The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror by Bernard Lewis-Paperback
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In The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror, Bernard Lewis explores the deep-rooted historical causes behind the resentments that now shape the Islamic world and fuel the rise of terrorism. This book is Lewis's first major work since What Went Wrong?, and it delves into the theological and political origins of Islamic radicalism. It traces the emergence of militant Islam, focusing on key developments in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, where the spread of radical Wahhabi ideology and the influence of Saudi oil wealth have played pivotal roles in shaping the wider Muslim world.
Spanning over thirteen centuries of history, The Crisis of Islam highlights significant events in the twentieth century that set the stage for today’s violent confrontations. Among these are the creation of Israel, the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and the September 11th attacks. These moments are crucial to understanding the context for the current tensions and hostilities between the Islamic world and the West.
While anti-Western sentiment has existed in Islamic societies for centuries, Lewis notes that the current focus on the United States is a more recent development. Similarly, the phenomenon of the suicide bomber, which has become a symbol of modern terrorism, is a disturbing innovation in the politics of extremism. Lewis meticulously untangles the complexities of Middle Eastern history and the ways in which its narratives are manipulated by political figures, providing insight into why many in the Muslim world are rejecting modernity and longing for a return to what they perceive as a purer, sacred past.
Drawing from his award-winning article in The New Yorker, The Crisis of Islam is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the motivations behind figures like Usama bin Laden and why his radical ideology has gained traction across parts of the Muslim world. Through this work, Lewis provides a thorough examination of the forces that shape Islamic extremism and its dangerous consequences for global peace.
Product details
Publisher : Random House Publishing Group; Reprint edition (March 1, 2004)
