The Middle East crisis: A personal interpretation,

by John Bagot Glubb

Genres: Middle East

63 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Lieutenant-General Sir John Bagot Glubb, KCB, CMG, DSO, OBE, MC (a.k.a. "Glubb Pasha") was a British Army officer who was for many years seconded to the Arab Legion of the Trans-Jordan (later The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan), which he ultimately commanded until dismissed by King Hussein in March 1956. He wrote many books after his retirement, primarily on the history of the Middle East and on Military History.

Reviews

[Hari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct and non partisan interpretation of the lead up to and consequences of the Six Day War. He argues contrary to the Western media's collective assumption that Egypt's defeat was a decisive blow to communist influence in the Middle East. The USSR encouraged Egypt's intervention, based on the understanding that her armies would lose, and as such, she would have little choice but to seek Soviet assistance following her crushing defeat. Even if by some miraculous means Egypt defeated Israel, the USSR would still benefit. The USA, Britain, etc. would come unequivocally to Israel's support if she were losing, and this would further estrange the Arabs from the West. The beginning of the Soviet's long-term goal of breaking Arab dependance on West would be achieved either way.
I only wish it were longer.