Fouad would often brush off our efforts to imitate him with a version of Mark Twain’s “You only know the words, you don’t know the tune.” Here, we cannot re-create his music, but we both knew his heart. Gratitude was something he embraced in his soul, and he would have thanked many people here. Hopefully, he will grace our efforts in his stead.
These essays have passed through the hands of many good colleagues and friends. Leon Wieseltier, Jim Hoge, Gideon Rose, and Henry Bienen first brought these essays to life—their trust and their friendship have been treasured for many years. Marshall Blanchard, Jennifer Presley, Jennifer Navarrette, Barbara Arellano, and Ann Wood at Hoover Press have yet again worked their magic, and without them this collection of essays would still be wishful thinking. Jeff Jones gently guided this project, and we thank him for his support and care. We are grateful to Tunku Varadarajan for lending us his keen editor’s eye. Our copy editor, Oie Lian Yeh, is an extraordinary woman—her intellect, her patience, and her good humor made the editing process a pleasure.
So much is owed to Herb and Jane Dwight, who had a vision for a humane and intelligent approach to understanding the problems of the modern Middle East and who saw in Fouad someone who embodied that. Their faith in him was a constant source of encouragement. Their financial support made everything possible.
Fouad’s great partner at Hoover, his sidekick, was the incomparable Charlie Hill. More than anything, they complemented each other and inspired each other. For Fouad, that was the essence of intellectual life—the essence of life.
And that life at Hoover he so cherished was the gift of John Raisian—“our beloved leader” was the only way Fouad would describe him. For John, he would have crossed the mountains of the moon.
MICHELLE AJAMI
MEGAN RING
July 2014
Megan Ring worked with Fouad for nearly twenty years. She was not only an assistant on many ventures but also a trusted friend. He loved her for her wit and sharp intelligence, her loyalty and belief in him, and her bigness of heart. They were a great team. This book is theirs.—M.A.
Fouad dedicated this book to Michelle, and in so many ways that tells us all we need to know. She was his inspiration.—M.R.