Summary of "Behind the Bastards" - Part Four: How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War

Released on November 21, 2024 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to T.E. Lawrence

The episode delves into the complex figure of T.E. Lawrence, commonly known as Lawrence of Arabia. The hosts explore his pivotal role in the Arab Revolt during World War I and examine the darker aspects of his legacy, including allegations of war crimes and his controversial support for Zionism.

Dan (00:19): "Few stats one way or the other."

2. Lawrence and the Arab Revolt

Lawrence's involvement in the Arab Revolt is a central theme. The hosts discuss his strategic maneuvers, such as the attack on the town of Duras, and his collaboration with Arab leaders like Faisal. They highlight Lawrence's tactical decisions, including his controversial orders to give no quarter and execute wounded soldiers, which deviated from wartime regulations.

Robert (06:08): "Lawrence... began executing wounded men himself as they lay bleeding on the battlefield."

3. War Crimes and Brutality

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Lawrence's alleged war crimes. The hosts cite Scott Anderson from Smithsonian magazine, who describes Lawrence's degraded judgment and increasingly brutal tactics. They debate whether Lawrence's actions were a result of trauma from wartime experiences or deliberate attempts to instill fear and achieve strategic objectives.

Robert (07:19): "This slaughter of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of prisoners and wounded men would have been a massive war crime in any theater of World War I."

4. Support for Zionism and the Balfour Declaration

Lawrence's support for the Balfour Declaration and Zionism is scrutinized. The hosts explain how Lawrence, initially not in favor, shifted his stance to align with Zionist objectives, believing it could aid in the economic development of the Arab state. They discuss the implications of this support, especially in the context of modern conflicts in the Middle East.

Robert (05:37): "One thing stands above every other matter, which is his support for the Balfour Declaration."

5. Legacy and Historical Reappraisals

The episode examines the mixed legacy of Lawrence of Arabia. While some view him as a sympathetic figure haunted by his actions, others see him as an imperialist who betrayed the Arabs. The hosts reference various historians and publications that either support or criticize Lawrence's portrayal in history, highlighting the ongoing debate about his true character and intentions.

Robert (26:14): "The world remembers Lawrence as a guide, friend, and champion of Arabs, but hardly knows that he believed in Zionism..."

6. Personal Life and Sexuality

Lawrence's personal life, particularly his sexuality, is explored in depth. The hosts discuss letters and accounts suggesting Lawrence identified as asexual, challenging earlier claims of his involvement in sadomasochistic practices. They highlight conversations between Lawrence and his friends, providing a nuanced view of his relationships and personal struggles.

Robert (58:53): "Lawrence wrote that the Turks... did it to me by force. I couldn't ever do it."

7. Final Years and Death

The hosts recount Lawrence's post-war attempts to document his experiences through his book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. They narrate the challenges he faced in publishing his work, including the loss of his manuscripts and his eventual disillusionment with his legacy. The episode concludes with Lawrence's tragic death in a motorcycle accident, underscoring the tumultuous end to a complex life.

Robert (63:00): "And then, a week after writing this, Lawrence crashed his motorcycle and perished in the accident."

Notable Quotes:

• Dan (07:00): "You don't count no chuds."

• Margaret (08:24): "He wants to be a moral man and he knows he's not. So if he can find a loophole to loophole himself into morality by killing everyone."

• Robert (21:00): "Gertrude Bell is a fascinating character... someone who knew Lawrence too, in his early travels."

• Margaret (39:28): "The way you want to process something bad is by romanticizing being like, at least my life is interesting and beautiful, even though it's terrible and tragic."

Conclusion

"Behind the Bastards" offers a thorough and engaging examination of T.E. Lawrence's life, highlighting both his strategic brilliance and the moral ambiguities that marred his legacy. Through insightful discussions and critical analysis, the hosts present a multifaceted portrait of a man who both shaped and was shaped by the tumultuous events of his time.