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Family History of Spycraft
- Aimen's grandfather, a British Indian Army officer, became head of police in Basra, Iraq, suppressing the 1920 Iraqi revolt.
- He later joined Bahrain's security services, highlighting a family history of spycraft and working for foreign powers.
Arabia's Ancient History
- Arabia's history, rooted in biblical and Quranic narratives, shapes Saudi identity.
- Abraham's prayer for the land's prosperity is linked to present-day oil wealth.
Family Connection to Philby
- Aimen Dean's uncle and father, both skilled linguists, moved to Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- St. John Philby, a British spy advising King Abdulaziz, recognized their talent and employed Aimen's uncle as a translator in the royal court.