The last inch
Subtitle: a Middle East odyssey
By: Claud Morris.
Publisher: Kegan Paul International; Distributed by Columbia University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: London; New York; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 238
Subjects: Morris, Claud.; Journalists -- Great Britain -- Biography.; Arabists -- Great Britain -- Biography.; Arab countries -- Politics and government -- 1945-
Description: This is the autobiography of Claud Morris, a figure well-known throughout the Middle East as a journalist and publisher. His first-hand account spanning thirty years, gives a revealing behind-the-scenes look at politicking in high places and the intrigues that generate and are generated by the continuing tensions in that sensitive and volatile part of the world.

After his initial involvement with pro-Arab publishing resulted in the fire-bombing of his Welsh printing company in mysterious circumstances, Morris began a long campaign to rebuild his business and, more importantly, to work for understanding and peace in the Middle East. His odyssey took him to the court of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the Cabinet of President Numeiri of Sudan, the camps of Colonel Gaddafi of Libya and the desert majlis of Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi.

He became a trusted confidante of world leaders and worked untiringly in a faction-ridden region for mutual understanding and the resolution of conflict. But he faced the antagonism of those, both in the Arab world and in the west - who distrusted his strongly held beliefs and private mission. Obstacles of all kinds were placed in his way. Betrayals and broken promises were frequent, conspiracy a way of life.

And yet there were kindnesses too, dramatic turns of fortune and moments of great triumph - a stirring story that is told in detail in this book.

As the culmination of his work, Claud Morris established the Next Century Foundation, which today works quietly and effectively behind the scenes in the corridors of power, initiating communication between those of opposing views in what are perceived to be hopeless conflict situations. As this book shows, Morris has contributed to the creation of a more stable situation in the Middle East, and has helped to defuse tensions that might otherwise have had dangerous repurcussions throughout the world.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-234) and index.