Do not waste your time on this Book. Fisk had an interesting life as a journalist in the Middle East; unfortunately, he is woefully inadequate at telling the story. First, regardless of the title, this is not a history but rather a rambling memoir that is hopelessly chaotic in structure. Fisk would have benefitted greatly from a heavy editing to cut the length down to 400 pages or there about. Second, Fisk clearly dislikes ALL government leaders from all countries and is unrelenting in his criticisms and second-guessing of policies and actions. For those who enjoy basing the USA you will find Fisk a kindred soul, as he reserves his strongest venom for the USA. These criticisms would be interesting if he presented viable alternative solutions. He does not. He castigates everyone except for his favorite hero, himself.