Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry by Kim Ghattas

By Andrew Eaddy

The short: 

In her book, Black Wave, author Kim Ghattas examines the state of the modern Middle East through the lens of a single year: 1979. Using this perspective, Ghattas illustrates how the Middle East, which was once viewed as burgeoning region of cultural and economic prosperity, is now seen as riddled with political and security issues.

The long: 

In this book, Ghattas paints vivid pictures of intimate conversations, elegant celebrations, and key political events, spanning from Beirut, Lebanon to Tehran, Iran. Through these stories and scenes, the reader begins to understand the machinations which have played large roles in the future of the Middle East.

The book also does well to outline the major grievances between some the Middle East’s most polarizing powers: Saudi Arabi and Iran. In understanding the holistic history of the region, this relationship is contextualized, and the future of this conflict comes into a clearer view.

To read or not to read: 

To read! This book is a great primer on the politics and relationships in the Middle East. It provides strong historical context and current geopolitical analysis. The book is also told through compelling vignettes and narrative which make the reader feel that they were at the table, making dealings with the region’s top power brokers.