Creating the Arabian Gulf

Whether called 'Arabian' or 'Persian,' the Gulf is one of the most politically important regions of the world, and its history is necessary in understanding the contemporary Middle East. Paul Rich draws on previously closed archives to document the actual heritage of the area and dispel the myths, showing that the influences of Britain and India are far deeper than commonly acknowledged, and that the sheikhs are actually the creation of the British Raj.

Even whether to call the Gulf 'Arabian' or 'Persian' is an unending argument. Regardless of its name, the Gulf is one of the most politically important regions of the world. Despite its constant presence in the headlines, the fact that it was part of the British Indian empire for many years has gone unappreciated. The long period of British control and the connections with India are, in fact, necessary in understanding the contemporary Middle East. With more than ten years of experience as a government advisor in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Paul Rich draws on previously closed archives to document the actual heritage of the area and dispel the myths. Rich shows that the influences of Britain and India are far deeper than commonly acknowledged, and that the sheikhs are actually the creation of the British Raj. He explains that they owe their thrones to a small group of British political agents_the 'Heaven Born'_who created the satraps and then proceeded to rule from behind the scenes by a clever use of stagecraft and ritual that was heavily flavored by their experiences at English public schools and in Masonic lodges. In its attempt to make sense of the complexity of Arab sheikhdoms in the Gulf, Creating the Arabian Gulf is an ideal book for students and scholars interested in Middle East studies and international relations.

Chapter 1 Preface to the Lexington Books Edition
Chapter 2 Preface:Kuwait, The Raj, and Ritualocracy
Chapter 3 Introduction:Taller Boys
Part 4 Part II. Rituals of Rule
Chapter 5 Chapter I. Viceregal Ritualism
Chapter 6 Chapter II. Indian Connections
Chapter 7 Chapter III. Old Boy Panache
Chapter 8 Chapter IV. Gulf Historiography
Chapter 9 Chapter V. Psychohistory and the Arabs
Chapter 10 Chapter VI. Orientalist Freemasonry
Chapter 11 Chapter VII. School Tarot
Part 12 Part II. Rulers by Elite
Chapter 13 Chapter VIII. Square Pegs, Round Holes
Chapter 14 Chapter IX. Biographies
Chapter 15 Chapter X. "That Was That"
Chapter 16 Epilogue:The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait