2008-05-04 A useful history but lacking in some vital details

This is a good book about a truly great monarch of the Middle East. What is missing from it are details of the role of specific clans and peoples of this multicultural, multiethnic community. The Circassians of Jordan played a vital part in support of this visionary leader but hardly any mention is given to them. I refer especially to certain Circassian officers who served the Hashimite family and stood by Hussein through thick and thin. It is understandable if an Arab historian ignores their role because it might not fit with an Arab national identity or ideology but I really thought that an Israeli historian would not ignore such vital information and facts. The Circassins and and the originl beduins of Jordan were the backbone of Hussein's rule as well as that of his grandfather King Abdallah the 1st.