David Ottaway

David Ottaway is a veteran journalist and scholar who spent 35 years as a foreign correspondent and investigative reporter for The Washington Post. His expertise centers on the Middle East, Africa, and U.S. foreign policy, developed through extensive field reporting and research. During his career at The Washington Post, Ottaway covered significant events including the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Iranian Revolution. He served as bureau chief in several locations including Cairo and was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for his international reporting. After leaving journalism, Ottaway became a Middle East Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He has authored multiple books examining Saudi Arabia, U.S.-Saudi relations, and Middle Eastern politics, including "The King's Messenger: Prince Bandar bin Sultan and America's Tangled Relationship with Saudi Arabia" and "Mohammed bin Salman: The Icarus of Saudi Arabia?" His analytical work combines firsthand experience with scholarly research, focusing particularly on the complexities of Saudi Arabian politics and society. Ottaway continues to contribute analysis and commentary on Middle Eastern affairs through various publications and academic institutions.

Readers value Ottaway's first-hand reporting experience and deep knowledge of Middle Eastern politics, particularly his coverage of Saudi Arabia. His book "The King's Messenger" earned respect from readers for its detailed portrait of Prince Bandar bin Sultan and Saudi-US relations. Readers appreciate: - Direct access to key political figures - Clear explanation of complex regional dynamics - Balanced perspective on US-Saudi relations Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and academic in tone - Some passages get bogged down in policy details - Limited coverage of certain key historical events Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "The King's Messenger" - 3.9/5 (82 ratings) "Saudi Arabia: The Laws of the Kingdom" - 3.7/5 (24 ratings) Amazon: "The King's Messenger" - 4.1/5 (23 reviews) One reviewer noted: "Ottaway provides unmatched insight into Saudi power structures, though the dense policy analysis requires careful reading."

The King's Messenger: Prince Bandar bin Sultan and America's Tangled Relationship with Saudi Arabia - A biography examining the role of Prince Bandar bin Sultan in US-Saudi relations from 1983 to 2005 during his time as Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States.

The Revolution That Never Was: Portrait of the Sudan - An analysis of Sudan's political landscape following its independence through the 1960s, based on Ottaway's experiences as a foreign correspondent in the region.

Africa's New Leaders: Democracy or State Reconstruction? - A study of political transitions in Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea, and Rwanda during the 1990s and their impact on governance in East Africa.

Chained Together: Mandela, De Klerk, and the Struggle to Remake South Africa - An account of the negotiations and political dynamics between Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk during South Africa's transition from apartheid.

Algeria: The Politics of a Socialist Revolution - An examination of Algeria's political development and socialist policies in the years following its independence from France.