by Bernard Lewis
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Product Description
In his first book since What Went Wrong? Bernard Lewis examines the historical roots of the resentments that dominate the Islamic world today and that are increasingly being expressed in acts of terrorism. He looks at the theological origins of political Islam and takes us through the rise of militant Islam in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, examining the impact of radical Wahhabi proselytizing, and Saudi oil money, on the rest of the Islamic world.
The Crisis of Islam ranges widely through thirteen centuries of history, but in particular it charts the key events of the twentieth century leading up to the violent confrontations of today: the creation of the state of Israel, the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and the September 11th attacks on the United States.
While hostility toward the West has a long and varied history in the lands of Islam, its current concentration on America is new. So too is the cult of the suicide bomber. Brilliantly disentangling the crosscurrents of Middle Eastern history from the rhetoric of its manipulators, Bernard Lewis helps us understand the reasons for the increasingly dogmatic rejection of modernity by many in the Muslim world in favor of a return to a sacred past. Based on his George Polk Award–winning article for The New Yorker, The Crisis of Islam is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what Usama bin Ladin represents and why his murderous message resonates so widely in the Islamic world.
Amazon.com 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 (What Went Wrong?). For modern Westerners, Islam is an especially foreign religion and culture to understand. For instance, Westerners typically dismiss things as unimportant when using the expression "that’s history." But for those raised in Muslim households, history—even ancient history—is just as important (if not more important) as the present. And to better understand the hostilities rooted in this history—one could start with recognizing the long-standing resentment the Islamic community harbors from having its homelands torn apart and re-packaged into random political states by occupying Europeans (Westerners). Or stretch back in time to the brutality of the Crusades. Or go straight to the U.S. political meddling in the region throughout the latter 20th century. This is not a pity fest for Muslims. Lewis even-handedly explores the sources of Islamic antagonism toward the West while also explaining how a supposedly peace-worshipping religion could be so distorted by violent extremism. He notes that the American way of life—especially that of fulfillment through material gain and sexual freedom—is a direct threat to Islamic values (which is why night clubs—places where men and women publicly touch one another—are targets of bombings). But it is basic Western democracy that especially threatens Islamic extremists, notes Lewis, because within its own community more and more Muslims are coming to value the freedom that political democracy allows. For anyone wanting an intelligent and accessible primer on the Islamic-Western conflict, this is an excellent place to begin. Gail Hudson
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 An enjoyable read., 2008-09-25
Prior to September 11th, Bernard Lewis was not given much respect in academic circles because of his less than politically correct view of the Middle East. After September 11th, Bernard Lewis has become the foremost historian of the region. Many liberal faculty members still refute his arguments, but for those of us whose eyes were opened when the towers came crashing down, Lewis is undoubtedly in a class of his own.
If you want to understand the historical roots of Islamic conflict, then this book is an absolute must. It's a quick and enjoyable read which is extremely rare in a liberal dominated market where history books all make the same revisionist Marxist argument that historical events are the natural evolution of material conditions beyond our ability to control. Lewis is balanced in his evaluation of Islamic terrorism and you will finish his book with the satisfaction that many of your questions have been answered. Two more of my favorites GWOT books are: Beyond Terror: Strategy in a Changing World andMichael Scheuer Is Wrong: Blame Islam, Not America
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent primer on West-Mideast divide, 2008-08-31
Bernard Lewis keeps it simple and clear in explaining the history of the Judeochristian/Islamic divide. He clarifies misconceptions of why America has become "Satan" in the minds of "fundamentalist" (another term which has been misappropriated as explained by Dr. Lewis) muslims. He avoids making apologies for either side; just tells it like it is. Excellent and easy introduction into the crisis of our time (although slightly outdated at this time since it was written in 2003).
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
excellent overview, 2008-05-31
Just finished the book and can safely say that it is an excellent overview, a great starting point for the beginner. Will use this in my World Civilizations class (sophomore high school level). Thank you.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
The Crisis of Islam, 2008-04-21
The book was in excellent condition and in addition it arrived in just a few days after I ordered it.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Good Book, tells it like it is, 2008-04-07
This book examines the hate that spews from the Middle East and why Muslims see the United States as the biggest threat to them. Ultimately, the author implies that Muslims hate the U.S. because they see them as the leader of the West and the biggest obstacle to their conquest of the world (the final triumph of Islam). Parts of the book explain the revolution in Iran and it's tactics to spread rumors to promote violence in the region. In addition, a good description is provided regarding the economic and educational retardation of the region. Finally, it mentions in the last chapter the "Death cult" of terrorism from which Al Qaeda spawned. Over all, it is a chilling read but it does tell it like it is.
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