Reviews (18)

A Religion Without Any Pretense of Ethical Foundation
The first amazing thing about this book is just how much is known of what happened in the very distant past.Efraim Karsh's scholarship is thorough and his interpretations compelling.The second thing is that Islam has evolved very little in a thousand years.From the start there was a "fusion of the sacred and the profitable," which was endorsed by Muhammad himself and by successive generations of Islamic leaders.The Prophet himself said, "Stick to jihad and you will be in good health and get sufficient means of livelihood."Jihad was invariably linked to booty.Islam has always been a religion of robbers, initially of camel caravans, and later of oil pipelines.It is easy to see why the umma (the Muslim world) wants to sack Israel and divide up its wealth.Karsh paints a very human picture of Saleh al Din (Saladin), depicting him as just another acquisitive warlord, with no trapping of holy war as justification.When holy war was invoked during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, it provided a gloss of legality to what amounted to ethnic cleansing (of indigenous Armenians).
excellent book
Efraim Karsh is one of those rarities, an academic scholar who is an excellent writer.Karsh is Professor and Head of Mediterranean Studies at King's College, Univ. of London. This book is truly a pleasure to read.
World Conquest for Allah
This is a difficult book to read, but I strongly recommend this timely and critical study.I had purchased another book dealing with the subject of Islamic-based issues, but I found it too speculative and too heavily into the author's opinion, and even bordering on being silly in its scenarios of potential triggers for disaster.That other book was Tony Blankley's "The West's Last Chance: Will We Win the Clash of Civilizations?" Someday I will finish it.However, Efraim Karsh's "Islamic Imperialism" is on a completely different level.Efraim Karsh has done his (and our) homework; and he has done it extensively, and he has done it very well--almost to the point of exhaustion (30 pages of references and a 12-page index).The book is far more history than it is speculation.And, given the history and our own careful consideration of it, our personal speculation can change from an ill-informed guessing game to a confident understanding of what certainly awaits us as Islam continues its relentless and escalating mission of world conquest.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Imperialism    5. Islam    6. Islam - History    7. Islamic History    8. Islamic Studies    9. Jihad    10. Middle East - General    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history    12. History / Middle East    13. Middle East   

Editorial Review

After the terrorist attacks of September 11,many Americans yearned to understand why Muslim extremists felt such passionate animosity toward the Western world, particularly the United States. Since that historic attack there have been many books and discussions about this very question, but few of them offer such a readable and relevant response as this excellent offering by renowned historian Bernard Lewis (Read more

Reviews (122)

Why democracy won't work in Islamic countries
This book gives a concise overview of why the U.S. is currently the target of so much animosity from Islamic terrorist groups and most Middle Eastern/Islamic countries. A previous reviewer said that this book is not for the layman, but I disagree; it is precisely for the layman that Lewis has written this book. If a reader wants more detail, then he knows what to search for once he has read Lewis' book. Even without further research, the reader will have an understanding of the complicated history of the Middle East and the U.S.'s role in that history.
A Must Read for those who wish to Understand the war
Before 9/11, I worked with a couple of Lebanese Engineers.They had both traveled to the United States and decided to stay and raise their families here.In the Spring of one year before 2001, they both decided to pack up their families and move back to Lebanon.I had a long conversation with one of them about the big move to such an "unstable" place.He told me that we were in a war but were too ignorant to realize it.Of course, I laughed...what war?Another person of Middle Eastern descent told me to read something written by Bernard Lewis...his was the most honest depiction of the middle east.I've read Mr. Lewis since then, including "The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror."A must read for all americans who wish to understand this war we've been in since....2000.

