Getrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations

[alarimer]

I had never heard of her but apparently she is the female equivalent of T.E. Lawrence. I just started it but apparently she is responsible for the creation of the nation of Iraq so it should be an interesting read.

[elfin]

1. I read it a couple of years ago -- great read and SPOOKY that her

letters home name the same family names, the same sectarian tensions, the same power division concerns as TODAY.

The museum she established was one of the first looting targets --- I wonder if her home in Baghdad is still in existence.

[Captain Hilts]

2. If only someone in the White House had had the patience to sit all the way through Larry of Arabia..

they might have thought twice about the invasion...

[alarimer]

3. What an amazing person

Now that I have finished the book, I can say that I just do not understand why she is not more famous. She was somewhat publicity-shy and did not give many interviews and she died rather young (only 58 and it wasn't clear to me if she killed herself because she had terminal cancer or what). In any case, the British faced many of the same problems we are facing now. I truly do not know what the answer is to that.

[Adsos Letter]

4. After you finish with Gertrude Bell...

...try "Inventing Iraq" by Dodge. Current, and also a very good read.

:D