The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century
Penguin Press HC, The - Penguin Press HC, The
Release date: 2008-04-01
Hardcover
Author: Steve Coll
Saudi Arabia - History, Biography & Autobiography, Biography / Autobiography, Biography/Autobiography, Biography & Autobiography / Political, Business, Middle East - Saudi Arabia, Political, Middle East - General, 20th century, Bin Laden family, History, Saudi Arabia
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The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century
Date undefinedThis is a must read for humans. Guess what? The bin Laden clan is not so different from any other family--they've got personalities that span the spectrum. Osama's father had 54 children and died in a plane crash. Daddy was an ambitious, clever, can-do sort of man. A charismatic opportunist, and a capitalist. He built a company up from nothing and, by Islamic law, his fortune and business were passed on to his children. Osama got his share. He was an only child from a Syrian wife. He was a quiet lad and found his way educated by religious extremists ... and he took to it--fundamentalist religion. The rest of the fam took to the good life that money could buy--oil money mostly-- passed on from the King of Saudi Arabia for construction projects. The family disowned Osama and now they are making money hand over foot. I think Osama will go down in history as somewhat of a hero, a sort of Robin Hood, Butch Cassidy type. Bush? History won't be kind to him - he's the one with the anti-social personality. The bin Ladens don't exhibit great intellect, they're really quite unexceptional, except for Osama, who had the rare courage of convictions ... religious fanaticism.
It's been seven years now - bin Laden's still a free man, Bush is being retired to his ranch - there are two wars still going on, and the stock market is back to "ground zero." Amazing.
The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century
Date undefinedI started reading this book mainly because the author is a pulz prize winner. I started it back in April. Mind you I am a slow reader but this is one that I can't put down. I remember after 9/11 hearing that the Bin Laden family had been flown out the next day or so by Bush. But I didn't know anything about them. Except they were allowed to fly but I was stuck in Essen Germany (one of the pilots has lived there w/ his girlfriend). This book is drenched in so much information that Steve gathered. I cannot imagine how hard or frustrating it must have been to get people there to talk. I have been taking my time and absorbing it (and even highlighting names...like James Baker). I had no idea and I don't think most American's how intertwined the Bin Laden family is with the U.S. They own so many properties all over the country. Even in the small city I live in now and the city I just moved from. It was also interesting to read about the Gulf War since I am a vet that was in during the gulf war. I remember that the king of Saudi told Bush he wanted to give every service member a solid gold metal. Every one of us. We were soooo excited. Bush said no. So nice of him. I mean my younger brother was on foodstamps while he was an e-3 in the Navy and I was barely clearing 12 grand as an e4. Nah that couldn't have come in handy. It is also interesting to see that money from the U.S. came through CIA to one of the main operatives there that passed on money to Obama and he never knew we gave him money. This was during the Afgan war. I could go on and on but JUST BUY IT!
The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century
Date undefinedThis book provides a glamorous insight into the life of the Bin Laden family from the early beginning. Details within this book might seem over exaggerated but most likely very real. A dazzling narrative of high stakes business/borderline politics that brought about the most powerful family in the Middle East.
This book brings you on a journey across many continents leaving a dizzying trail of foot prints. A journey made possible by Oil, Construction, fortune and pure ambition.
This is a long book, but will remain in your hands until the last page.
A second addition would be appreciated to bridge current events to where this book left off.
