Summaries of books about Middle Eastern History:
Killing Jesus
A History
Bill O'Reilly|Martin Dugard
The book presents a historical account of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, blending biblical references with historical research. It examines the political and social factors of the time, providing context for the life and death of Jesus from a secular perspective.
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13 Hours
The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi
Mitchell Zuckoff with the Annex Security Team
The book provides a firsthand account of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. It details the experiences and actions of the security team members as they fought to protect Americans under siege during the 13-hour ordeal.
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The Silk Roads
A New History of the World
Peter Frankopan
The book presents a reevaluation of world history with a focus on the importance of the Silk Roads, the ancient trade routes that connected East and West. It argues that these networks were central to the development of civilizations and the spread of ideas, goods, and power across continents.
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Princess
A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Jean Sasson
The book recounts the personal experiences of a Saudi Arabian princess, providing insight into the lives of women under the restrictive laws and customs of Saudi society. It exposes the opulence, politics, and oppression within the royal family, particularly the gender discrimination and human rights abuses that women face.
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Mossad
The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service
Michael Bar-Zohar|Nissim Mishal
The book chronicles a series of daring covert operations undertaken by the Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, detailing their strategic espionage activities, assassinations, and rescue missions. It provides an inside look at the operational successes and failures of one of the world's most secretive and effective intelligence services.
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The Last Girl
My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State
Nadia Murad
The book is a harrowing memoir of a Yazidi woman who survived enslavement by the Islamic State after they invaded her village in Iraq, detailing her abduction, abuse, and eventual escape. It also chronicles her transformation into an activist for her people and a voice against human trafficking and sexual violence.
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My Promised Land
The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel
Ari Shavit
The book provides a personal and historical exploration of Israel, examining its complex and often turbulent history through the author's family narrative and interviews with citizens. It delves into the moral dilemmas, achievements, and challenges faced by the Jewish state from its founding to the modern era.
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The Looming Tower
Lawrence Wright
The book traces the rise of Islamic extremism, the origins of al-Qaeda, and the background of the individuals involved in the planning and execution of the September 11 attacks. It provides a detailed historical account of the events and personalities that led to the tragedy, including the failure of intelligence agencies to prevent it.
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Lawrence in Arabia
War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East
Scott Anderson
The book delves into the role of T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, during World War I, exploring his involvement in the Arab Revolt and the complex political machinations of the time. It examines the broader impact of Western intervention in the Middle East and the lasting consequences of the decisions made during this tumultuous period.
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Rise and Kill First
The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations
Ronen Bergman
The book provides an in-depth look at the history of Israel's covert operations to eliminate perceived threats, detailing the strategies and moral complexities of targeted assassinations carried out by the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF. It covers a wide range of operations from the early days of the state to the 21st century, revealing the tactical and ethical challenges faced by operatives and decision-makers.
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