Between Allah and petroleum

The Middle East is currently faced with an extremely critical situation. Entire states are in the process of disintegration, and individual clans, tribes and local rulers are taking control. Furthermore, Islamic fundamentalism has become enormously strong, which has given rise to the foundation of the Islamic State that poses a huge threat to the traditional oil state emirates and monarchies. Drawing from the experience gained during many trips to this region, the author identifies some of the reasons for this disastrous development over the past few years whilst also making an attempt at...