The Olive Branch

In the novel They Came to Baghdad, The Olive Branch is a cultural organisation dedicated to promoting world peace, friendship and understanding. It has bookshops in many places including one in Baghdad. The organisation is headed by the well-known and highly respected Dr Rathbone. One of its principal activities is in getting classical works such as Shakepeare and Milton translated into local languages, the organisation of lectures and literary discussion groups with participants from various nationalities.

As the course of the story unfolds. it transpires that the Olive Branch is being used by as a front by Edward Goring for his secret organisation to bring about "The New Order".

People at the Olive Branch

 * Dr Rathbone
 * Catherine Serakis
 * Michael Rakounian
 * Isaac Nahoum
 * Edward Goring - Rathbone's secretary
 * Victoria Jones - temporary job as a typist