Editorial Review

Bernard Lewis is the West's greatest historian and interpreter of theNear East. Books such as Read more

Reviews (250)

Please, America, read this book!
This book was recommended to me by a liberal historian. Since then I've noticed that the Bush administration sought Bernard Lewis's advice at one point. The reason everyone respects him is that this historian in his nineties who has been studying the Middle East since the 1940s knows things we all ought to know about Muslim civilizations. But we were not taught any of these things in school--not even college. Not even graduate school, for most of us. Answers to theconflict between the West and the Middle East will be hard to find, but if we don't even understand the context, things will just get worse and worse. So please read this great book, and then go on to read more books by Bernard Lewis!

Unobjective, cowardly, apologetics
There is no doubting Bernard Lewis is a capable scholar. However he is one of the pioneers of the wave of apologetic Historians who are rewriting history. Basicaly, history to Bernard Lewis is: Muslims good Christians bad, all things from the west are bad and all things eastern good, all the worlds wrongs are the wests fault. He seems to beleive that the islamic invasions were paeceful and did not involve mass forced conversions and slaughter of non muslims. He is a totally unobjective historian who is guily of putting forward a mythical and fantisical account concerning the birth and rise of islam. He is directly part responsible for legitmising the modern wave of Islamic terrorism agasinst all non muslims today. He never questions the islamic sources authencicty and disregards all other non muslim sources on the rise of Islam. He has thrown away any opportuntiy to fairly study Islamic and Arab history. Bsically a coward and an apologist.
What Went Wrong With the Writing of This Book?

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Subjects:  1. 1517-    2. History    3. History & Theory - General    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Middle East    7. Middle East - General    8. History / Middle East    9. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (27)

Tip of the Spear
Gary Schroen was less that 3 months away from retirement from the CIA on 9/11. He'd had a successful career there in "Operations", the guys who do the actual spying (as opposed to "Analysis", the guys who try and figure out what everything means), mostly dealing with the Middle East, and had wound up a Deputy Division head. For 2 years in the early 90s he was the Station Chief in Kabul, Afghanistan, and later in the decade he'd flown into the Northern Alliance's territory and met Ahmed Shah Masoud, the charismatic leader of that group who was assassinated just before 9/11. He had extensive contacts with various friendly figures in Afghan politics, speaks at least one of the local languages, and of course has lots of experience. As a result, 15 days after 9/11, Schroen was flown into the Northern Alliance's Panshir Valley on a CIA helicopter along with a half dozen other CIA guys, various laptops, satellite phones, and radios, a crate of guns, and $3 million in cash. His orders were to find and kill Osama bin Laden, and topple the Taliban government. This book is his account of the mission, how it went, and the adventures they had along the way.
5-star op, 4-star account
This is a four-star account of a five-star operation. Schroen perpetuates a few errors, but (as an earlier reviewer on this site noted)in most instances it would take a committed Afghanophile to spot them. He largely dispels the miasma of Pakistan-fostered, western-perpetuated slander that has besmirched the reputation of the anti-Taliban resistance, the so-called Northern Alliance. He makes it clear the alliance, even after the 9/9/01 assassination of their charismatic leader Ahmad Shah Masood, were a responsibly and effectively led grassroots movement, heroic in their resistance to tyranny.
Superb book
This is an excellent book and story!Make sure you also read, JAWBREAKER, which is essentially Part II to FIRST IN.
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Subjects:  1. Afghan War, 2001-    2. Central Intelligence Agency    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. Intelligence Operations    6. Military    7. Military - Intelligence/Espionage    8. Military - Persian Gulf War    9. Personal narratives, American    10. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    11. Secret service    12. United States    13. United States.    14. Afghanistan    15. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    16. History / Military / Persian Gulf War    17. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    18. USA   

Reviews (59)

How a book can create a conflict, Said and his gross mistrepretations
Edward Said, created a proble and made a career of the Israel Palestine Conflict, and conviently died before he could also resolve the death and destruction he brought to the Arab Palestinians. He was a one man destruction derby under the guise of poetry, linguistics and hate and he helped stir up anti Israel and anti Jewish hatred on every University he spoke at. Hopefully, this "vintage" book will become no longer relevant, ans disappear.

