In January 1970, leader of The Ikhwan Juhayman al-Utaybi and his 400 plus followers took over the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. The seizure and aftermath became one of the most spectacular events in modern middle-eastern history.
The repurcussions of this two-week siege were felt throughout Saudi Arabia and even as far as Pakistan. Four decades later the event still is misunderstood, with many people thinking it was a US / Iranian backed attempt to destablise Muslims.
Hegghammer and Lacroix thouroughly investigate the leagacy and reasons for the takeover and its aftermath. Focusing on al-Ubayti, whose name and works are still taboo in the Saudi state, they uncover the motivation and ideology that led to the takeover. And in doing so help shed light on the causes of extremism making this book actaually quite relevant to today.