Military Model Scene

Title: Czechoslovak Arms Exports to the Middle East Vol.4
Author: Martin Smisek
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-804512-24-1

Volume 4: Iran, Iraq, Yemen Arab Republic and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen 1948-1989, number 57 in Middle East @ War series from Helion & Co. An 84-page soft-cover book.
This is all about the period of the Cold War, when Czechoslovakia, then part of the Warsaw Pact, earnt a good deal from selling arms around the world, particularly in the Middle East. Pushed by Russia to develop their arms industry after the end of WW2, this is really the story of what happened as a result of that. We've seen much of the story in the earlier 3 volumes, which this one continues, covering their supplies to Iran, Iraq and both North and South Yemen. In the case of Iran, they assisted with setting up their own arms manufacturing facilities as well as including a fascinating list of equipment they supplied over the years. Even after North and South Yemen were unified, it wasn't the end of Czech supplies.
The book has lots of detail and it is enhanced with the usual set of colour profiles (aircraft and ground vehicles) and a useful map along with plenty of archive photos throughout the text. With some supplies paid for while other bills were never paid, there were many 'gifts' which were provided free of charge. When thinking about how sad it is that countries in the region still have conflict going on. Countries such as Russia and Czechoslovakia at the time supported them even at the expense of harming their own economies. It goes on to this day with countries such as Iran involved, and I can't help but wonder why various regimes spend so much effort in supplying weapons to other organisations/countries, to encourage rebellion around the world and I question to what end. Is it just the pursuit of power? An interesting read and information that was not widely known about at the time.
Thanks to Helion & Co for this review copy.

Robin