Irresponsible and Lacking Rigor
Said's book has, sadly, been hugely influential on thousands of university students, their professors, and many living in the islamic world.His book should not be read without concurrently reading Ibn Warraq's critique _Defending the West: A Critique of Edward Said's Orientalism_.
Breaking stereotypes
Seemingly unable to come to terms with the Muslim world, Orientalism is as timely to read today as it was when it was first published in 1978.Edward Said offered a much needed examination of many of the texts that had come to represent the corpus of "Orientalism" in Western Humanities classes.He went back to the late 18th and early 19th century to set the basis for this new field of study that emerged from the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt.What began as an investigation of the monuments of the Near East soon developed into a study of the people, their culture and their religions. The only problem was that these studies treated the "Orientals" like anthropological specimens, never getting beyond general categories and treating Islam like it was some perversion of Christianity, inspired by an anarchist in robes.
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Subjects:  1. Asia    2. Asia - General    3. East and West    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Foreign public opinion, Occide    6. History: World    7. Imperialism    8. Middle East    9. Middle East - General    10. Orientalism    11. Sociology    12. Study and teaching    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history    14. Social Science / Ethnic Studies   

Reviews (14)

The best book written on this subject
I follow all of Fouad Ajami's writings.He is a master at observing the people and stories unfolding around him.I am convinced that no current writer knows the Arab world better.Since I have some knowledge of Iraq, as I have traveled there, and have written two books about two special Iraqi women, I can say that if you are going to read only ONE book on Iraq, make it Fouad Ajami's The Foreigner's Gift. I would pick his book above my own books, so you know that I am serious when I urge you to select this book.So much of what he wrote struck home, but I won't go into detail as I want to leave the pleasure of discovery to you.I will add, however, that the fact he is an extremely gifted writer makes the reading journey even more pleasant.Jean Sasson, author of Mayada, Daughter of Iraq and Love in a Torn Land:Joanna of Kurdistan, coming out in 2007.

Unscrambling Iraq
This is first of all a beautifully written book whose narrative flows effortlessly over a broad range of political, religious, and cultural issues that together describe the diverse elements that form Iraq. It is a unique book. Fouad Ajami provides the reader with excellent insights on the Muslim minority called Shia, the strange appeal of Saddam Hussein to Sunni Arabs, and the driving political-religious dynamic of the fundamentalist Islamic movements. In the course of doing this he also pays a gracious and sincere tribute to the courage, dedication, and just plain decency of most of the American military forces serving in Iraq. He also manages to clarify the current politics of the Semitic speaking Arab Near East and put into perspective its ambiguous relationship to Indo-European speaking Iran. All in all this is an excellent read and presents what appears to be an accurate description of post Saddam Iraq and the political and religious forces that are shaping its future. Finally he makes clear that Islam suffers from a host of internal contradictions and schisms that often make Muslims appear hypocritical and inconsistent.
War skeptic overcome by sharp observations here
I did not favor our invasion of Iraq, but The Foreigner's Gift gives me an appreciation of the nobility of our effort.To be sure the Bush administration was grossly incompetant in under-committing troups and resources to the task, a sign of its hubris and arrogance demonstrated also by their lack of postwar planning.
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Subjects:  1. 2003-    2. Contemporary Politics - Middle East    3. International Relations - General    4. Iraq    5. Iraq War, 2003    6. Middle East - General    7. Middle East - History - 20th Century    8. Military relations    9. Political Freedom & Security - General    10. Political Science    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics and government    13. Politics/International Relations    14. United States    15. Political Science / International Relations   

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

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   

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.