Three Recommendations: The Middle East

Readers who are interested in how the modern Middle East was carved out of the old Ottoman Empire may want to read A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East by David Fromkin before reading any of the recommended books.

MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman by Ben Hubbard – As indicated by the title, this book describes the rise of Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MBS) from an unknown prince to heir to the throne of Saudi Arabia. While he appears to project a somewhat Westernized view for the future of Saudi Arabia, the book shows that his actions have a much darker side. See the full review of this book on the post on this blog dated October 7, 2020.

Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry that Unraveled Culture, Religion and Collective Memory in the Middle East by Kim Ghattas – This book describes the impact of the competing forms of Islam sponsored by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Ghattas, who tells the story from a very personal perspective, is the perfect author for this narrative.

Bibi: the Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu by Anshel Pfeffer – This is a very insightful biography of the man who seems to have led the State of Israel forever. However, the book is most valuable in providing a lucid explanation of the conflicts among the various competing factions within the State of Israel and the impact they have had on the region.

Other Recommendations:

Three Recommendations: World War I (October 22, 2020)
Three Recommendations: Russian History (October 16, 2020 Post)
Three Recommendations: Spies (October 11, 2020 Post)
Three Recommendations: The Histories of American Cities (October 6, 2020 Post)
Three Recommendations: Spectacular Corporate Implosions (October 3, 2020 Post)
Three Recommendations: 19th Century Presidents (September 26, 2020 Post)
Three Recommendations: The Vietnam War (September 20, 2020 Post)