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The Secret History of Flight 149

The true story behind the most shocking government cover-up of the last thirty years
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( 233 ratings, 25 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Secret History of Flight 149 by Stephen Davis delves into the tumultuous events surrounding a commercial airliner that unwittingly became entangled in the early stages of the Gulf War. The book investigates the circumstances and decisions that led to the passengers becoming caught in a geopolitical crisis, offering a riveting exploration of this historical incident. Through meticulous research, Davis uncovers hidden truths and examines the broader political implications.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this compelling exploration if you're interested in delving into historical intrigue and political mysteries within the aviation world. The author uncovers hidden truths and governmental secrets, providing a riveting and detailed account that will intrigue history and military enthusiasts.

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**Soon to be a major TV drama**
The true story behind the secret of Flight 149 and the most shocking government cover-up of the last thirty years.

**Soon to be a major TV drama**
The true story behind the secret of Flight 149 and the most shocking government cover-up of the last thirty years

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘Damning’ - Mail on Sunday

‘Utterly horrific and compelling’ - The Guardian

‘This investigation rings true’ - Publishers Weekly

On 1 August, 1990, British Airways Flight 149 departed from Heathrow airport, destined for Kuala Lumpur. It never made it there, and neither did its nearly 400 passengers. Instead, Flight 149 stopped to refuel in Kuwait, as Iraqi troops amassed on the border - delivering the passengers and crew into the hands of Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army, to be used as 'human shields' during their invasion.

Why did BA flight 149 proceed with plans to refuel in Kuwait City, even as all other flights were rerouted - and even though British and American governments had clear intelligence that Saddam was about to invade? The answer lies in an exchange of favours at the highest echelons of government, and a secret, unaccountable organisation - authorised by Margaret Thatcher - carrying out a 'deniable' intelligence operation to sneak in a group of intelligence officers into Kuwait aboard the flight. The plane was the 'Trojan Horse', and the plan - as well as the horrific, traumatic consequences for the civilian passengers - has been lied about, denied and covered up by successive British Governments ever since.

Soon to be a major TV drama, this explosive book is written with the full cooperation of the survivors, as well as astonishing and conclusive input from a senior intelligence source. It is a story of scandal, betrayal and misuse of intelligence at the highest levels of UK and US governments - which has had direct, horrifying impact on terror attacks in the West and the shape of the Middle East today. It is high time the truth is told.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Secret History of Flight 149 by Stephen Davis uncovers the controversial events surrounding the flight that was caught up in the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Reviewers highlight the author's thorough research and compelling writing style, drawing attention to the mix of governmental decisions and human stories. The book is praised for its insightful analysis and fresh perspective on a lesser-known historical incident, engaging both history enthusiasts and those interested in political intrigue.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789465365

Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: John Blake Publishing Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 246g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Stephen Davis has been on the front lines of journalism for three decades, as a newspaper editor, foreign editor, investigative reporter, war correspondent, magazine editor, award-winning TV news and current affairs producer, documentary film maker and author. As a journalist, he was part of the launch team that set up the Independent on Sunday, where he was the news editor. He has worked for the Insight team of The Sunday Times and as an investigative reporter for The New Statesman. He has won multiple awards for his investigative reporting, including a silver medal at the New York TV & Film Awards, and has designed and run journalism degree programs in London, Sydney and Melbourne.

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