People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them. -James Arthur Baldwin People; like you; all over the world are asking a serious question; demanding a credible answer: what happened to Arab culture and its peoples? Elie Mikhael Nasrallah addresses this subject as a son of that culture and as a critic from within. "What is wrong; really wrong; with the Arab world" he asks."The theme of this book is: it's the culture; stupid!" Like a social science surgeon; he takes the reader into the dark alleys of contemporary Arab cultural conditions and political collapse. In fact; he shows how the lack of freedom; women's oppression; sexual repression; illiteracy; political tyranny; out-dated educational system; the mixing of religion and politics; and the curse of oil have all led to present-day catastrophic upheaval and Arab state-system disintegration; destruction and decay in most Arab lands. He provides readers with a 12-point prescription for salvaging a civilization that has lost its way and needs to re-join modernity and history.
#516502 in Books Pelican Publishing 2011-11-21 2011-11-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.75 x 6.25l; 1.85 #File Name: 1455614742400 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fine book on an unsung American heroBy DrJohnI just finished this excellent book and came away with a deeper appreciation of this largely forgotten but pivotal figure of the American Revolution. Dr. Joseph Warren has long been one of my very favorite heroes; and this book makes clear his monumental and almost unbelievable achievements. Distinguished physician; High Son of Liberty; author of the Suffolk Resolves; which formulated and organized resistance to the Intolerable Acts; not only within Massachusetts Bay Colony but throughout all 13 colonies; president of the Massachusetts Bay provincial congress; member of the Committee of Safety; the Committee of Supplies; and the Committee of Correspondence; major general of the Massachusetts Bay militia; the man who set Paul Revere out on his famous Midniht Ride; and lastly fallen hero at the Battle of Bunker Hill; killed while covering the withdrawal of surviving Patriot soldiers after the British had finally overrun the American redoubt on Breed's Hill.I have been a fan of Dr. Warren for a long time; and it is about time he re-assume his rightful role among the pantheon of American heroes. My commendation to the author for drawing attention to an almost forgotten but monumental American figure.37 of 38 people found the following review helpful. The Remarkable Story of a Remarkable ManBy Tamesin EustisAt last! It's been 50 years since the last biography of Dr. Joseph Warren came out. There have been only 2 full-length books on the life of this nearly-forgotten man; and much has happened since in the methods and style of historical research. Samuel Forman presents a biography that is engaging and astoundingly well-researched - a glance at his acknowledgements and bibliography are immediate proof of that (and it's worth following along with the endnotes as well; although the book is readable without them).The author has an interesting challenge in his subject: Warren took on a wide range of responsibilities over the course of his short life: medicine (as practitioner and teacher); Freemasonry (from apprentice to Grand Master); family life; politics (too much to list!); and military pursuits. Rather than a straight chronology; Forman arranges the book into these various categories. While this does lead to occasional repetition between sections (when it's necessary to clarify the timeline); this allows Forman more opportunity to present these aspects in greater depth than they ever were in earlier biographies. He wrangles his complex subject well.While Forman absolutely admires and respects Warren; he does not "clean up" his subject for the purpose of hero worship; and takes care to separate myth from fact. Warren is depicted as human; with his share of character flaws. Moreso than in the other biographies; in this one I was able to see him grow and mature in his relationships; interactions; and political experience.Forman also incorporates fascinating aspects of historiography and new historical "forensic" research. He reviews how Warren has been remembered - and forgotten - since his death. The appendices are readable gems themselves; examining the doctor's medical account books and various artifacts attributed to him. And since behind every great man stands a great woman; Mercy Scollay; Warren's fiancée; is finally given her due as well. (Only two questions remain; for me; unanswered: what could he have been; if he had lived? And: when did this guy sleep???)I've been interested in Joseph Warren since I read Johnny Tremain in middle school nearly 30 years ago. Over the years; I attempted to track down more information on Dr. Warren and soon began calling him "The Most Famous Person No One Has Ever Heard Of". If readers have heard of Warren; you will inevitably learn more in this new biography. If you haven't heard of him; give this book a try - you'll wonder why it's taken so long to bring the full story of this Revolutionary "missing link" to life. And thanks goes to Samuel Forman for doing it so well!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I highly recommend reading both Forman's book as well as Nathaniel Philbrick's ...By Richard E. DyckFor people interested in Joseph Warren; Forman brings a unique perspective. As a medical doctor and historian of medical science; Forman sheds light on Warren's contributions as a doctor. And ; by actually looking at detailed patient logs and records from his practice; he gives us insight into the place of Warren's "day job" in his many faceted life. Without the Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill; it is difficult to imagine how the uprisings in Boston would not have led to independence. And; without Joseph Warren; it is difficult to imagine how the rag tag militias in Massachusetts could have become an army.For people interested in this period; I highly recommend reading both Forman's book as well as Nathaniel Philbrick's Bunker Hill. I would suggest reading Philbrick first because it puts Forman's book into historical context.
