Daniel Gerlach, a leading German Middle East expert, discusses his new book 'The Art of Peace: An Alternative History of the Middle East,' which aims to challenge the common perception of the region as an eternal crisis zone marked by relentless violence. Gerlach emphasizes that the Middle East's conflicts are a complex web influenced by external actors and historical developments over 3000 years. He highlights how external powers have historically contributed to regional conflicts and how brave individuals, often acting covertly and driven by their interests, have sought peace efforts from late antiquity through the 20th century, including the Yemen crisis, the Palestine issue, and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Gerlach underscores that deals and negotiations are not anomalies but the norm in the region, reflecting a long-standing tradition of diplomatic efforts amidst setbacks. His perspective invites a reevaluation of the region's history and current conflicts, advocating for a more nuanced understanding beyond the prevalent crisis narrative.