'Damning' - Mail on Sunday'Utterly horrific and compelling' - The Guardian'This investigation rings true' - Publishers WeeklyOn 1 August, 1990, British Airways Flight 149 departed from Heathrow airport, destined for Kuala Lumpur. It never made it there, and neither did its nearly 400 passengers and crew.Instead, Flight 149 stopped in Kuwait, as Iraqi troops invaded - delivering the passengers and crew into the hands of Saddam Hussein. Why did BA Flight 149 land, even as all other flights were rerouted - and even though British and American governments had clear intelligence that Saddam was about to invade?The answer lies in a secret, unaccountable organization - authorised by Margaret Thatcher - carrying out a 'deniable' intelligence operation. The plane was the 'Trojan Horse', and the plan - as well as the horrific consequences for the civilian passengers - has been lied about, denied and covered up by successive governments ever since. Soon to be a major TV drama, this explosive book is written with the full cooperation of the survivors, as well as astonishing and conclusive input from a senior intelligence source. It is a story of scandal, betrayal and misuse of intelligence at the highest levels of UK and US governments - which has had direct impact on terror attacks in the West and the shape of the Middle East today. It is high time the truth is told. 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

'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

Recommended on The Rest is Politics and Empire'A masterly engagement with the most delicate and important of subjects - filled with gentle empathy, learning and rare balance' Rory Stewart'Rogerson is an original - eloquent and always fascinating' William Dalrymple'Brilliant' Anita Anand'This is not a book to be ignored' The TimesAt the heart of the Middle East, with its regional conflicts and proxy wars, is a 1400-year-old schism between Sunni and Shia. To understand this divide and its modern resonances, we need to revisit its origins, which go back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, the accidental coup that set aside the claims of his son Ali, and the slaughter of Ali's own son Husayn at Kerbala. These events, known to every Muslim, have created a slender faultline in the Middle East.The House Divided follows these narratives from the first Sunni and Shia caliphates, through the medieval caliphates and empires of the Arabs, Persians and Ottomans, to the contemporary Middle East. It shows how a complex range of identities and rivalries - religious, ethnic and national - have shaped the region, jolted by the seismic shift of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Rogerson's original approach takes the modern chessboard of nation states and looks at each through its particular history of empires and occupiers, minorities and resources, sheikhs and imams. The result is a book of wide-ranging empathy, understanding and insights. Read more

When T. E. Lawrence's 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' first appeared in 1922 it was immediately recognized as a literary masterpiece. In writing his extraordinary account of the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 and his own role in it, T. E. Lawrence sealed his place in history and legend as Lawrence of Arabia. Widely regarded as the last great romantic war story and described by Winston Churchill as one of "the greatest books ever written in the English language," it conveys a world of wonders, written in the same committed fashion that Lawrence applied to his duties in Syria, this is a towering achievement of both autobiography and military history, as well as a first-rate adventure story. 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' is a must read. Read more

Saudi Arabia is a country defined by paradox: it sits atop some of the richest oil deposits in the world, and yet the country's roiling disaffection produced sixteen of the nineteen 9/11 hijackers. It is a modern state, driven by contemporary technology, and yet its powerful religious establishment would have its customs and practices rolled back to match those of the Prophet Muhammed over a thousand years ago. In a world where events in the Middle East continue to have geopolitical consequences far beyond the region's boundaries, an understanding of this complex nation is essential.With Inside the Kingdom, British journalist and bestselling author Robert Lacey has given us one of the most penetrating and insightful looks at Saudi Arabia ever produced. More than twenty years after he first moved to the country to write about the Saudis at the end of the oil boom, Lacey has returned to find out how the consequences of the boom produced a society at war with itself. Filled with stories told by a broad range of Saudis, from high princes and ambassadors to men and women on the street, Inside the Kingdom is in many ways the story of the Saudis in their own words. Read more

SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL GUIDE - explore Saudi Arabia in 2025 and see beyond the stereotype with the author, who has worked in and travelled though Saudi Arabia since 1989..With cultural insights, do's and don'ts, clothing tips, and more, this guide helps visitors respect the country's culture and traditions.Public transport and self-drive suggestions get you from A to Z and the photos by the author show you what to expect when you get there.Plan your exploration of the vibrant alleys and bazaars of the UNESCO site of Al Balad in Jeddah. Step back into time and wander the mudbrick alleys of Diriyah, the cradle of the first Saudi state in the west of Riyadh.Delve into the ochre mountains landscape of AlUla's canyons and Hegra's UNESCO-listed tombs.Ascend the mountains of Abha and marvel at the village of Rijal Al Maa, farther south is the historic town of Najran.Adventure awaits: Navigate the dramatic canyons of Wadi Al Disah and Wadi Lajab, hidden in the western Hijaz mountains of western Saudi Arabia.Round out your experiences and be inspired by the contemporary ITHRA in the Eastern Province.Explore the diverse landscapes at your own pace with comprehensive transport options. Choose from trains (including the 300kmph Haramain High Speed Train from Jeddah to Madinah), buses or self-drive adventures.This guidebook includes suggestions:Diverse accommodation options to suit all budgetsLocal restaurant recommendations for authentic culinary experiencesPractical tips to make the most of your tripWhether you seek ancient ruins, modern marvels, or untouched nature, this guidebook empowers you to craft an unforgettable 2025 adventure.Buy your 324 page copy today filled with location specific Black and White Photos, by the author who has traveled thoughout Saudi Arabia since 1989, and unlock the wonders of the country!Read about these highlights in Saudi ArabiaJeddahRabighYanbu To The Red Sea ResortsDuba Town & Duba PortNeom, Sharma, Wadi AynunaAin Musa, Maghayer Shoaib, Wadi Tayyib Al IsmHaql & The Jordan BorderMadinahHijaz Rail HighlightsAlulaWadi Al DisahTabukKhaybarTaymaAl HaitJabals Al Manjor And Raat ShuwaymisRiyadhDiriyah & At TuraifUshaiger And ShaqraBuraydahFaidHailJubbahDumat Al JandalSakakaQuriyyat RailWadi Ad DawasirHimaNajranDhahran Al JanubRijal Al MaaAbhaKhamis MushaitTanomah & Al NamasBaljurashiThee AinAl BahahTaifJizanAl Farasan IslandsJabal FayfaWadi LajibThe Coastal Road From JeddahDammam, Dhahran And Al KhobarTaroutAlAhsaBuy your 324 page copy today before any price change and unlock the wonders of Saudi Arabia! Read more

The Bin Ladens are shrouded in secrecy, living in one of the most closed, unaccountable countries on earth. Little has been known about the world that created Osama - until now.In this gripping account prizewinning journalist Steve Coll has interviewed those closest to the family who rose from Yemeni peasants to jetsetting millionaires in two generations. In doing so, he reveals a Saudi Arabia torn between religious purity and the temptations of the West, telling a story of oil, money, power, patronage and dangerous cultural extremes. Read more

A Financial Times Book Best Book of the Year 2020A Foreign Affairs Best Book of the Year 2020The gripping, untold story of how Saudi Arabia's secretive and mercurial new ruler rose to power.Even in his youth as a prince among thousands of princes, Mohammed bin Salman nurtured sweeping ambitions. He wanted power – enough of it to reshape his hyper-conservative, insular Islamic kingdom.When his elderly father took the throne in 2015, MBS got his chance. As the hands-on-ruler, he made seismic changes, working doggedly to overhaul the kingdom's economy, loosen its strict Islamic social codes and confront nearby enemies, especially Iran. His vision initially won fans at home and abroad as he convinced other nations that the moment had come to bet big on Saudi Arabia. Over time, however, the sheen of the visionary young reformer has tarnished, leaving many wondering whether MBS is actually an aspiring dictator whose lack of experience and rash decisions are destabilizing the world's most volatile region.Based on years of reporting and hundreds of covert interviews, MBS provides new insights into Saudi Arabia’s catastrophic military intervention in Yemen, the bizarre detention of the Lebanese prime minister, the surprise arrest of hundreds of princes and businessmen, and the greatest scandal of the young prince's rise: the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi state officials with links to MBS – a crime that shocked the world.A riveting portrait of a determined autocrat on the rise, MBS asks how one man’s actions and obsessions are shaking the Middle East. Read more

