'Beautifully written and deeply researched' The Observer Upon victory in 1945, Britain still dominated the Middle East. But her motives for wanting to dominate this crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa were changing. Where ‘imperial security’ – control of the route to India – had once been paramount, now oil was an increasingly important factor. So, too, was prestige. Ironically, the very end of empire made control of the Middle East precious in itself: on it hung Britain’s claim to be a great power. Unable to withstand Arab and Jewish nationalism, within a generation the British were gone. But that is not the full story. What ultimately sped Britain on her way was the uncompromising attitude of the United States, which was determined to displace the British in the Middle East. Using newly declassified records and long-forgotten memoirs, including the diaries of a key British spy, James Barr tears up the conventional interpretation of this era in the Middle East, vividly portraying the tensions between London and Washington, and shedding an uncompromising light on the murkier activities of a generation of American and British diehards in the region, from the battle of El Alamein in 1942 to Britain’s abandonment of Aden in 1967. Reminding us that the Middle East has always served as the arena for great power conflict, this is the tale of an internecine struggle in which Britain would discover that her most formidable rival was the ally she had assumed would be her closest friend.'Bustles impressively with detail and anecdote' Sunday Times‘Consistently fascinating’ The Spectator'Barr draws on a rich and varied trove of sources to knit a sequence of dramatic episodes into an elegant whole. Great events march through these pages' Wall Street Journal   Read more

____________________‘As vivid and compelling as the best adventure thriller, and a fitting tribute to a small band of men who became heroes’ ANDY MCNAB ‘Gripping, revealing and extraordinarily well-researched, this is a riveting new account of a little known but crucial war’ SIR RANULPH FIENNES____________________Dawn. 19 July 1972. A force of nearly three hundred heavily armed, well-trained guerrillas launches a surprise attack on the small fishing village of Mirbat. All that stands in their way is a troop of just nine SAS, aided only by an elite band of fighter pilots overhead.Two years earlier a Communist rebellion had threatened the Arabian Peninsula, in the strategically critical Sultanate of Oman. Following a covert intelligence mission, 22 SAS deployed their largest ever assault force against the rebels.But this was to be a bitter and hard-fought campaign culminating the Battle of Mirbat which would become a defining moment for the Regiment. Their heroism that day would remain part of the SAS legend for ever. Read more

This volume is concerned with the religious architecture of the Sultanate of Oman, a missing chapter in the art history of the Islamic world. It originates from a series of lectures delivered in 1988. The book may be seen by the specialist as the first available documentation of buildings that are fully entitled to enter the corpus of the historic monuments of the Arabian Peninsular and now fills a gap in the general knowledge of Arabian Islamic architecture, giving Oman a proper place on the world map of Islamic Art. An important section considers the calligraphic texts recorded on several decorated mihrabs. Text translations and commentaries have been undertaken by Eros Baldissera, Professor of Arabic at the University of Venice. Read more

'Beautifully written and deeply researched' The Observer Upon victory in 1945, Britain still dominated the Middle East. But her motives for wanting to dominate this crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa were changing. Where ‘imperial security’ – control of the route to India – had once been paramount, now oil was an increasingly important factor. So, too, was prestige. Ironically, the very end of empire made control of the Middle East precious in itself: on it hung Britain’s claim to be a great power. Unable to withstand Arab and Jewish nationalism, within a generation the British were gone. But that is not the full story. What ultimately sped Britain on her way was the uncompromising attitude of the United States, which was determined to displace the British in the Middle East. Using newly declassified records and long-forgotten memoirs, including the diaries of a key British spy, James Barr tears up the conventional interpretation of this era in the Middle East, vividly portraying the tensions between London and Washington, and shedding an uncompromising light on the murkier activities of a generation of American and British diehards in the region, from the battle of El Alamein in 1942 to Britain’s abandonment of Aden in 1967. Reminding us that the Middle East has always served as the arena for great power conflict, this is the tale of an internecine struggle in which Britain would discover that her most formidable rival was the ally she had assumed would be her closest friend. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________'Bustles impressively with detail and anecdote' Sunday Times‘Consistently fascinating’ The Spectator'Barr draws on a rich and varied trove of sources to knit a sequence of dramatic episodes into an elegant whole. Great events march through these pages' Wall Street Journal Read more

