Holy Wars (Routledge Revivals)
The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism
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- $38.99
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- $38.99
Publisher Description
To some, Islamic Fundamentalism means the restoration of a true religion. To others, it is a politics that stands apart from capitalism and socialism. To many Westerners, it has come to constitute a threat to established order and international security. Holy Wars, first published in 1989, comprises a non-partisan narrative that takes account of both the socio-cultural values expressed in Fundamentalism, and its political consequences. Dilip Hiro’s starting point is that fundamentalist forces have been active within Islam since the death of the Prophet Muhammad. He presents the two major sects, Sunnis and Shias, in this light. Hiro provides the background for an understanding of what was taking place in Middle Eastern countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt and Syria at the end of the 1980s. This is a comprehensive and readable work, of great relevance and value to those with an interest in Middle Eastern politics and history, and the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Journalist Hiro, an authority on Islamic affairs ( Iran Under the Ayatollahs ), effectively delineates the cycles and schisms within Islam and their considerable impact on contemporary events. ``Revival and reform have been recurring phenomena in Islamic history,'' he argues, and his most compelling chapters show how these currents have manifested themselves in different cultures and regions. He carefully contrasts the distinctive development of religious and political values in Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan, maintaining an objective stance towards the diversity among Moslem nations. Historical background on the Ottoman Empire and the consequences of British colonialism is necessarily condensed so that the modern evolution of the Middle East can take center stage. As current as the daily newspaper (the epilogue covers Iran's death threat against Salman Rushdie), this book will be a welcome companion for those watching Islam's struggle for balance between authenticity and modernity, which now affects us all.
