The Great War for Civilisation

1. The Great War for Civilisation's Legacy: A Century of Conflict

In the Middle East, it sometimes feels as if no event in history has a finite end, a crossing point, a moment when we can say: “Stop—enough—this is where we will break free.”

Echoes of the Past. The book highlights how the consequences of historical events, particularly the redrawing of borders after World War I, continue to fuel conflict in the Middle East. Promises made to Arabs and Jews were betrayed, leading to ongoing strife.

Intertwined Histories. The author emphasizes the interconnectedness of historical events, showing how actions in one era directly influence the conflicts of subsequent generations. The book illustrates how the seeds of current conflicts were sown decades, even centuries, ago.

Arrogance of Power. The author argues that a recurring theme in the Middle East is the arrogance of powerful nations imposing their will on the region, often with disastrous consequences. This cycle of intervention and betrayal perpetuates a sense of injustice and resentment.

2. Witnessing War: A Journalist's Perspective on Death and Deceit

War is primarily not about victory or defeat but about death and the infliction of death. It represents the total failure of the human spirit.

The Human Cost of War. The book underscores the brutal reality of war, focusing on the suffering and death it inflicts on both soldiers and civilians. The author challenges the romanticized view of war often presented by governments and media.

Moral Failure. War is portrayed as a profound moral failure, representing the total breakdown of human compassion and reason. The author critiques the use of euphemisms like "collateral damage" to mask the true horror of killing.

The Role of the Journalist. The author sees the journalist's role as an impartial witness to history, challenging authority and holding power accountable. The journalist's duty is to report the truth, even when it is unpopular or challenges official narratives.

3. The Allure and Danger of the "Islamic Republic": Bin Laden's Early Ideals

What I lived through in two years there, I could not have lived in a hundred years elsewhere.

Bin Laden's Transformation. The book traces Osama bin Laden's evolution from a U.S.-backed freedom fighter against the Soviet Union to a radical Islamist leader threatening the West. His experiences in Afghanistan shaped his worldview and fueled his anti-American sentiment.

The Islamic Republic. Bin Laden's initial attraction to Sudan as a model Islamic state reveals his early ideals and his disillusionment with the corruption of the Saudi royal family. His search for an "Islamic Republic" highlights the complexities of Islamist ideology.

The Seeds of Al-Qaeda. The book shows how bin Laden's network of Arab fighters in Afghanistan, initially supported by the U.S., later became the foundation for al-Qaeda. The author's personal encounters with bin Laden provide insights into his motivations and beliefs.

4. Afghanistan: A Graveyard of Empires and a Breeding Ground for Extremism

The stones of Gandamak, they claim, were made black by the blood of the English dead.

Historical Parallels. The book draws parallels between the British experience in Afghanistan in the 19th century and the Soviet and American interventions in the 20th and 21st centuries. Afghanistan's history as a "graveyard of empires" underscores the challenges of foreign intervention.

The Afghan Identity. The author emphasizes the Afghan people's fierce independence and resistance to foreign domination. This resistance, rooted in tribal traditions and Islamic faith, has made Afghanistan a difficult country to control.

The Refugee Camps. The book highlights the role of Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan as breeding grounds for extremism. The Taliban's rise from these camps illustrates the unintended consequences of neglecting the social and economic needs of displaced populations.

5. The Cycle of Violence: From the First World War to the Modern Middle East

Promises are meant to be kept. And so those promises—the Jews naturally thought that their homeland would be in all of Palestine—were betrayed, and the millions of Arabs and Jews of the Middle East are now condemned to live with the results.

Betrayal and Broken Promises. The book emphasizes the role of broken promises and betrayals in fueling the Arab-Israeli conflict. The conflicting promises made to Arabs and Jews during and after World War I laid the foundation for decades of violence.

The Creation of Artificial States. The book critiques the arbitrary creation of states in the Middle East by Western powers, without regard for the region's ethnic and religious complexities. These artificial borders have contributed to ongoing conflict and instability.

The Failure of the Human Spirit. The author argues that war represents the total failure of the human spirit, and that the Middle East has been condemned to a cycle of violence by the actions of both Western powers and regional actors.

6. The Americanization of War: Technology, Propaganda, and Moral Ambiguity

I was never afraid of death. As Muslims, we believe that when we die, we go to heaven.

The Power of Propaganda. The book examines how governments use propaganda to shape public opinion and justify war. The author critiques the use of simplistic narratives of good versus evil to mask the complexities of conflict.

The Role of Technology. The book explores the impact of modern technology on warfare, from the use of advanced weaponry to the manipulation of information through media. The author questions the ethical implications of technological advancements in killing.

Moral Relativism. The book highlights the moral ambiguities of war, where actions that would be considered crimes in peacetime are justified in the name of national security or strategic interests. The author challenges the notion of "purity of arms" in a world of complex moral choices.

7. The Human Cost of Conflict: Lost Innocence and Enduring Trauma

I don’t have nightmares about these things. But I remember.

The Loss of Innocence. The book portrays the devastating impact of war on children, who are often the most vulnerable victims of violence. The author describes the physical and psychological trauma suffered by children in war zones.

The Enduring Trauma of War. The book explores the long-term effects of war on individuals and societies, including the psychological scars, the loss of hope, and the perpetuation of violence. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering the human cost of conflict.

The Importance of Empathy. The book calls for empathy and understanding towards all victims of war, regardless of their nationality or background. The author challenges readers to confront the human consequences of political decisions.

8. The Power of Memory and the Peril of Denial: Confronting the Armenian Genocide

Even as it took place, Bill Fisk’s war was helping to produce the century’s first genocide—that of a million and a half Armenians—and laying the foundations for a second, that of the Jews of Europe.

The Armenian Genocide. The book sheds light on the Armenian Genocide, a largely forgotten tragedy that foreshadowed the horrors of the Holocaust. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging this historical crime.

The Politics of Denial. The book critiques the Turkish government's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide and the efforts to suppress discussion of this historical event. The author highlights the dangers of historical revisionism and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths.

The Importance of Remembrance. The book underscores the need to remember and honor the victims of genocide, to prevent such atrocities from happening again. The author challenges readers to learn from history and to stand up against injustice.

9. The Unseen Forces Shaping the Middle East: Oil, Religion, and Imperial Ambitions

America invaded Iraq not for Saddam Hussein’s mythical “weapons of mass destruction”—which had long ago been destroyed—but to change the map of the Middle East, much as my father’s generation had done more than eighty years earlier.

The Role of Oil. The book examines the influence of oil on Western policy in the Middle East. The author argues that the pursuit of oil interests has often led to interventions that have destabilized the region and fueled conflict.

The Influence of Religion. The book explores the role of religion in shaping political identities and fueling conflict in the Middle East. The author highlights the complexities of Islamist ideology and the dangers of religious extremism.

The Legacy of Imperialism. The book critiques the legacy of Western imperialism in the Middle East, arguing that the region's current problems are rooted in the arbitrary borders and political structures imposed by colonial powers.

10. The Elusive Quest for Peace: Betrayal, Broken Promises, and the Seeds of Future Conflict

Our job is to monitor the centres of power.

The Failure of Peace Processes. The book examines the failures of various peace initiatives in the Middle East, including the Oslo Accords. The author argues that these processes have often been undermined by bad faith, broken promises, and a lack of genuine commitment to justice.

The Importance of Monitoring Power. The book emphasizes the need for journalists to challenge authority and hold power accountable, especially during times of war. The author argues that the media has a responsibility to expose the truth, even when it is unpopular or challenges official narratives.

The Need for Justice. The book underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including historical injustices, economic inequalities, and political oppression. The author argues that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice and reconciliation.

11. The Moral Quagmire of War: Justifying the Unjustifiable

To challenge authority—all authority—especially so when governments and politicians take us to war, when they have decided that they will kill and others will die.

The Erosion of Morality. The book explores the moral compromises and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and societies during times of war. The author critiques the use of propaganda and euphemisms to justify violence and dehumanize the enemy.

The Dangers of Self-Conviction. The book highlights the dangers of ideological certainty and the belief that one's own cause is inherently just. The author argues that this kind of self-conviction can lead to atrocities and the suppression of dissent.

The Importance of Humility. The book calls for humility and self-reflection in the face of war, acknowledging the limits of human understanding and the potential for unintended consequences. The author challenges readers to question their own assumptions and biases.

12. The Enduring Cycle: A Journalist's Journey Through the Heart of Darkness

I used to argue, hopelessly I’m sure, that every reporter should carry a history book in his back pocket.

The Weight of History. The book concludes with a reflection on the author's own experiences as a war correspondent and the lessons he has learned over a lifetime of reporting from the Middle East. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding history to make sense of the present.

The Power of Witnessing. The book underscores the role of journalism in bearing witness to history and holding power accountable. The author argues that journalists have a responsibility to report the truth, even when it is difficult or dangerous.

The Search for Meaning. The book ends with a sense of both despair and hope, acknowledging the enduring cycle of violence in the Middle East but also affirming the importance of the human spirit and the search for meaning in a world of chaos and injustice.

Last updated: February 23, 2025