The SAS, the world's most famous special operations unit, made its name in the desert of North Africa, shooting up Axis airfields from specially modified Willys jeeps. Following the start of the El Alamein offensive in October 1942, the SAS used jeeps effectively in reconnoitring and ambushing the retreating Afrika Korps. After the conclusion of the North African campaign, the Willys underwent several small but significant changes, including the introduction of the .303 Browning machine gun.Between June and October 1944, the SAS brigade operated deep inside Occupied France, harassing Germans reinforcements heading to Normandy, calling up air strikes on installations, and carrying out reconnaissance missions - all made possible with jeeps dropped by the RAF. Jeeps were also used in the push into Germany in the spring of 1945. Transported across the Rhine in 'Buffalo' amphibious landing craft, they formed part of the vanguard of the Allied advance, and their agility, speed and firepower proved crucial in crushing fanatical pockets of Nazi resistance.22SAS in 1952, the regiment adopted the Series 1 Land Rover - introduced in 1948 - as the successor to the Willys jeep. A decade later the Regiment updated to the Series IIA 90 Land Rover, which saw service in the Oman and Aden, where its distinctive colour led to the 'Pink Panther' nickname. In the 1970s, the SAS begin using Range Rovers for covert operations while the Land Rover 110 HCPU became the SAS's new Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV) in the 1991 Gulf War. This book describes the successful deployment of these combat vehicles in SAS operations from the Second World War to the present day and gives a rare insight into one of the most prestigious and secret forces of modern times. Read more

SAS OPERATION STORM is the inside story - told by those who took part - of the greatest secret war in SAS history. The tipping point, Mirbat, South Oman, 19 July 1972 is one of the least-known yet most crucial battles of modern times. If the SAS had been defeated at Mirbat, the Russian and Chinese plan for a communist foothold in the Middle East would have succeeded, with catastrophic consequences for the oil-hungry West. SAS OPERATION STORM is a page-turning account of courage and resilience. Mirbat was a battle fought and won by nine SAS soldiers and a similar number of brave local people - some as young as ten years old - outnumbered by at least twenty-five to one. Roger Cole, one of the SAS soldiers who took part, and writer Richard Belfield have interviewed every SAS survivor who fought in the battle from the beginning to the end - the first time every single one of them has revealed their experience.SAS OPERATION STORM is a classic story of bravery against impossible odds, minute by minute, bullet by bullet. Read more

SAS OPERATION STORM is the inside story - told by those who took part - of the greatest secret war in SAS history. The tipping point, Mirbat, South Oman, 19 July 1972 is one of the least-known yet most crucial battles of modern times. If the SAS had been defeated at Mirbat, the Russian and Chinese plan for a communist foothold in the Middle East would have succeeded, with catastrophic consequences for the oil-hungry West. SAS OPERATION STORM is a page-turning account of courage and resilience. Mirbat was a battle fought and won by nine SAS soldiers and a similar number of brave local people - some as young as ten years old - outnumbered by at least twenty-five to one. Roger Cole, one of the SAS soldiers who took part, and writer Richard Belfield have interviewed every SAS survivor who fought in the battle from the beginning to the end - the first time every single one of them has revealed their experience.SAS OPERATION STORM is a classic story of bravery against impossible odds, minute by minute, bullet by bullet. Read more

The ideal introduction to the history of modern Oman from the eighteenth century to the present, this book combines the most recent scholarship on Omani history with insights drawn from a close analysis of the politics and international relations of contemporary Oman. Jeremy Jones and Nicholas Ridout offer a distinctive new approach to Omani history, building on postcolonial thought and integrating the study of politics and culture. The book addresses key topics including Oman's historical cosmopolitanism, the distinctive role of Omani Islam in the country's social and political life, Oman's role in the global economy of the nineteenth century, insurrection and revolution in the twentieth century, the role of Sultan Qaboos in the era of oil and Oman's unique regional and diplomatic perspective on contemporary issues. Read more

