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The Arab War
A fascinating look at the politics of the Arab world in the 1920’s. These were originally Confidential Information Despatches for General Headquarters (in England) written by Gertrude Bell which were gathered and printed in the 1940’s.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2012
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116 people want to read
About the author
Gertrude Bell
95 books128 followersGertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell, CBE was an English writer, traveller, political officer, administrator, and archaeologist.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 23, 2026
Gertrude Bell kicks ass! It's amazing that this woman played such an important roll in the Middle East during a period of time when women were still, for the most part, expected to sit at home.
This book is a collection of reports written by Bell and, while not about her life per se, it is still very interesting. Her knowledge of the politics in the Middle East was extensive and a great help to the British.
Even though the reports were written almost a century ago they are easy to read. My only complaint is that I think the editors should have included a few supplementals to help the reader fully understand the reports.
For starters I think a list of all the people mentioned and their relationships would be appreciated. I'm not familiar with the history of the Middle East and all of the names began to blur together. Being able to refer to a list when I forgot who someone was would have been helpful.
Another thing that would have helped me keep things straight is a map. Since the reports were written names of places have changed and there are countries now that didn't exist a hundred years ago. A map of the area from then and now to compare would have helped me know exactly where all the action took place.
Last a glossary of non-English words would have been nice. I knew some of them from other books I had read but not everyone who reads this book will have that previous knowledge. You can get through the book without knowing what all of the words mean but I believe that the readers understanding of the story would be enhanced by knowing the terms.
Even though I think a few extras would have made this book better, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in Gertrude Bell.
This book is a collection of reports written by Bell and, while not about her life per se, it is still very interesting. Her knowledge of the politics in the Middle East was extensive and a great help to the British.
Even though the reports were written almost a century ago they are easy to read. My only complaint is that I think the editors should have included a few supplementals to help the reader fully understand the reports.
For starters I think a list of all the people mentioned and their relationships would be appreciated. I'm not familiar with the history of the Middle East and all of the names began to blur together. Being able to refer to a list when I forgot who someone was would have been helpful.
Another thing that would have helped me keep things straight is a map. Since the reports were written names of places have changed and there are countries now that didn't exist a hundred years ago. A map of the area from then and now to compare would have helped me know exactly where all the action took place.
Last a glossary of non-English words would have been nice. I knew some of them from other books I had read but not everyone who reads this book will have that previous knowledge. You can get through the book without knowing what all of the words mean but I believe that the readers understanding of the story would be enhanced by knowing the terms.
Even though I think a few extras would have made this book better, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in Gertrude Bell.
October 19, 2016
History lessons from the past
Great reading on a bygone time in the middle east. Eyewitness history from one who lived it. A must read for all middle east history scholars.
Great reading on a bygone time in the middle east. Eyewitness history from one who lived it. A must read for all middle east history scholars.
January 17, 2021
Most of this short book is made up of actul dispatches sent by Gertrude Bell to the British Govt. They're mainly dry lists of names - who was fighting who etc - and are rather dull, though there are a few lively vignettes interspersed. The last quarter is excerpts from 2 other books about the region, not by Bell. It's a quick read, but only mildly engaging, and only if one is interested in that period of British-Arab relations.
October 8, 2024
Bell's involvement in the Arab War was pivotal to British military strategy against the Ottoman Empire. Her intimate knowledge of Arab tribes and cultures made her an invaluable asset to the British government. Bell collaborated closely with T.E. Lawrence and other key figures in the Arab Bureau, where they gathered intelligence and coordinated efforts to incite Arab revolts against Ottoman rule. This collaboration underscores her role as a bridge between Western military objectives and Arab aspirations for independence.
One of the most significant aspects of Bell's writings is her deep understanding of Arab culture and society. Unlike many of her contemporaries, who often viewed the Middle East through a colonial lens, Bell approached her subject with respect and empathy. Her observations reveal a nuanced appreciation for tribal affiliations, social hierarchies, and local customs. This cultural immersion allowed her to advocate effectively for Arab interests while simultaneously serving British imperial goals.
