Tariq Ramadan is very much a public figure; named one of Time magazine's most important innovators of the twenty-first century. He is among the leading Islamic thinkers in the West; with a large following around the world. But he has also been a lightning rod for controversy. Indeed; in 2004; Ramadan was prevented from entering the U.S. by the Bush administration and despite two appeals; supported by organizations like the American Academy of Religion and the ACLU; he was barred from the country until spring of 2010; when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finally lifted the ban. In What I Believe; Ramadan attempts to set the record straight; laying out the basic ideas he stands for in clear and accessible prose. He describes the book as a work of clarification; directed at ordinary citizens; politicians; journalists; and others who are curious (or skeptical) about his positions. Aware that that he is dealing with emotional issues; Ramadan tries to get past the barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding to speak directly; from the heart; to his Muslim and non-Muslim readers alike. In particular; he calls on Western Muslims to escape the mental; social; cultural; and religious ghettos they have created for themselves and become full partners in the democratic societies in which they live. At the same time; he calls for the rest of us to recognize our Muslim neighbors as citizens with rights and responsibilities the same as ours. His vision is of a future in which a shared and confident pluralism becomes a reality at last.
#1131406 in Books 2010-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.50 x 1.40 x 9.20l; 1.60 #File Name: 0195374622400 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By Paul CreasyVery readable and quite informative. I learned quite a few things about such a little discussed incident in American history. I also learned that the state government of Virginia was as dysfunctional then as it still is now. Jefferson comes off well in this account. Patrick Henry comes off poorly. Benedict Arnold is actually worse than I already thought. Highly recommended.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Much more than a book about JeffersonBy SomersemtJefferson has always been my favorite "Founding Father" because of his complexity. I have more than two dozen books about or by him -- but this one reveals more of his personality than any other I have read.But it's more than another book about Jefferson. It's really a concise and very compelling telling of the Revolutionary War story in Virginia; a piece of US history not often written about. We hear all about Washington's escapades in New York and New Jersey; Paul Revere's ride to infamy; Valley Forge and the like ... but the war in Virginia was a tricky business. And Michael Kranish captures it perfectly.Jefferson's early life and his relationships with all the famous names of his time is covered in the first two of the four sections of the book. But then; strangely; he almost disappears in the third section. And there's good reason for that. As Virginia's Governor at the time of the British invasion; Jefferson had little power but tremendous responsibility. Kranish brings out the frustrations Jefferson felt; but lets the story be told through the men who were actually in charge of the fighting. And what a great job he has done!Just one example is what Benedict Arnold did after his aborted attempt to kidnap Washington and hand the fort of West Point to the British. Most people think that he immediately escaped to the UK. Kranish details the opposite and shows the Arnold Americans don't want to hear about; the guy who commanded the British naval forces as they pushed the Virginians from the coast. He was not a nice chap but he was more than just a traitor.This is a great and truly interesting read. It should be part of a high school history curriculum. Reading this book would give even the most jaded student an exciting trip through our country's first years.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Marquis de Lafayette; Benjamin Harrison; Bartholomew James; Josiah Atkins; etc.By Cabin DwellerRevolutionary history is exponential with its exploration. Just as I read Dostoevsky to find 19th century Russians could think my thoughts; all of these men; and Mary Willing Byrd; can be taken out of historical context and placed in that image I have of Washington walking across a room at night to the melody of “Secret Duo;†putting down the fire and sipping a modest glass of Madeira. Jefferson; according to author Michael Kranish; defended himself from dereliction of duty while governor by repeating he had no military qualifications. He wrote in a room beside the dying Martha; ready to attend to her dying needs at a moment’s notice. He was; of all things; strolling in his garden; when he received notification that Arnold was heading up the James and perhaps not stopping at Richmond. The animosity between Jefferson and Henry is no surprise; since Alexander Hamilton and John Adams have already established Jefferson’s irascible stubbornness with contemporaries; but having been attacked personally when clearly Jefferson was not at fault for the British Invasion or the lack of militia support leaves Jefferson looking extremely mortal and accessible. Henry is wrong and evil-spirited and spiteful; though not less interesting for it. Jefferson can be defended; since his sixth child born led not only to his wife’s death but to her death while his murder seemed coolly imminent. Kranish writes that Jefferson ran for House of Delegates only to refute all charges against his wartime conduct; only to have no opposition left face-to-face in state government.