Mostly history, the rest...weak analysis
The Crisis of Islam is presented in such a way that it makes the reader think he or she will be getting in-depth analysis of Islamist terrorism in the post 9/11 world.However, this book is largely a very brief historical crash course most likely intended for those casual observers of international politics.If the book had been presented as a historical book, I most likely would have come away with a more favorable impression, but when you expect one thing and get another, it will affect your perception.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Islam    6. Islam - History    7. Jihad    8. Middle East - General    9. Middle East - History    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Religious aspects    12. Terrorism    13. War    14. History / Middle East   

Reviews (129)

Hillariously Nonsensical Plagiarism
The worst book ever written about the Middle East is probably Joan Peters' From Time Immemorial; in this book Alan Dershowitz not only attempts to usurp that dubious honor from Peters, he also heavily plagiarizes half her book in order to do so.
Apologist
I was very disappointed by the book.I wanted an explanation for Israels continuing occupation of Palestinian lands but got only apologistic rhetoric from this obvious pro zionist.Much of his writing I thought quite racist and certainly biased.

poor show, old boy
What a load of turnspeak.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Israel - History    5. Middle East - General    6. Middle East - Israel    7. Palestine - History    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history    9. History / Middle East    10. Israel   

Reviews (20)

REVISIONIST HISTORY
I would like to remind the readers, who are crying over the fate of the poor victimized Palestinians, that every inch of the State of Israel was bought from these so-called victims, not only with blood, but with hard cash. Try to remember the little blue box marked "Keren HaKayemet," where even school children donated part of their allowances so more land could be purchased.
The Lemon Tree will open your eyes
After years of seeing the Israel-Arab conflict through the eyes of an agenda driven media,I was pleasantly surprised to learn that behind the bombs and gunfire live very real human beings.Tolan's presentation is heartbreaking and very touching.For the first time I realised that there is two sides to this story and none of the parties can hope to get everything they want unless a compromise is reached.
A wonderful reading journey
I just finished reading "The Lemon Tree" and I truly enjoyed it. Much of my reading took place during the most recent conflict/war in Lebanon. It is so sad that we still have to witness so much bloodshed.
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Subjects:  1. Arab-Israeli conflict    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. History    6. History (General)    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Israelis    10. Middle East - General    11. Palestinian Arabs    12. History / Middle East   

Subjects:  1. 1990-    2. History    3. Islam    4. Islam - History    5. Lebanon    6. National liberation movements    7. Political    8. Political Doctrines    9. Political parties    10. Politics and government    11. Religion    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Political Science / General    15. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / Terrorism    16. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (100)

great insight
Imagine the U.S. was occupied by another country. Then, a third country, one that purports to value democracy and freedom, comes along to liberate us. We back them up and tolerate the installation of political cronies and corporate hacks in exchange for some kind of freedom. Then, this country, instead of installing a true democracy, installs a ruthless dictator and, if it is a democracy, is only a shadow one.And then the country continues this policy for 50 years, all the while claiming it supports freedom and democracy.
Insights to Iran
This is a fine read; well written and quite enlightening.It should be required reading for high school history/economics students.Also, the subject leads to dynamic discussions for book clubs.
Messing with other countries businesses
More than a interesting report of specifics of the doings of the English and American governments and corporations, this book shows that there are lessons in 1953 to be learned today about messing with other countries businesses.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. International Relations - General    5. Iran - History    6. Middle East - General    7. Middle East - Iran    8. Political History    9. U.S. Foreign Relations    10. United States - 20th Century    11. History / Israel    12. Iran    13. Revolutions & coups    14. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    15. USA   

Editorial Review

It is the dawn of the 21st century, and the United States has appropriated the entire Earth. So journalist Robert Kaplan writes in his paean to the American fighting man and woman, Read more

Reviews (57)

The Roman Road Revisited
The first of what Kaplan states will be a series of books, "Imperial Grunts" tours seven military operations with a variety of Special Forces, and also spends some time with the Marines.Each theater is utterly different and fascinating: Yemen, Colombia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Iraq.Rather than open with the easy headliner, Iraq, Robert Kaplan starts in "injun country" and stays there, gradually working his way across to the big story.As he progresses, Kaplan shows the effectiveness of small army, groups of highly trained individuals with the freedom and initiative to act who combine features of statesmen, ambassador, doctor, economist and mediator.Once big army becomes involved as in Afghanistan and Iraq, less is done with far more expenditure in terms of both lives and money.Whether we like to be told it or not, the US is an empire, and it seeks to maintain security by placing bases in strategic locations that can be lightly manned and maintained, but remain capable of receiving large numbers of aircraft and troops at any time, the principle of the Roman road, where Rome's army was not so much large as highly mobile.Kaplan's view of the military is frankly startling and optimistic next to the avalanche of negativity that is justifiably being written about Iraq; he bemoans lingusitic capabilities that are adequate only in South America, and frequently points out that the US military is still configured to fight the Cold War, and not the decentralized threats of the twenty-first century.Having written ten books, Kaplan also reveals that he attended the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and served in the Israeli Army.

Academy Award for Best Book in 2005
Most people reading this book are already familiar with Kaplan's work in the Atlantic Monthly.So, this book will be no surprise about the quality of his journalism and his dedication to his craft.What other 50-year-old is bunking down with Special Forces in Columbia fighting the FARC?
Fascinating look at the American military's deployment in countries throughout the world today
_Imperial Grunts_ by Robert D. Kaplan is a brilliant and fascinating look at the American military's deployment in countries throughout the world today. Given how wide that deployment is (particularly thanks to the war on terror), the increasingly decentralized nature of command, and the impact individual units and even soldiers can have worldwide thanks to the global media, Kaplan felt it important to tell the stories of soldiers "from the ground up, at the point of contact." He was fascinated by just how important the actions of the "lowliest corporals and privates" could be even at the strategic level. Also, he was interested in how the U.S. was able to regulate and monitor an often chaotic world without large-scale wars and with only a minimal number of troops on the ground. Part military and political analysis and part travelogue, Kaplan visited American forces in Yemen, Colombia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, eastern Africa, and Iraq, embedding with American Special Forces and U.S. Marines.
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Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. Military    3. Military - United States    4. Military Policy    5. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    6. Political Science    7. U.S. Foreign Relations    8. Political Science / International Security   

Editorial Review

Steve Coll's Read more

Reviews (110)

Shared values vs Shared interests.US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the rise of Radical Islamic Terrorism
One of the best books written about the emergence of religion based terrorism directed against several causes and several societies.
Superlative History of Today's 'Great Game' And How It Led to 9/11
In the 19th century, the British and Russian empires played what Rudyard Kipling called the 'Great Game' in southwest Asia: an intriguing blend of two-faced Machiavellian diplomacy, manipulation of tribes north of the Indian subcontinent, and constant, savage warfare.
What an unlucky country
This is a superb book and at 738 pages it is a long read and full of information and facts but if the reader can stick it out it is well worth it. Plenty of notes and an impressive bibliography ensure the reader it has been well researched.
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Subjects:  1. 1989-2001    2. Afghanistan    3. Asia - Central Asia    4. Central Intelligence Agency    5. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Middle East - General    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Soviet occupation, 1979-1989    12. United States    13. United States.    14. History / Middle East   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Arab countries    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Holocaust    7. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    8. Jewish Studies    9. Jews    10. Middle East - General    11. Middle East - History    12. Persecutions    13. World War II    14. ASIA    15. Arabian peninsula    16. Ethnic studies    17. International relations    18. Second World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (116)

YES!
For all who want to read a no holds barred critique of how the West simpers and grovels before the tower of political correctness read this. For those who say that is to harsh, I just watched today on the news that The London Star has just pulled a parody of itself because it might offend some Muslems. Never, never, never would a newspaper think of doing that for anyone else. As for the guy who trashed it after admitting he hadn't read it Huh? Nuf said. This should be required reading in every classroom in Europe and the U.S. It is time the truth is yelled from the rooftops as Fallaci does so well. One piece of advice, read it straight through in 1 sitting (it will take 4 or 5 hours) I wish I had. I think you will feel the full force that way. By the way, as it is wrong about the entire book so is Publisher's Weekly wrong about her translation. She explains it in the beginning ( they must have missed that part ) and it makes it all the more real, as well as reminding us that she is writing to Italians which I forgot occasionally.

The Rage and The Pride
I have been a fan of Oriana for the last 30 years. Her objectivity, fairness and compassion has impressed me when reporting on Vietnam, Mexico City, her interviews with History, her letter to a child never born.
Publishers Weekly has a distinct bias of its own
A forceful and emotional "sermon" - we see ourselves in the looking glass through the words of Fallaci.Laughably, Publishers Weekly declares (in a statement thoroughly fearful and utterly dripping of politically correctness - exactly what Fallaci chastizes us for) that the book "will not sit well with American readers".Such utter rubbish from Publishers Weekly... If you think we're not facing a war for the soul of this nation and you want to sit around the campfire and sing happy songs and hold hands, then please, by all means, have at it.
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Subjects:  1. 1995-2005    2. Biography    3. Fallaci, Oriana    4. History    5. History: World    6. Italy    7. Journalists    8. Middle East - General    9. Modern - 21st Century    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Politics / Current Events    12. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    13. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    14. World politics    15. History / General    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Editorial Review

According to Robert Baer, the center of the global economy is a "kingdom built on thievery, one that nurtures terrorism, destroys any possibility of a middle class based on property rights, and promotes slavery and prostitution." This kingdom also sits on one quarter of the world's oil reserves, thus ensuring that it receives the full support and protection of the U.S. government. Read more

Reviews (111)

Sleeping with the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude
The book is very factual, but the writing stile is rather boring. Interesting to people who are involved in that region.

When our unquenchable thirst for oil must be satisfied, Washington goes the extra step to acquire it!
Robert Baer's second non-fiction book is another sobering call to the American consumer for rationality. Listen to this: When our unquenchable thirst for oil must be satisfied, Washington goes the extra step to acquire it!
Depressing Reality
This book by Robert Baer, the ex-CIA agent involved in the Syriana movie project w/George Cloony.The book is impassioned, and ultimately very depressing -- all the information in the book about Washington, Egypt & Saudi Arabia that we don't hear/see in the media has the ring of truth.And if the book is accurate, then Iraq and Lebanon are just the warm-up for bad stuff to come in the Middle East. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe    2. Foreign relations    3. History & Theory - General    4. International Relations - Trade & Tariffs    5. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    6. Petroleum industry and trade    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Public Affairs & Administration    11. Saudi Arabia    12. United States    13. Current Events / General   

Reviews (1)

Devil's Sandbox is an Outstanding Effort!
This is the finest book on infanrty combat I/ve read!!Author John Bruning brings us into the lives of extraordinary men (and 1 women) of Oregon's 2nd Battalion 162nd Infantry.But it's so much more than a book about the battalion's tour of duty in Iraq.It's about their lives, their successes and heartbreaking loses.What sets book apart is that the author makes you feel that your apart of thesze soldier's lives and that their loses are your's also.Bravo Zulu Mr. Bruning! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Army.    2. Battalion, 2nd    3. Commando operations    4. General    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Infantry Regiment, 162nd.    8. Iraq War, 2003-    9. Military    10. Military - Persian Gulf War    11. Modern - General    12. United States.    13. History / Modern / General    14. Iraq    15. Warfare & Defence   

Editorial Review

As the death toll mounts in the Iraq War, Americans are agonizing over how the mess started and what to do now. George Packer, a staff writer at Read more

Reviews (108)

"Different mistakes, same hubris"
With a futile effort at journalistic objectivity, Packer lays out step by step the incompetence and lack of planning that led to the botched war in Iraq.He shows both the political and the human face of the war and weaves them together into a coherent whole.
The conservative objection
It's a great book, a stunning portrait of the contrast between grandiose ideas and the realities of life in Iraq. The protraits of Iraqi citizens, their perspectives and experiences, is pretty compelling, and great reading.
They lose faith in us by the minute
My headline is a quote from the book and refers to Iraqis' attitude soon after the invasion. The level of neglect and incompetence was beyond belief and gave rise to the most amazing conspiracy theories.
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Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. International Relations (Specific Aspects)    3. International Relations - General    4. Military - Iraq War    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (2)

"Our Eastern Affairs are Complex Beyond All Words"
History is useful not only for revealing the past, but also in foreshadowing what the future might hold.In the case of Iraq, this is a very important matter.This book by Liora Likutz, a scholar who is currently at the Truman Institute in Jerusalem, describes the making of modern Iraq through the life of one the two key protagonists who drew its boundaries on the map following World War I.Those two individuals were T.E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell.While the broad outline of Lawrence's life and exploits in the Middle East are well known to many, Gertrude Bell remains more of a mystery.This book attempts to pull back that veil.Anyone who seeks to understand the currents and tides swirling underneath modern Iraq needs to understand how this country came to be, and the complex life of Gertrude Bell is a good place to start.