Bob Woodward, the renowned American investigative journalist, is known for his explosive books that often spark widespread debate and achieve global bestseller status. His latest book, War, has made a similar impact. Within a month of its release, unofficial translations have appeared worldwide, including an Arabic version by artificial intelligence, giving Arab readers insights into its key topics: the Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict and the US presidential election.
Woodward claims his work is based on hundreds of hours of interviews with key figures and witnesses, many of whom allowed him to record their conversations. This meticulous approach has enhanced the book's credibility, prompting Simon Henderson, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, to remark: “If newspapers are the first draft of history, then Bob Woodward’s writings are the second draft.”
For Arab readers, one of the most intriguing sections of the book explores the Gaza war. Woodward delves into the US Secretary of State’s meetings with Arab leaders during his regional tour in October 2023, highlighting the fallout from the Israeli intelligence failure. However, the narrative echoes widely contested claims, such as accusations that Hamas fighters committed unspeakable atrocities, which even Israel has struggled to substantiate.
Perhaps the book's most compelling revelation is the stance of Arab leaders regarding the Gaza conflict. Woodward quotes statements shared with Blinken, including warnings to Israel about Hamas: “Hamas is the Muslim Brotherhood... terrorist groups not only target Israel but aim to destabilise other Arab states as well. What comes after Hamas may be worse — like IS following Al Qaeda.” Despite criticising Hamas, the leaders also advised caution, urging Israel to proceed with a phased ground invasion of Gaza and address humanitarian concerns.
Woodward highlights President Joe Biden’s private frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contrasting with his public support for Israel. Biden reportedly clashed with Netanyahu over strategy, particularly the insistence on invading southern Gaza. Woodward recounts tense exchanges, including Biden’s blunt remark: “You have no strategy,” and Netanyahu’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, dismissing it as “a big mistake.”
The book also documents Blinken’s attempts to balance support for Israel with urging restraint. During one meeting, Blinken informed Netanyahu of broad Arab backing for defeating Hamas, despite their public silence. This juxtaposition of public criticism and private alignment underscores the complex dynamics at play.
Woodward’s revelations about Arab leaders' attitudes towards Hamas reinforce previously known sentiments. However, by naming individuals and citing specific conversations, the book provides a historical record of these positions. This aligns with Marouf al Rusafi’s famous verse: “Let not the people's cheers deceive your ear, for what they hide in secret is far from clear.”
A key takeaway from War is the consistent linkage of Hamas to the Brotherhood, used by many leaders to justify their opposition. The question remains: why openly side with an adversary, despite its crimes, against a group that could potentially be engaged with diplomatically?
While some regimes profess concern for Gaza’s humanitarian plight, the book suggests their real interest lies in leveraging Israel’s actions to pave the way for normalisation. This goal, shared by the US and certain Arab states, contrasts starkly with the suffering on the ground.
Woodward's War has exposed uncomfortable truths for some Arab governments, as their leaders are shown urging Israel to take calculated revenge. However, Blinken’s poignant remark to Israel’s war council — “Hamas is an idea, and you cannot destroy an idea” — resonates, even as Arab leaders appear to abandon the Palestinian resistance. The question lingers: will these positions fade into obscurity, or will they be remembered as moments of betrayal?
The article was translated by Badr al Dhafari
The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on November 25, 2024.
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