Eamonn Gearon – författare

The first English translation of this revolutionary 1916 text, an unlikely collaboration between Arab intellectuals and British wartime intelligence.In December 1916, a modest Arabic-language book rolled off the presses in Cairo—one that could challenge everything we thought we knew about British intelligence and Arab nationalism. Thawrat al-Arab, the longest piece of British propaganda from the First World War, has been hiding in plain sight for over a century.This first English translation reveals an extraordinary collaboration—between Arab intellectuals and British Military Intelligence—which revolutionised wartime information operations. Commissioned by the legendary Arab Bureau and written by Lebanese journalist As‘ad Daghir, this early work of Arab nationalism masterfully weaves together history, political analysis and emotional appeals for independence from Ottoman rule. Although its publication advanced British strategic interests, Thawrat al-Arab was far more than simple propaganda: it allowed authentic Arab voices to speak to Arab audiences. Between its dedication to the ‘martyrs’ hanged by Ottoman authorities and its sweeping vision of Arab greatness, this remarkable text shaped the narrative of the Arab Revolt.A compelling companion to Gearon’s The Arab Bureau, which offers a fresh look at Lawrence of Arabia’s intelligence unit in light of Thawrat al-Arab, this new book brings a crucial historical document to English-language readers for the first time.

In the midst of the First World War, an extraordinary intelligence unit operated from Cairos Savoy Hotel, combining the skills of archaeologists, academics and soldiers to revolutionise how Britain gathered information and shaped events in the Middle East. Overshadowed by Lawrence of Arabia, the Arab Bureaus true significance has remained hidden in plain sight ever since.This fascinating study uncovers the Bureaus remarkable story through newly discovered Arabic documents and previously overlooked archives. At its heart lies an astonishing find:Thawrat al-Arab, an ambitious Arabic-language book and the longest piece of British propaganda produced during the war. From theArab Bulletins secret intelligence reports to sophisticated propaganda campaigns, the Bureau was decades ahead of its time. The teamincluding archaeologists fresh from desert digs and scholars fluent in local dialectsdeveloped new methods of cultural intelligence that would influence future generations.Eamonn Gearons compelling narrative reveals how this unique organisation navigated the complexities of Arab politics, tribal rivalries and Ottoman intelligence, while developing techniques that resonate with todays challenges in intelligence-gathering. Essential reading for anyone interested in intelligence history, the Middle East or how innovation occurs in wartime, this book transforms our understanding of a crucial moment in world history.