As with most guidebooks, you can't really expect much depth in this one. I think the book errs in trying too hard to discuss political events and not enough on what the country's really like. It's not at all clear, in fact, that Mr. Ham actually ever visited the country.



His political discussions are actually quite dated, even though the book same out only a couple of years ago. Much has changed since 2002, when the Saudis themselves were the victims of terrorist attacks. The country is planning its first nation-wide municipal, elections, for instance. This would come as a major surprise if you were to rely on this book alone.



The book's not bad, but it's really for people who know nothing much about the country. There are better books available, particularly Thomas Lippman's "Inside the Mirage". That book, though longer, is actually easier to read.

As with most guidebooks, you can't really expect much depth in this one. I think the book errs in trying too hard to discuss political events and not enough on what the country's really like. It's not at all clear, in fact, that Mr. Ham actually ever visited the country.

His political discussions are actually quite dated, even though the book same out only a couple of years ago. Much has changed since 2002, when the Saudis themselves were the victims of terrorist attacks. The country is planning its first nation-wide municipal, elections, for instance. This would come as a major surprise if you were to rely on this book alone.

The book's not bad, but it's really for people who know nothing much about the country. There are better books available, particularly Thomas Lippman's "Inside the Mirage". That book, though longer, is actually easier to read.