Middle East

Lawrence in Arabia

Diplomat and traveller Hugh Leach draws on his experience of working with Arab tribes to examine T.E. Lawrence’s strategy in the Arab revolt, in anticipation of a new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum.

The Sea Speaks Arabic

Umej Bhatia discusses Muslim memories of the Crusades and their resonances in Middle Eastern politics today.

The Shrine of Islam’s Tragic Divisions

Corinne Atkins examines the events in Iraq in the 7th century AD, which precipitated the first and only great division of Islam, the ramifications of which are seen today in Iraq and more widely.

Death of Ibn Saud

The founder of Saudi Arabia died on November 9th, 1953. In his last years he was one of the richest men on earth.