Vision or Mirage

Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads

By: David Rundell

Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi

Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution?

David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab world.

©2021 David H. Rundell (P)2021 Tantor

Excellent primer and highly relevant

Fantastic historical presentation and current analysis of the KSA and its relationships within the region and broader global economy.

Well researched and objective presentation of facts with careful analysis of the kingdom and its rulers.

Vision or mirage….david Rundell

Excellent coherent complete review of Saudi Arabia - its importance to world peace is immense. Very interesting reading and seems to be a very accurate description of the country

Excellent book

This is a good history of Saudi Arabia which also describes concisely its society and its culture. It does show as well the contradictions inherent in the current reform and modernization measures that MBS is implementing. I enjoyed listening to it and I do recommend it.

if you want to learn about Saudi Arabia ...

Give this book a listen or read.
This is a well researched presentation of the House of Saud. As a person having lived and worked in the Kingdom, I learned a lot of new background by listening to this book. Well Done

Excellent narration

I enjoyed the brief history of Saudi Arabia. Lot’s of historical facts. I have a new understanding of the monarch from the 1800 to present.