The 1979 Saudi-Iran Rivalry in the Middle East

Named a notable book of 2020 by The New York Times, "Black Wave" offers a sweeping and authoritative look at the unraveling of the modern Middle East. This unprecedented exploration delves into how and why this shift began in 1979, a pivotal year in the region's history.

Kim Ghattas masterfully intertwines history, geopolitics, and culture to present a captivating exploration of the lesser-known conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This rivalry, ignited by the 1979 Iranian revolution and influenced by American policies, delves into the complexities of the region's past and its present dynamics.

Through vivid storytelling, in-depth historical analysis, and firsthand reporting, Ghattas challenges established truths in the region she refers to as home. She delves into the transformation of Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran from former allies and key elements of US strategy into bitter foes post-1979. Ghattas uncovers how they manipulated and exploited religion in a rivalry that transcended mere geopolitics, fueling intolerance, stifling cultural diversity, and inciting sectarian violence across Egypt, Pakistan, and beyond. This battle for cultural dominance culminated in Iran's fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, the targeted killings of intellectuals, the emergence of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the tragic events of September 11th, and the emergence of ISIS.

Ghattas introduces us to a riveting solid of characters whose lives have been upended by the geopolitical drama over 4 a long time: from the Pakistani tv anchor who defied her nation’s dictator, to the Egyptian novelist thrown in jail for indecent writings all the best way to the homicide of journalist Jamal Khashoggi within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Black Wave is each an intimate and sweeping historical past of the area and can considerably alter perceptions of the Center East.