What Next for the US and Saudi? Author: Rob Wood Note: This piece was written on 1 April, 2003, a month before the announcement that the US was withdrawing forces from KSA. It would almost be an understatement to say that relations between the US and Saudi Arabia (KSA) have been strained over the last…
Books
Book Review – “Crimes Against Humanity” by Geoffrey Robertson
by ROB •
(2000) (Penguin – 512 pages) Reviewer – Rob Wood Crimes Against Humanity, by Geoffrey Robertson, is far from a light bed-time read. The famous human rights lawyer attempts a discourse on the history, legality, politics, and implications of human rights since the time of Hammurabi, but focusing mainly on post WW2. In doing so he…
The Players
Whatever Happened to the 15 May Organisation?
by ROB •
Whatever Happened to the 15 May Organisation? Author: Rob Wood Posted: March 20, 2003 The 15 May Organisation has been mentioned in official US government documents as late as 2001 as being supported by Saddam Hussein, despite the fact that many believe the group no longer exists. Indeed this organisation does not even make the…
Books
Book Review: “With Lawrence in Arabia” by Lowell Thomas
by ROB •
(1924) (Hutchinson & Co. – 317 pages) Reviewer – Rob Wood “With Lawrence in Arabia” by Lowell Thomas is one of the classic adventure biographies of all time. It covers the turbulent life of Lawrence of Arabia, with special consideration for his antics in the Middle Eastern campaigns of World War One. Thomas was commissioned…
Gear
Multi-Tool Review
by ROB •
When Leathermans came out they were an absolute godsend to the practical camper or traveler. They revolutionised the multi-tool market and set the benchmark by which all subsequent imitators have been judged. Their brilliant craftsmanship and utility have been matched by only a few of the subsequent attempts to infiltrate this market. Unfortunately the best…