People always advise new writers to write about the things they are familiar with, but who wants to read a novel with Training and Development as the theme! That's where my career has taken me, but it has also taken me overseas for six years, and this book is informed by my own experience in Saudi Arabia and in other places in the “neighborhood.” I also studied international affairs--and I use the word “studied” advisedly, as my professors would concur--and I have a multicultural group of friends with whom I often talk about contemporary international political issues, including those of the Middle East. You, who know more than I about the content, will judge me on my accuracy. If I have erred in some detail or another, I ask for your forgiveness. If I occasionally have an issue with narration, I ask for the same tolerance. Nobody needs to remind me that I am no John Steinbeck! Since 9/11, it seems that all Muslims are seen as our enemies. Maybe this book will help change that.