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A review by zainub_reads
MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman by Ben Hubbard
5.0
Written by a very experienced journalist who has spent a lot of time in the region and has a decent understanding of the culture and customs of Saudi Arabia as reflected in his writing, this book is quite intense yet a compelling read and even more interesting than Blood and Oil by Bradley Hope.
Hubbard acknowledges that this book does not and can not tell the complete story of MBS (given that the subject refused to be interviewed for this book) but he has expertly documented the remarkable and unpredictable rise of a new powerful figure and its effects on the Kingdom, the Middle-East, and the whole world.
The author gives a clear and concise backstory of each issue before delving into further details making it an easy-to-read book. The role of US in the war on Yemen (even if they refused to partake in the action on ground) how Obama was complicit by means of his approving 1.29 billion dollars in weapon sales, in fact 65 billion more than any other President despite outwardly preaching for peace.
I appreciated the author’s nuanced and sensitive approach to the stories and experiences of civilians in Yemen and the horrors they endure without it causing even a moment’s distress to the people around the world.
The juxtaposition of King Abdulaziz’s stand and support for the Falas teeni cause in contrast with the views, actions, and sides being chosen today was glaring to say the least.
This is a very informative book and gives insight into the Qatar problem, how it all started, how Turkey was punished indirectly for coming to the aid of the Qataris after the fallout, the Trump administration’s dealings with the new Crown Prince, the murder of a prominent journalist, and a lot more.
An absolutely fascinating, well-written and detailed book.
Hubbard acknowledges that this book does not and can not tell the complete story of MBS (given that the subject refused to be interviewed for this book) but he has expertly documented the remarkable and unpredictable rise of a new powerful figure and its effects on the Kingdom, the Middle-East, and the whole world.
The author gives a clear and concise backstory of each issue before delving into further details making it an easy-to-read book. The role of US in the war on Yemen (even if they refused to partake in the action on ground) how Obama was complicit by means of his approving 1.29 billion dollars in weapon sales, in fact 65 billion more than any other President despite outwardly preaching for peace.
I appreciated the author’s nuanced and sensitive approach to the stories and experiences of civilians in Yemen and the horrors they endure without it causing even a moment’s distress to the people around the world.
The juxtaposition of King Abdulaziz’s stand and support for the Falas teeni cause in contrast with the views, actions, and sides being chosen today was glaring to say the least.
This is a very informative book and gives insight into the Qatar problem, how it all started, how Turkey was punished indirectly for coming to the aid of the Qataris after the fallout, the Trump administration’s dealings with the new Crown Prince, the murder of a prominent journalist, and a lot more.
An absolutely fascinating, well-written and detailed book.