A review by emma_ireland
The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East by Robert Fisk

5.0

Before reading this, I had a very limited knowledge of the history of the Middle East, or the issues that still affect it today. I feel I have a much better (although of course not comprehensive) understanding now. This book had me alternating between rage and tears on numerous occasions, and as other reviewers have said, it's not easy to read: at times I was left with such a feeling of responsibility and helplessness. I've been growing progressively more cynical in relation to the media as I've got older, and this book confirms a lot of what I already suspected; it certainly makes me see the news I've watched in recent weeks in a different light (Operation Moshtarak was reported as "going well" on Sky News this evening, despite the deaths of numerous civilians). This should be compulsory reading for everyone everywhere.