An essential history of Wahhābism from its founding to the Islamic StateIn the mid-eighteenth century, a controversial Islamic movement arose in the central Arabian region of Najd that forever changed the political landscape of the Arabian Peninsula and the history of Islamic thought. Its founder, Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb, taught that most professed Muslims were polytheists due to their veneration of Islamic saints at tombs and gravesites. He preached that true Muslims, those who worship God alone, must show hatred and enmity toward these polytheists and fight them in jihād. Cole Bunzel tells the story of Wahhābism from its emergence in the 1740s to its taming and coopting by the modern Saudi state in the 1920s, and shows how its legacy endures in the ideologies of al-Qāʿida and the Islamic State.Drawing on a wealth of primary source materials, Bunzel traces the origins of Wahhābī doctrine to the religious thought of medieval theologian Ibn Taymiyya and examines its development through several generations of Wahhābī scholars. While widely seen as heretical and schismatic, the movement nonetheless flourished in central Arabia, spreading across the peninsula under the political authority of the Āl Suʿūd dynasty until the invading Egyptian army crushed it in 1818. The militant Wahhābī ethos, however, persisted well into the early twentieth century, when the Saudi kingdom used Wahhābism to bolster its legitimacy.This incisive history is the definitive account of a militant Islamic movement founded on enmity toward non-Wahhābī Muslims and that is still with us today in the violent doctrines of Sunni jihādīs. Read more

30 Days of Faith & Growth – A Must-Have for Every Young Muslim📖 The Perfect Gift for Eid, Ramadan, or Any Time of the Year!Give your child a timeless gift—a book that nurtures their faith, strengthens their connection to Islam, and helps them develop strong values that will last a lifetime. Designed as a 30-day journey, this book will inspire children to embody the virtues of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and build character through meaningful stories and reflections.🌙 A Lesson for Every Day – Each day, your child will discover a new teaching from the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), encouraging kindness, patience, and gratitude—values that shape a strong and compassionate heart.📖 Authentic & Engaging – With 54 carefully selected references and Hadiths, this book provides an accessible and inspiring way for children to understand Islamic teachings in a practical and meaningful way.🤲 Perfect for Reflection & Family Time – Whether during Eid, Ramadan, or any time of the year, enjoy quality moments with your child as you read and discuss these lessons together. Strengthen their understanding of faith, generosity, and self-improvement in a way they will cherish.🎁 A Meaningful Gift for Any Occasion – More than just a book, this is a guide for life, helping children grow into mindful, confident, and spiritually connected individuals. A perfect gift for Eid, birthdays, or any special moment.📥 Order now and inspire your child with a lifetime of wisdom, faith, and positive habits. Read more

RO60003022. The Kingdom.. 1982. In-8. Broché. Bon état, Couv. convenable, Dos satisfaisant, Intérieur frais. 630 pages. Black & white illustrations and maps.. . . . Classification Dewey : 420-Langue anglaise. Anglo-saxon Read more

America's Kingdom debunks the many myths that now surround the United States's "special relationship" with Saudi Arabia, or what is less reverently known as "the deal": oil for security. Taking aim at the long-held belief that the Arabian American Oil Company, ARAMCO, made miracles happen in the desert, Robert Vitalis shows that nothing could be further from the truth. What is true is that oil led the U.S. government to follow the company to the kingdom. Eisenhower agreed to train Ibn Sa'ud's army, Kennedy sent jets to defend the kingdom, and Lyndon Johnson sold it missiles. Oil and ARAMCO quickly became America's largest single overseas private enterprise.Beginning with the establishment of a Jim Crow system in the Dhahran oil camps in the 1930s, the book goes on to examine the period of unrest in the 1950s and 1960s when workers challenged the racial hierarchy of the ARAMCO camps while a small cadre of progressive Saudis challenged the hierarchy of the international oil market. The defeat of these groups led to the consolidation of America's Kingdom under the House of Fahd, the royal faction that still rules today. This is a gripping story that covers more than seventy years, three continents, and an engrossing cast of characters. Informed by first hand accounts from ARAMCO employees and top U.S. government officials, this book offers the true story of the events on the Saudi oil fields. After America's Kingdom, mythmakers will have to work harder on their tales about ARAMCO being magical, honorable, selfless, and enlightened. Read more

At the turn of the twentieth century, thousands of Central Asians made the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Traveling long distances, many lived for extended periods in Ottoman cities dotting the routes. Though technically foreigners, these Muslim colonial subjects often blurred the lines between pilgrims and migrants. Not quite Ottoman, and not quite foreign, Central Asians became the sultan's spiritual subjects. Their status was continually negotiated by Ottoman statesmen as attempts to exclude foreign Muslim nationals from the body politic were compromised by a changing international legal order and the caliphate's ecumenical claims. Spiritual Subjects examines the paradoxes of nationality reform and pan-Islamic politics in late Ottoman history. Lâle Can unravels how imperial belonging was wrapped up in deeply symbolic instantiations of religion, as well as prosaic acts and experiences that paved the way to integration into Ottoman communities. A complex system of belonging emerged―one where it was possible for a Muslim to be both, by law, a foreigner and a subject of the Ottoman sultan-caliph. This panoramic story informs broader transregional and global developments, with important implications for how we make sense of subjecthood in the last Muslim empire and the legacy of religion in the Turkish Republic. Read more

Speed on steel wheels has fascinated engineers for nearly two centuries, and a string of stunning records in the last twenty-five years has pushed railway engineering towards new frontiers. Japan – pioneer of high-speed train technology – set the precedent with its legendary bullet trains in 1964; since then a dozen countries have joined the high-speed revolution. Today, China is setting the pace as it crafts a nationwide network of super-railways, and Morocco and Saudi Arabia are on the cusp of launching trains that travel at 300km/h. The USA lags far behind, outpaced by Asia and Western Europe, where Eurostar links London to the international high-speed network – although a new-generation railway to northern England is still missing. Here is the full story of high-speed trains, retold in a journey across countries and continents. The Second Age of Rail is railway history in the making. Read more

‘A gripping account. Essential reading to understand the roots of the 2011 Arab Spring and the conflicts that have devastated so much of the region' EUGENE ROGAN, author of The Arabs: A History ______________________________________________ President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who ruled Egypt for eighteen years from the coup d'etat of 1952, is best known in the West for wresting the Suez Canal from the British and French empires. He was a larger-than-life figure, loved by his followers for his nationalist ideals and for heralding a period of social change and modernisation. Yet there is a darker side to Nasser’s regime.We Are Your Soldiers examines Nasser’s influence on the politics of seven countries – Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, and Libya. Rowell argues that Nasser played a crucial role in the formation of authoritarian regimes as varied as Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, Muammar al-Gaddafi’s Libya and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. His encounters with each country were often drenched in blood and destruction, leaving deep scars that endure to the present. Crushing democracy at home while launching wars and slaying opponents abroad, Nasser ushered in the long political winter from which the region is still yet to emerge. Drawing on extensive interviews and material never before published in English, Alex Rowell presents a thrilling and eye-opening work of history that radically reexamines Middle Eastern politics. ______________________________________________ ‘In 400 blood-soaked pages, [Rowell] traces Nasser’s toxic influence from one Arab capital to another, from plots in officers’ club rooms via palace coups and well-equipped torture chambers. Rowell is an eloquent writer, weaving the intrigue into the region’s wider history’ TELEGRAPH‘Sweeping . . . entertaining’ FINANCIAL TIMES‘A rollicking and revelatory tour of today’s Middle East . . . a masterful reassessment of history' THANASSIS CAMBANIS, author of Once Upon a Revolution: An Egyptian Story Read more

'Clear-eyed and illuminating.’ Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor'A rich, superbly researched, balanced history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.'General David Petraeus, former Commander U.S. Central Command and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency ‘Destined to be the best single volume on the Kingdom.’ Ambassador Chas Freeman, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Assistant Secretary of Defense'Should be prescribed reading for a new generation of political leaders.'Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of H.M. Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge.Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution?David Rundell - one of America’s foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World. 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

Land of Frankincense: Unveiling the Secrets of Oman's Ancient Treasure in 2024Travel back from 2024 through time on the ancient incense routes and discover the captivating history, enthralling biology, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites of Dhofar, Oman. This comprehensive guide unlocks the mysteries of this precious resin, revered for centuries for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and cultural significance.Inside you'll find:Intriguing history: Unearth the fascinating story of frankincense, from its mythical origins to its role in ancient civilizations and religious ceremonies.Expert insights: Delve into the science behind the Boswellia sacra tree, exploring its unique biology and the delicate process of harvesting the precious resin.Unforgettable destinations: Visit iconic UNESCO sites like the legendary "Atlantis of the Sands" at Ubar and the Frankincense groves of Wadi Dawkah.Hidden gems: Explore lesser-known treasures like the Khawr Rawri & Samharam UNESCO sites, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.Practical travel tips: Navigate with ease using detailed descriptions, insightful recommendations, and advice for each location.Beyond the resin: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Dhofar, uncovering the people, customs, and stories that make this region unique.Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about this ancient treasure, Land of Frankincense offers an unforgettable adventure.Black & White photographs by the author add to your insight about each site. Read more