Black Wave

Synopsis

A New York Times Notable Book of 2020

"[A] sweeping and authoritative history" (The New York Times Book Review), Black Wave is an unprecedented and ambitious examination of how the modern Middle East unraveled and why it started with the pivotal year of 1979.

Kim Ghattas seamlessly weaves together history, geopolitics, and culture to deliver a gripping read of the largely unexplored story of the rivalry between between Saudi Arabia and Iran, born from the sparks of the 1979 Iranian revolution and fueled by American policy.

With vivid story-telling, extensive historical research and on-the-ground reporting, Ghattas dispels accepted truths about a region she calls home. She explores how Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, once allies and twin pillars of US strategy in the region, became mortal enemies after 1979. She shows how they used and distorted religion in a competition that went well beyond geopolitics. Feeding intolerance, suppressing cultural expression, and encouraging sectarian violence from Egypt to Pakistan, the war for cultural supremacy led to Iran's fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, the assassination of countless intellectuals, the birth of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the rise of ISIS.

Ghattas introduces us to a riveting cast of characters whose lives were upended by the geopolitical drama over four decades: from the Pakistani television anchor who defied her country's dictator, to the Egyptian novelist thrown in jail for indecent writings all the way to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Black Wave is both an intimate and sweeping history of the region and will significantly alter perceptions of the Middle East.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm

This chapter introduces the idyllic setting of St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. A sense of peace and tranquility prevails, with tourists enjoying the island's natural beauty. However, there are subtle hints of a looming threat beneath the surface.

Example: Emily and her husband, John, are on their honeymoon in St. Thomas, enjoying the sun and sand. Emily's father, a retired Navy admiral, warns them of potential hurricanes in the area, but they dismiss his concerns.

Chapter 2: Disturbing Signs

As the days pass, the weather conditions begin to change. The wind picks up, and the skies turn overcast. Fishermen notice a shift in the ocean currents and an unusual increase in marine activity. Emily and John start to feel uneasy as they witness the growing storm.

Example: The local fishing boats return to shore with nets full of sharks, a sign of impending danger. The wind howls through the streets, and the palm trees sway violently, foreshadowing the approaching storm.

Chapter 3: The Onset of the Storm

The storm intensifies rapidly, becoming a full-blown hurricane. Winds reach speeds of over 120 miles per hour, and torrential rain lashes the island. Emily and John are trapped in their hotel, watching with growing dread as the storm rages outside.

Example: The waves crash against the shore with incredible force, sending spray high into the air. The water rises rapidly, flooding the streets and threatening to engulf the entire island.

Chapter 4: Desperation and Loss

The hurricane's fury wreaks havoc on St. Thomas. Buildings are destroyed, infrastructure is crippled, and lives are lost. Emily and John are separated in the chaos, and Emily becomes stranded in a submerged building.

Example: John searches frantically for Emily, but the raging storm makes it impossible to reach her. He witnesses the devastation firsthand, seeing homes and businesses reduced to rubble.

Chapter 5: The Aftermath

As the storm subsides, the true extent of the damage becomes apparent. The island is devastated, and the survivors are left to pick up the pieces. Emily and John are eventually reunited, but their lives have been forever changed by the tragedy.

Example: The once-vibrant St. Thomas is now a wasteland, with piles of debris scattered everywhere. Emily and John struggle to cope with the loss they have experienced and the challenges that lie ahead.