Insight into the Middle East from a general with long experience in the region: “His analysis of the revolution in Iran is particularly enlightening.” —John Simpson, BBC journalistWith the Middle East in a state of persistent change and upheaval, there has long been a need for a comprehensive yet readable study that can give the intelligent and interested layperson a greater understanding of this diverse, complex region.Simon Mayall, whose links with the area are deep and longstanding, provides just that in Soldier in the Sand. As well as analyzing the Middle East’s history and religions, which strongly influence people’s actions, attitudes, and relationships, Mayall draws on his own experiences and impressions based on his many years in key military and diplomatic appointments in numerous countries. In addition to knowing many of the key players personally, he has studied, at leading universities, British policy and engagement in the area and he understands the effects of this long-term engagement.This invaluable book’s unique mixture of history, politics, academic study, and first-hand experience affords the reader an invaluable insight into a fascinating, fractured, and frustrating area of the world. General Mayall explains complex situations in a thoroughly accessible and human manner, as lecture audiences worldwide already know, and now his knowledge and common sense approach is also available in this important, entertaining book. Read more

"THE SPIRIT OF MAN IS NOMAD, HIS BLOOD BEDOUIN.....AND SO I CAME TO LIVE MY LIFE, NOT BY CONSCIOUS PLAN OR PREARRANGED DESIGN, BUT AS SOMEONE FOLLOWING THE FLIGHT OF A BIRD." LAURENS VAN DER POST"ONLY IN THE DESERT, THE BEDOUIN DECLARED, COULD A MAN FIND FREEDOM." WILFRED THESIGER. "ARABIAN SANDS." "TO LIVE IN THE DRESS OF THE ARABS, QUITTED ME OF MY ENGLISH SELF, AND LET ME LOOK AT THE WEST AND ITS' FOUNDATIONS, WITH NEW EYES. T.E LAWRENCE "THE SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM"A traveller's tale through the exotic land of The Sultanate of Oman. A land of oases, deserts, mountains and ancient cities carved from stone. A land that boasts The Queen of Sheba, Sindbad the sailor and the lost city of Ubar that has been buried beneath the sands of The Empty Quarter for millennia. A country that was heralded for its' wealth in Frankincense and it is from Oman that the ancient trade of Frankincense began in the Classical World. Oman is a country where Bedouin still wander through the desert as they have since time immemorial. A mystical country where eagles soar over the mountain that is home to the Tomb of the prophet Job, a prophet in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Embark, with the author, on a magical and mystical Arabian Odyssey through The Sultanate of Oman. Read more

In Part 1 of his book the author describes his life as a young officer in the Somaliland Scouts in the (then) British Protectorate of Somaliland. At that time tribal quarrels, generally over water, were taking place in the troubled strip of country between the Protectorate and Ethiopia; the Ogaden. It was the Scouts' difficult task to keep the warring clansmen apart. It gives a vivid account of a nineteen-year-old in command of Somali troops in a fascinating and unpredictable country.The second part of the book deals with the Author's second period of service with Muslims, a quarter of a century later. This time in the Southern Province of Oman—Dhofar. Here he commanded the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan's Armed Force in a limited but fierce war against Communist Insurgents. It shows how the tide was turned against a brave enemy fighting on their home ground—the savage wadis and cliffs of the jebel.Dangerous Frontiers will appeal to a wide audience, including those interesting in military and world history and in those two little known areas—the Horn of Africa and Southern Oman. In both campaigns it reflects the mutual liking and respect that the handful of British officers had for their Muslim soldiers and the soldiers for their leaders. It is written with humor and an understanding of other cultures. Read more

While the Americans were fighting in Vietnam, a struggle of even greater strategic significance was taking place in the Middle East: the Sultanate of Oman guards the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, and thus controls the movement of oil from that region. In the 1960s and 70s, the Communists tried to seize this artery and, had they succeeded, the consequences for the West and for the Middle East would have been disastrous - and yet, few people have ever heard of this geo-political drama at the height of the Cold War. In the Service of the Sultan tells, first-hand, the largely unknown story of a small number of British officers who led Muslim soldiers in this hard-fought anti-insurgency war which has shaped today's Gulf. After outlining the historical, geographical and political background, the book describes military action in a stark and mountainous environment, including operations with irregular forces and the SAS as well as action in the air and at sea. The book gives a gripping, moving, funny account of all these and paints a powerful and illuminating picture of the realities of war. It will appeal to all who are interested in the Cold War and relationships between the Western and the Arab worlds. Politics, history, irregular warfare, religion, international affairs: all are ingredients in this absorbing, informative read. In the light of the current insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is also timely to be reminded how a rare victory was won over Communist guerrillas. Read more

