Jason Burke's 'The Revolutionists' offers a sweeping account of the rise of extremist violence in the Middle East during the 1970s. The book opens with the infamous 1969 hijacking by Leila Khaled, setting the stage for a decade marked by escalating tactics and shifting alliances among leftist militants and Islamic revolutionaries. Burke traces how early revolutionary movements, inspired by global leftist ideologies, gradually gave way to religious zealotry as political Islam became a dominant force.

Through vivid biographical sketches and extensive research, Burke explores the motivations and missteps of key figures, from Palestinian hijackers to Iranian revolutionaries. He highlights how social upheaval, economic instability, and technological advances fueled radicalization, while Western governments and local regimes often exacerbated tensions. The narrative reveals the eventual decline of leftist activism and the rise of jihadist leaders, culminating in the emergence of figures like Osama bin Laden.

Burke argues that the violence of this era ultimately failed to achieve its political aims, leaving enduring instability and unaddressed grievances across the region. The book provides a nuanced portrait of the forces that shaped the Middle East's turbulent transformation and the lasting legacy of its revolutionaries.