Three Kings: The Rise of an American Empire in the Middle East After World War II

by Lloyd C. Gardner

As American policy makers ponder a strategy for withdrawal from Iraq, one of our preeminent diplomatic historians uncovers the largely hidden story of how the United States got into the Middle East in the first place.

A breathtaking recovery of decisions taken, brazen motives, and backroom dealings, Three Kings is the first history of America’s efforts to supplant the British empire in the Middle East, during and following World War II. From F.D.R. to L.B.J.,this is the story of America’s scramble for political influence, oil concessions, and a new military presence based on airpower and generous American aid to shaky regimes in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and Iraq.

Marshaling new and revelatory evidence from the archives, Gardner deftly weaves together three decades of U.S. moves in the region, chronicling the early efforts to support and influence the Saudi regime (including the creation of Dhahran air base, the target of Osama bin Laden’s first terrorist attack in 1996), the CIA-engineered coup in Iran, Nasser’s Egypt, and, finally, the rise of Iraq as a major petroleum power.

Here, the tangled threads of oil, U.S. military might, Western commercial interests, and especially the Israel-Palestine question are visible from the very beginning of “The American Century”—a history with frightening relevance for the distant prospect of peace and stability in the region today.

Genres: History, Middle East, Nonfiction, American History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Siti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could've been a very insightful book if the style of writing isn't convoluted

[Julian Pritchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty underwhelming. The title is misleading, and I’m not sure which part of the book is supposed to be new scholarship.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book and Jennet Conant's book about Roald Dahl wartime espionage describe the passing of supremacy from Great Britain to the US. Three Kings begins the story of American engagement in the Mideast to obtain sufficient oil to prosecute the war, but also to ensure American primary afterward. Gardner's writing is at times pedantic and it's not really a page turner. I skimmed more detail-laden parts of the book. If you're looking for a fact-filled history book on the subject then this is a good one. If you have only a passing interest in the Middle East or WW2 then I think there are other books that do a better job of both entertaining and informing.

[Matthew Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting account of the foundation of american involvement in the middle east, particularly with regards the Arab nations. does a good job of setting the scene for the ongoing engagements which define much of the current geopolitical reality. a particularly interesting explanation of the nature of the american empire and the key role that the middle east plays in this, both in terms of fuelling growth and also offering bases for further expansion.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview regarding America's emergence as the world's reigning power in the Middle East. Well researched and easy to read. An excellent adjunct to any modern Poli-Sci course.