The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century by Steve Coll

The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century by Steve Coll is an interesting look at the history of the Bin Ladens, an extraordinarily powerful Arabian family. The family, headed by the late patriarch Mohammed bin Laden, emigrated from Yemen to Saudi Arabia between the 1920s and 1950s and quickly became an integral part of the Saudi royal family. Through its business dealings and spectacular success, the family became a symbol of Arab-Islamic wealth and influence in the Western world and beyond.

The family of bin Laden is one of the most influential families in the Middle East and its legacy has been felt in many countries across the globe. The family's rise from humble beginnings to great wealth and power began in the 1930s when Mohammed bin Laden won construction contracts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The contracts placed him in a position to expand the family business, eventually making it into one of the largest construction groups in the Middle East.

Through his business successes, bin Laden made profitable investments in industries ranging from oil and gas to aviation and hotels. As his economic ventures increased, the bin Laden family became an integral member of the Saudi royal family and as such, had tremendous influence throughout the region. In addition, they also established roots in various countries around the world, including Afghanistan and the United States.

The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century focuses on several members of this powerful family and their involvement in US political and economic life. The book looks at both the positive and negative aspects associated with the bin Laden family. In particular, it examines their business ventures, political connections, and charitable works.

The book doesn't shy away from examining some of the more controversial aspects of the bin Laden family, including their ties to terrorism. It also looks at how their success may have shaped the American image of the Middle East. From the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole in October 2000 to the September 11th attacks of 2001 and the subsequent war on terror, the bin Laden family gained notoriety in the American Century.

The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century is an informative and gripping tale of a family that stood on the edge of power and conflict in modern history. Steve Coll did an impressive job of bringing the Bin Ladens to life, blending their successes with the risks they undertook and the controversies they faced. It is an enlightening read and provides readers with an opportunity to see a family living through the American Century and affected by some of its most tumultuous events.