Library Political Science

Oil and God is an unabashed realpolitik analysis of U.S. oil geopolitics and Saudi Arabia’s symbiotic attachment to Wahhabism. Oil and God contends that oil hegemony is world hegemony. The U.S. has protected the al-Sauds since 1945. Some 35,000 U.S. soldiers are in regional air and naval bases to protect the oil fields and ruling sheikhs. In Washington’s hands, Saudi oil is a non-lethal WMD. Not even the 9/11 atrocities could make Washington punish Riyadh. Oil and God investigates why Iraq was destroyed, why Iran was allowed to dominate Baghdad, and why Shi’ite/Sunni wars continue to burn. Once oil is replaced by green energy, Washington will abandon Riyadh, Saudi cash will dwindle, and Wahhabi terror will diminish.

REVIEWS

Elie Elhadj provides a deeply researched analysis of how the Arab Middle East has been destabilized by ill-inspired and ignorant international interventions. A peaceful outcome might have been possible if those intervening had understood the religious and tribal history of the region. Those contemplating further intervention in the Middle East should digest the evidence in this remarkable book. They could enable the region and the world to escape another century of unforgivable carnage, unnecessary poverty and wasted trillions.
Professor Tony Allan, King's College London and SOAS London

An intriguing and powerful book by a uniquely qualified author that provides a vivid insider’s view of Saudi Arabia’s use of its vast oil wealth to dominate the Middle East and the Sunni Islamic world. This richly informed and elegantly written book demonstrates conclusively that Saudi domination of the Middle East will bring nothing but terror, tyranny, and Wahhabi extremism to the region. Dr. Elhadj’s book is a must read for everyone concerned about the future of the Middle East.
Professor Monte Palmer - Former Director of the Middle East Centers at the Florida State University and the American University of Beirut

A thorough dissection of current Middle Eastern affairs.This book will serve as the primer for understanding, in depth, the tensions and geopolitics of the region, their causes and likely outcome. It is a masterful work, set out simply and clearly by a man uniquely qualified for such a complicated task.
David Cazalet, Creator & Composer, Requiem for Aleppo

Oil and God analyses the complicated politics of the Middle East brilliantly through the prism of oil and religion. The book is concise and succinct in narrative. It doesn't shy away from examining certainties and beliefs (with great sensitivity). I found the linkages among key issues particularly revealing. For instance, the reasons for the anti-green energy thrust in the US are made clear as is US avoidance of confrontation with Saudi rulers. The knock-on effects of US interventions in Iraq, Iran's empowerment, Erdogan politics, Zionism, Obama's Middle East policies, etc. are all brought to light. And, the picking apart of the Assad regime is powerful. Having spent many years working with Egyptians I feel I understand that country's particular geopolitics better. Oil and God is an essential tool for Westerners interested in Middle Eastern affairs.
Ben Faccini, novelist, writer, and translator

Elie Elhadj, born in Syria, had a 30-year banking career. During most of the 1990s, he was CEO of Arab National Bank in Saudi Arabia. Following retirement, he received his Ph.D. from London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies. He wrote The Islamic Shield, which addresses the likely causes of 9/11. He also wrote Experiments in Achieving Water and Food Self-Sufficiency in the Middle East. It addresses water politics in Saudi Arabia and Syria.