On November 20, 1979, the first morning of a new Muslim century, hundreds of gunmen stunned the world by seizing Islam's holiest shrine, the Grand Mosque in Mecca. These men came from more than a dozen countries, launching the first operation of global jihad in modern times. They believed that the Saudi royal family had become a craven servant of American infidels, and sought a return to the glory of uncompromising Islam. With nearly 100,000 worshippers...

"Saudi Arabia is known for its oil, but readers go beyond the basics in this detailed guide to the history, people, and culture of one of the most powerful countries in the Middle East. Detailed chapters filled with full-color photographs focus on essential elements of life in Saudi Arabia-from its economy and government to its language, festivals, and food. Readers also discover the history of this nation and how that has influenced its present....

The question facing Saudi Arabia, and those dependent on its oil exports, is whether the kingdom will find a path to democratic reform or succumb to a rising tide of Islamic extremism. Despite stringent restrictions on Western media, Wide Angle has obtained unusual access to the kingdom and its ruling elite at a time when the kingdom's rulers have themselves come under attack by extremists.

"From award-winning Wall Street Journal reporters Justin Scheck and Bradley Hope (coauthor of Billion Dollar Whale), a revelatory look at the inner workings of the world's most powerful ruling family, the royal family of Saudi Arabia, revealing how a rift within that family produced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aka MBS, a charismatic leader with a ruthless streak"--