Here is a perspective rarely considered, by a man rarely read:
http://spenglercrashcourse.blogspot.com/2009/12/problems-of-arabian-culture-historic.html
and:
http://spenglercrashcourse.blogspot.com/2009/12/problems-of-arabian-culture-c_25.html
Spengler brings a unique perspective to the historical questions. He believed that history necessarily was organically structured, since we humans are, much as we like to see ourselves as rational Platonic beings.
These are just sample links. I recommend buying the book. ;^)