____________________‘As vivid and compelling as the best adventure thriller, and a fitting tribute to a small band of men who became heroes’ ANDY MCNAB ‘Gripping, revealing and extraordinarily well-researched, this is a riveting new account of a little known but crucial war’ SIR RANULPH FIENNES____________________Dawn. 19 July 1972. A force of nearly three hundred heavily armed, well-trained guerrillas launches a surprise attack on the small fishing village of Mirbat. All that stands in their way is a troop of just nine SAS, aided only by an elite band of fighter pilots overhead.Two years earlier a Communist rebellion had threatened the Arabian Peninsula, in the strategically critical Sultanate of Oman. Following a covert intelligence mission, 22 SAS deployed their largest ever assault force against the rebels.But this was to be a bitter and hard-fought campaign culminating the Battle of Mirbat which would become a defining moment for the Regiment. Their heroism that day would remain part of the SAS legend for ever. Read more

'Viper wit from the gardener, writer and Knight of exquisite taste' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Funny, barbed and moving ... magnificently readable' THE TIMESScenes and Apparitions covers a period of Roy Strong's life from 1988 to 2003. A sequel to Splendours and Miseries, it is an unmissable record of how a citizen at the close of the second Elizabethan age observed and chronicled his own world at the turn of the century. Although it is not without tragedy - the murder of his friend Gianni Versace, and the death of his beloved wife Julia Trevelyan Oman - there is plenty to enjoy from his descriptions of Elton John's fiftieth birthday party, to a concert for the Queen Mother, and his portraits of marriage, friendship, work and his celebrated garden, The Laskett. Read more

DISCOVER QATAR IN 2024 with this comprehensive travel guide, filled with location specific photographs by the author, and 26 maps in its 270 pages.It helps you navigate your journey from Doha airport to the city with transport recommendations, catering to every taste and budget.The guide helps you discover hidden gems like the bisht supplier for Messi in vibrant Souq Waqif, the cultural haven of Katara, and the spellbinding dunes of Khor Al Udaid's 'inland sea'.The breathtaking Museum of Islamic Art is included as is the National Museum - both are ‘must sees’ as you explore Doha – a modern city like no other.Understand the culture of Qatari coffee etiquette or saunter along the picturesque Corniche, as you marvel at the kaleidoscopic skyline of Doha's West Bay at twilight.A section in the guide leads along Qatar's remote west coast and uncovers the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Zubarah, along with abandoned historic ghost villages.If you want to dig deeper into Qatar - there is a comprehensive history chapter and cultural insights will immerse you in the rich tapestry of Qatari life.Buy your 270+ page guide, with Black & White interior photos & maps, to help you plan your 2024 Qatari adventure! Read more

Laing and Alston, both former British Ambassadors to Oman have researched their subject closely, assembling an authoritative history which runs from the earliest contacts in the mid-17th century through to the end of the Dhofar wars in 1975. Their research sheds new and clearly documented evidence on how events unfolded over the past fifty years. This landmark book will be vital to all historians of the region and to analysts of the current geopolitical situation in the Persian Gulf. Read more

Until that fateful day in 1970 when the Royal Navy abolished the rum ration, the one thing that every Royal Navy sailor could rely on was that ‘Up Spirits’ would be piped at approximately 11:45 each day . ‘Tot-time’ was the cue for plenty of banter and lamp-swinging, but also for baffling negotiations as to who might have sippers, wets, gulpers, halfers, sandy bottoms, or their share of ‘Queen’s’. With the same humour, affection and story-telling ability that characterised his earlier naval memoirs, including HMS Ganges Days and HMS Bermuda Days, Peter Broadbent tells the tale of his nine months as an Able Seaman on board HMS Gurkha, touring the Persian Gulf with a few detours to the Seychelles, Kenya and the Mozambique channel. Along the way he coxswains Royal Marines on a RIB to track down smugglers, pits his wits against a line-up of ultra-intelligent dolphins, persuades dozens of girls from a jam factory in Leeds to write to ‘lonely sailors’, is one of the transfer team that initiated the ‘Beira Bucket’ when used to trade its contents for desperately needed toilet paper from HMS Eskimo, and makes it to Gibraltar in time to celebrate England winning the 1966 World Cup. Ayo Gurkhali! Read more

