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Black Wave

Name: Black Wave
Price: 18.99 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (1580 reviews)

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Book Synopsis: A New York Times Notable Book of 2020 “[A] sweeping and authoritative history" (The New York Times Book Review), Black Wave is an unprecedented and ambitious examination of how the modern Middle East unraveled and why it started with the pivotal year of 1979. Kim Ghattas seamlessly weaves together history, geopolitics, and culture to deliver a gripping read of the largely unexplored story of the rivalry between between Saudi Arabia and Iran, born from the sparks of the 1979 Iranian revolution and fueled by American policy. With vivid story-telling, extensive historical research and on-the-ground reporting, Ghattas dispels accepted truths about a region she calls home. She explores how Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, once allies and twin pillars of US strategy in the region, became mortal enemies after 1979. She shows how they used and distorted religion in a competition that went well beyond geopolitics. Feeding intolerance, suppressing cultural expression, and encouraging sectarian violence from Egypt to Pakistan, the war for cultural supremacy led to Iran’s fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, the assassination of countless intellectuals, the birth of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the rise of ISIS. Ghattas introduces us to a riveting cast of characters whose lives were upended by the geopolitical drama over four decades: from the Pakistani television anchor who defied her country’s dictator, to the Egyptian novelist thrown in jail for indecent writings all the way to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Black Wave is both an intimate and sweeping history of the region and will significantly alter perceptions of the Middle East.

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Discover the untold story of the modern Middle East in the captivating and thought-provoking book, Black Wave. Unraveling the complex history of the region, Kim Ghattas takes you on a journey through the pivotal year of 1979 and the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran that altered the course of the Middle East forever. Delve into a riveting tale of power, religion, and geopolitics as Ghattas paints a vivid picture of how these two nations transformed from allies to mortal enemies. Through extensive research and on-the-ground reporting, she uncovers the hidden truths and dispels accepted narratives, giving you a fresh perspective on a region she calls home.

Black Wave not only offers a gripping narrative but also sheds light on the repercussions that reverberated across the globe. Ghattas exposes the use and abuse of religion in a high-stakes competition that transcended mere political ambitions. From the birth of extremist groups like Hezbollah to the September 11th attacks and the rise of ISIS, she reveals how the war for cultural supremacy catalyzed a chain of events that had far-reaching consequences. Prepare to meet an extraordinary cast of characters whose lives were caught in the crossfire of this geopolitical drama, from courageous individuals challenging oppressive regimes to the tragic stories that shook the world.

What sets Black Wave apart is Ghattas' ability to seamlessly weave together history, geopolitics, and culture. Her compelling storytelling transports you to the heart of the Middle East, allowing you to understand the complex dynamics at play. As an authoritative and thorough exploration of the region's unraveling, this New York Times Notable Book of 2020 is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the modern Middle East.

Ready to embark on a journey that will challenge your perceptions and broaden your horizons? Grab your copy of Black Wave now and uncover the untold story of the Middle East.

Order your copy of Black Wave today and delve into the captivating world of the modern Middle East!

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