I have witnessed the outstanding talents of Prince Bandar as a diplomat and man of action for over twenty years. As a former fighter pilot he is bold and decisive, a man after my own heart. He makes things happen rather than waiting upon events.

He has of course played a central role in the relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as with the United Kingdom. His extraordinary ability to win the respect and confidence of world leaders has equipped him to serve his government in many other no less sensitive tasks, in the Middle East, in China and in Russia.

I recall particularly the crucial part he played in building the coalition to resist Saddam Hussein's occupation of Kuwait in 1990.

This book tells the story of a man of our times, who has been at the very heart of world events for two decades and whom I am proud to call a friend.

Baroness Margaret Thatcher