In early 1970, the Commanding Officer of 22 SAS flew into the strategically critical Sultanate of Oman on a covert intelligence mission. A Communist rebellion in the South threatened not only the stability of the Arabian Peninsula but more importantly the vital oil routes through the Persian Gulf. Within six months, the Regiment arrived in theatre to lead a fierce, secret war against the rebels. While from a remote RAF airbase in the desert, an elite band of British pilots, flying difficult, dangerous missions in Strikemaster jets and Vietnam-era Huey helicopters, were scrambled alongside them. For the British soldiers and airmen, it was to be no easy victory. The enemy were well supplied with weaponry and training from China and the Soviet Union, and despite confronting the largest assault force ever deployed by the SAS, many months later the rebels were still fighting back. And at dawn on July 19th, 1972, a force of nearly 300 heavily armed, well-trained guerillas attacked the little fishing port of Mirbat without warning.Between them and glory stood a team of just nine SAS men.And the skill of the British fighter pilots.The scene was set for an epic encounter; a modern day Rorke's Drift.Their heroism would become SAS legend. Drawing on extensive interviews with participants from the SAS, the RAF and the Sultan's Armed Forces, most of whom have never spoken about their involvement before, as well as previously classified documents from both the UK and Oman, STORM FRONT weaves an unputdownable tale of intrigue, action, daring and astonishing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. Read more

Delve into the captivating world of Oman with this amazing text-only book. "The History of Oman" takes you on an extraordinary journey through the ages, unveiling the treasures of this Arabian gem.From the breathtaking landscapes of Oman's mountains, deserts, and coastlines to its ancient civilizations, this book is a comprehensive exploration of a nation's remarkable heritage. Rich in historical depth, it traces the footsteps of early inhabitants, explores the glory of ancient civilizations, and delves into the maritime dominance that once made Oman a global trade powerhouse.You'll embark on a virtual tour of Oman's historic cities, uncover the legacy of the Al Said dynasty, and witness the clash of empires with the Portuguese. Discover the vibrant markets, traditions, and customs that define Omani society, and immerse yourself in the unique Islamic tradition of Ibadism.Experience Oman's natural wonders, from the awe-inspiring Wadi Shab to the mystical Wahiba Sands. Explore the Sultanate's commitment to wildlife conservation, from sea turtles to the elusive Arabian leopards. Marvel at architectural masterpieces like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nizwa Fort, and the Bahla Fort, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Follow Oman's path to independence from colonial rule and its journey towards modernization and development under the visionary leadership of Sultan Qaboos. Witness the Sultanate's dedication to diversifying its economy, fostering education and innovation, and preserving its natural and cultural heritage.As you turn the pages of this text-only book, you'll gain a deep understanding of Oman's past and a glimpse into its promising future in the 21st century. Oman's enduring spirit and rich traditions come to life in these pages, providing a compelling narrative that will leave you inspired and enlightened.If you're eager to embark on a journey through the history, culture, and aspirations of Oman, this book is your ideal companion. It's more than just text; it's a gateway to a world of discovery and fascination. Purchase "The History of Oman" now and embark on an unforgettable voyage into the heart of this extraordinary nation. Read more

The war fought in northern Oman from 1954 until the mid-1960s is almost completely forgotten. Even amongst contemporary military historians, it is considered less frequently than the subsequent – and widely published – Dhofar War. Though ‘small’, it was a conflict of crucial importance for the nation on the south-eastern side of the Arab Peninsula.While usually thought to have been fought – and won – exclusively by special forces, capacity building, and training of native forces, a closer look reveals an entirely different picture. The victory and lasting peace were actually secured by a conventional military campaign dominated by offensive operations, followed by an entirely separate civilian development programme. The role of special forces was overemphasised – not only in regards of their relative number of operations, but also in regards of their impact – while the insurgency was suppressed by punitive means, and the capacity building remained limited during the war. It was only once offensive operations were completed that the development programme contributed to the lasting peace. This peace, in turn, would have been impossible without the conventional military campaign. As such, this ‘small’ conflict proved of crucial importance for the nation on the south-eastern side of the Arab Peninsula.The War in Northern Oman provides a detailed account of the political dynamics which led to the eruption of violence, but foremost examines the use of force, the wider conventional military campaign, operations by special forces, military capacity building, and the application of soft power factors for civilian capacity building. Moreover, it emphasises the process of reconciliation and international engagement. Based on extensive research in official documentation, and including numerous personal testimonies, this volume – richly illustrated by photographs provided by veterans – provides exclusive coverage of one of very few wars in which a grassroots insurgency suffered a clear-cut military defeat. Read more