Curtis’s Reviews > The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century > Status Update
Curtis
is on page 162 of 671
Death of MBL shifts book; back in time for Osama's life. Dual Arabic revolutions. Both anti-colonial: one wanting to return before that period (Islamist fundamentalists), other wanting to go past it (progressive/socialists). SA shelters expelled Islamists to bolster their power against socialists; US assists, leading to hotbeds of extremism. OBL & Khashogghi in same cell! Things picking up; eager for Soviet invasion.
— Aug 21, 2026 03:32PM
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Curtis’s Previous Updates
Curtis
is on page 264 of 671
Soviet invasion in Afghanistan sparse on detail; says US assumed an oil motive but was misled, then doesn't clarify their actual motives. Focus on Salem's playboy lifestyle is displacing more interesting historical aspects. Bin Laden corporation still interesting as it intersects more with geo-politics. Interesting how region traumatized by US leads to extremism; makes sense. Trump makes appearance; as dumb as ever.
— Aug 26, 2026 12:04PM
Curtis
is on page 212 of 671
Salem section dull & drawn out: just showing him being a rich playboy for 40 pages. Bit interesting with tensions between SA and 'western' culture he embodies, or his business deals, but too many anecdotes of him flaunting wealth. Best part was someone named Anita Pizza. Picks up again when finally returning to Osama as he's further radicalized; world's biggest buzzkill, seems OCD about extreme rules/lifestyle.
— Aug 22, 2026 07:43AM
Curtis
is on page 112 of 671
Brisk pace; book straddles turbulent eras & also goes back to start of Islam, Wahabbism. Polytheistic Hajj origins interesting. Awed by Saudi corruption; no wonder US worried of Nasser-backed overthrow! US & Other nations propping up SA for oil relations & putting down rebels. Treatment of women horrid; Bin Laden just shows up, marries children & leaves. Not a cent spent to improve lives of locals; roads over rail.
— Aug 19, 2026 11:06AM
Curtis
is on page 46 of 671
Anxious about keeping track of all names/places etc, yet drawn into narrative fast; novelty of vastly different culture (believing telegraphs are witchcraft & dancing evil; almost killed over an ox) meeting modernity & insatiable enterprise. Rags to riches narrative, straddling lots of history from WW1 & 2, Ottomans, depression, etc. Surreal opening w/ Saudis meeting Hollywood stars @ white house. Gonna be wild book.
— Aug 15, 2026 08:43AM