Barry Rubin (1950 – 2014), author, scholar, journalist and political analyst, passed away on February 3, 2014 after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 64. Rubin was an expert on the Middle East and issues related to terrorism.

Rubin earned his Ph.D. in Middle East studies from Georgetown University in 1978. Based in Tel Aviv, Rubin directed the Global Research in International Affairs Center, and served as editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs Journal.

Rubin’s output was prolific, writing and editing dozens of volumes in addition to penning columns, frequently to the Jerusalem Post, and a regularly with his “Rubin Reports” column for PJ Media. Rubin’s academic credentials are also impressive: a Fulbright fellow, Rubin held teaching positions throughout this career at the American University, Bar-Ilan University, Georgetown University, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Tel Aviv University and other institutions.

Barry Rubin’s most recent book, Nazis, Islamists, and the Making of the Modern Middle East, was recently published by Yale University Press on February 25. In this book, Rubin and Wolfgang G. Schwanitz investigate the little-known alliance during the second World War between Nazi leaders, Arab nationalists, and Muslim religious authorities. Jeffrey Herf of University of Maryland praised the book, writing, “This book presents an abundance of previously un- or under examined material. It is most impressive and greatly advances our knowledge.”

Rubin’s first book with YUP was Israel: An Introduction, in 2012, which Rubin edited and to which he contributed.  In the book, he set out to give a history of modern Israel in overview from its geography, economy, and to the culture found among its people. Designed for people new to the topic, Sol Sokol of the Jerusalem Post called the book, “a great accomplishment. “The comprehensive look Rubin takes at everything from the political to the social, religious and cultural (the changing role of women in literature comes to mind) stands out as introducing Israel anew to even those who thought they understood the country.”

Rubin is survived by two children, and his wife Judith Colp Rubin. He is warmly remembered, as this tribute in the Jerusalem Post attests.