Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads

by David Rundell Narrated by Fajer Al-Kaisi

Overview

Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution?



David Rundell-one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia-explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent fifteen years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A book of staggering breadth and depth.” —The Wall Street Jourbanal

“Rundell covers the kingdom from top to bottom with vast wisdom, depth and understanding … It provides a superb overview of the kingdom's political, economic and social landscape, but it goes well beyond that. Rundell explains, clearly and concisely, the special dynamics that drive the kingdom and render it so alien from our own society ... I wish that every United States diplomat, military officer and jourbanalist would read this book before deploying there. I wish that every member of Congress would read it before voting on any measure related to Saudi Arabia. I wish every American pondering the frictions of our long relationship with the Saudis would read it simply to understand.” —New York Times Book Review

“Excellent… analytically rigorous… exceptional…” —Financial Times

“[T]he author hits all the necessary benchmarks in his assessment of the Kingdom's development. The book must also be regarded as a great accomplishment in the study of the Kingdom and its new leadership.” —Middle East Jourbanal

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176392937
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	09/08/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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