The Arabists

View other editions of The Arabists.
View books by Robert D. Kaplan.

Fascinating insight into elite State Department cadre - Rated
Mr. Kaplan, always a stimulating and perceptive observer of human affairs, might have asked himself the question; "Why did the Gulf War take place?". If this was his intention, then he has come up with a highly original thesis. On the way he has also uncovered the very human stories of some interesting, highly intelligent, sometimes colourful, brave and dedicted government employees. This is where the book is at its most effective in revealing the lineage of the elite NEA within the State Department and in describing the inner workings/politicking of the State Department. I reserve giving the book a 10 rating, on account of Mr. Kaplan's somewhat harsh treatment April Glaspie, the last US ambassador to serve in Iraq, before the war.