‘Is Anybody Listening? How world leaders ignored prescient warnings on the Middle East’
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To ignore the views of Khalaf Al Habtoor is to turn your back on what is happeningin the Middle East and its global impact.
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Khalaf Al Habtoor has been proved to be right too many times to ignore. His views on the past and the way forward will shock & educate a world that is sadly lacking in the knowledge and expertise about a region that affects us all.
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His outspoken perspective is both informed and enlightened and, in some quarters, will create a dramatic reaction and outrage.
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor launches his new book, Is Anybody Listening? at an event at The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City on Thursday 13 October 2016. A 100-plus guests will be the first to hear Al Habtoor speak about his latest book at an exclusive event attended by media and VIPs. BBC Broadcaster, Journalist and Author Gavin Esler will interview Al Habtoor about his strong views on international politics and its impact on the region.
Is Anybody Listening? provides a concise summation of what is really going on in the Middle East as a result of failed foreign policies. It gives a real sense of just how chaotic parts of the region are and provides advice for foreign policymakers about how to get out of the quagmire. Al Habtoor excoriates Western administration for empowering Iran and enabling terror groups as a result of the illegal Iraq war.
The book focuses on the countries most impacted by misguided policies. Is Anybody Listening? is divided in two parts. Part one covers Iran, the root of the problem; looking at the dangers of Iran’s manipulation of the world, its domestic policy and persecution of minorities, as well as the nuclear threat and the danger of new alliances. Part two looks at the Arab World as a whole and the real and present dangers threatening to further destroy the region. It covers the devastation of Iraq – the Cradle of Civilization, the Syrian genocide – a country destroyed by its leader, poverty and conflict in Yemen, and the burdens of a tolerant society in Lebanon. It also incorporates Palestine and finding a path to peace with Israel, the revolution in Egypt and the long road to recovery. It features keynote speeches given by Al Habtoor around the world – including New York, Illinois and Washington DC.
In the book, Al Habtoor writes, “It is like Armageddon in parts of the Middle East, and there is little hope of getting out of this quagmire, which I believe is due to the catastrophic moral and political failures of world leaders who have enabled the likes of Daesh, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Republic of Iran – its militias and proxies… I have no doubt in my mind that failings by world leaders have empowered this fanatical mob hell-bent on a reign of terror, using the false cover of religion… and unless action is taken soon, I fear, for all our futures. Enough sitting around hoping for miracles! The Arab world cannot rely on the West any more. Both Muslim and non-Muslim states should stand with the GCC to fight this alien sickness that is not only tearing our region apart but also posing a grave threat far beyond our borders; if left unchecked it could further divide our world.”
In the Foreword, former US President Jimmy Carter, says “Over the past few years, Khalaf Al Habtoor and I have become personal friends. We have exchanged thoughts on the state of the world and the role of the United States and the United Arab Emirates in facing these issues. We agree that our planet is facing enormous challenges, and these threats often are being ignored. While we may not always agree on the way forward, it is good to know that he is willing to call attention to the issues of the day and to urge action.”
Gavin Esler, BBC Broadcaster, Journalist and Author writes, "This book raises the biggest question behind all the chaos and violence across the Middle East: why do Western policy makers not listen to those with the most knowledge and expertise across the Arab world? Mr Habtoor - a man whose own personal life story of great business success runs in parallel with some of the great changes in the Gulf region, is well known and respected as an "unofficial diplomat" trying to encourage dialogue, to educate and explain the region which is so often misunderstood. Intelligent and provocative, this book demands that we listen."
An Introduction by Dr John Duke Anthony, Founding President and CEO of the National Council on US–Arab Relations, and authoritative voice on the Middle East, states: “In Is Anybody Listening? Dr Al Habtoor recounts his warnings to world leaders about the ramifications and implications of Western Great Power foreign policy errors and failures, as well as Arab limitations and shortcomings. He warns that the greatest threats facing the world today are largely due either to inaction by policymakers, or to their mistaken decisions and the scarred landscapes that have been the result. But one of many highlights that he underscores for its tragic consequences in this collection of his articles is, in his view, “the US’ lack of decisive action against one of the most ruthless criminals of our century – Syrian President Bashar Al Assad … and the empowerment of Iran, the patron of terrorism in our world”.
Dr Anthony adds, “For more than a decade he [Khalaf Al Habtoor] has been producing these incisive, exceptionally well-written treatises, and has been offering equally insightful assessments of what most needs to be done to enhance regional security, defence, stability and peace – the four keys to the prospects for prosperity.”
Aside from geopolitics, Al Habtoor – Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group – is globally respected, not only for his business acumen, but also for his philanthropic endeavours, his astute political analyses and his support for international sports, such as tennis and polo.
A self-made man, Al Habtoor was guided by strong principles, unflinching self-belief and a bold ability to take calculated risks. He drew wisdom and inspiration from the founding fathers of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
He is a true citizen of the world, someone who uses his wealth in numerous philanthropic ventures and who – crucially – bridges both the Arab and western cultures and understands each viewpoint. It is this stance that makes his political analysis of difficult issues so compelling and gives his memoirs a contemporary relevance.
Is Anybody Listening? is now available in bookstores across the UAE, including Borders, Bookshop Trading (Al Ain), Jashanmal Book Stores, Kinokuniya and Relay Abu Dhabi.
For additional details on Mr Habtoor please see:
http://www.habtoor.com/en/3/the-group/chairmans-profile
To see all his articles, interviews and speeches visit:
http://khalafalhabtoor.net/en/