In Al Araby television network, Aref Hijjawi favorably reviewed the book. He was fascinated by the "breathtaking" style of the author, agreeing with The New York Times description of it: "Tim Mackintosh-Smith seems incapable of writing a dull sentence". He noted the book's insights on the origins of Arab disunity, citing Sykes–Picot Agreement and the inability of Arabs to (re)unite following independence because of their inherent disunity that traces all the way back to Basus War in 5th-6th century.