to developments subsequent to the stalemated military situation created in the wake of Round Four. This work is a fascinating account of Soviet accommodation at the political level, along with its continued pressure for an increasing communist role in Islam.