As a woman operating in a male-dominated environment, Bell’s experiences reflect broader gender dynamics of her time. She navigated a complex landscape where her gender both hindered and facilitated her work. While she faced skepticism from some male counterparts, her intelligence, linguistic skills, and determination earned her respect among influential leaders in the region. Bell’s ability to engage with powerful figures such as King Faisal I illustrates how she transcended traditional gender roles, positioning herself as a key player in shaping post-war Iraq.
Bell's writings also provide critical insights into the political landscape of the Middle East during and after the war. Her advocacy for Arab self-determination was often at odds with British imperial interests, revealing the tensions inherent in her position. She recognized early on the potential pitfalls of creating a unified Iraqi state, aware of the diverse ethnic and religious groups within its borders. Her foresight regarding sectarian tensions—particularly between Shi’a and Sunni populations—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the region's complexities.
Despite her contributions to shaping modern Iraq, Bell’s legacy is not without controversy. While she championed Arab nationalism, she also operated within an imperial framework that sought to maintain British influence in the region. Critics argue that her dual identity as both an Iraqi nationalist and a British imperialist created inherent contradictions that complicated post-war governance.
Bell’s observations about Iraq’s potential for instability resonate with contemporary discussions about nation-building in conflict zones. Her writings serve as both historical documentation and cautionary tales about the challenges of imposing external governance structures on diverse societies.
Gertrude Bell's writings on "The Arab War" offer a rich tapestry of insights into military strategy, cultural dynamics, and political complexities during a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history. Her unique perspective as a woman who navigated both British imperial ambitions and Arab aspirations provides valuable lessons for understanding contemporary issues in the region. Through her narratives, Bell emerges not only as a chronicler of events but also as an influential architect of modern Iraq, whose legacy continues to provoke discussion about colonialism, nationalism, and gender roles in diplomacy.
One of the most significant aspects of Bell's writings is her deep understanding of Arab culture and society. Unlike many of her contemporaries, who often viewed the Middle East through a colonial lens, Bell approached her subject with respect and empathy. Her observations reveal a nuanced appreciation for tribal affiliations, social hierarchies, and local customs. This cultural immersion allowed her to advocate effectively for Arab interests while simultaneously serving British imperial goals.
As a woman operating in a male-dominated environment, Bell’s experiences reflect broader gender dynamics of her time. She navigated a complex landscape where her gender both hindered and facilitated her work. While she faced skepticism from some male counterparts, her intelligence, linguistic skills, and determination earned her respect among influential leaders in the region. Bell’s ability to engage with powerful figures such as King Faisal I illustrates how she transcended traditional gender roles, positioning herself as a key player in shaping post-war Iraq.
Bell's writings also provide critical insights into the political landscape of the Middle East during and after the war. Her advocacy for Arab self-determination was often at odds with British imperial interests, revealing the tensions inherent in her position. She recognized early on the potential pitfalls of creating a unified Iraqi state, aware of the diverse ethnic and religious groups within its borders. Her foresight regarding sectarian tensions—particularly between Shi’a and Sunni populations—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the region's complexities.
Despite her contributions to shaping modern Iraq, Bell’s legacy is not without controversy. While she championed Arab nationalism, she also operated within an imperial framework that sought to maintain British influence in the region. Critics argue that her dual identity as both an Iraqi nationalist and a British imperialist created inherent contradictions that complicated post-war governance.
Bell’s observations about Iraq’s potential for instability resonate with contemporary discussions about nation-building in conflict zones. Her writings serve as both historical documentation and cautionary tales about the challenges of imposing external governance structures on diverse societies.
Gertrude Bell's writings on "The Arab War" offer a rich tapestry of insights into military strategy, cultural dynamics, and political complexities during a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history. Her unique perspective as a woman who navigated both British imperial ambitions and Arab aspirations provides valuable lessons for understanding contemporary issues in the region. Through her narratives, Bell emerges not only as a chronicler of events but also as an influential architect of modern Iraq, whose legacy continues to provoke discussion about colonialism, nationalism, and gender roles in diplomacy.
November 17, 2021
Great info on a forgotten period by someone who lived it and was influential in what came later.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews