DOC Reconciliation: Islam; Democracy; and the West by Benazir Bhutto in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly RecommendedBy Will JeromThis book is an excellent expression of "liberal Islam"; a view of the Muslim religion that is essentially democratic; tolerant; and compatible with most other values cherished in the West. Bhutto points out that democracy (or the desire for it) is a more universal desire; not owned by either East or West. Her tolerant; hopeful expression is a most welcome and refreshing change from the predominantly negative image of radical Islamism. Bhutto points out that the radicals have subverted and perverted the mainstream Muslim view; and offers arguments from the Quran and from modern scholarly research to show that Islam can thrive in a modern; democratic world; if Muslims make the right choices and the West helps (rather than thwarts) those efforts. She convincingly confronts and refutes the "Clash of Civilization" hypothesis of Samuel Hunting; and offers a more positive track towards reconciliation. Her argument about women's equality dodges a few critical verses of the Quran; but overall her view is compelling and engaging. It is a great tragedy for all that her voice was silenced by radicals; but as the afterword indicates her hope and vision still lives on in the hearts of others. I strongly recommend this book. (and incidentally; the other reviewer's claim that her father was the corrupt architect of two wars is patently false. Her father was not in office when those wars were fought. Yahya Khan was still in power during the Bangladesh separation; how can Zulfikar be blamed? Zulfikar was put to death by Zia al-Haq. Apparently some have no command of historical facts.)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Peace is PossbileBy Alice TThis book that she finished days before she was killed; quotes the Koran to show that Islam is an open; pluralistic; and tolerant relgion. It has been hijacked by extremists like Osama bin Laden who "exploit; manipulate and militarize Isalm." More importantly she argues that Islam and the West do not need to be headed on a collision course toward a "clash of civilizations." People of the region do want democracy; yet the United State's role in helping to overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran in 1953; and many other short-sighted interventions; made generations of Muslims suspicious and cynical about Western motivations. However; she doesn't place all the blame on the legacy of Western colonialization in the Middle East. She asks Islam to heal the Shia-Sunni schism; encourage and provide support for emerging democracies; and get the religious extremists out of power.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Read Which is Well Worth Your Time and Thought.By Ben W. WashburnAs our nation continues to become engaged in the unending conflicts of Muslim countries; this book presents some hope that these conflicts are not totally a bottomless pit. There are hundreds of millions of moderate-thinking Muslims. But it only takes the 5% lunatic fringe to push us toward a possible nuclear disaster. Benazir Bhutto was one of the few moderates who had the guts to speak out against these radicals. But they also silenced her by assassination; which is their traditional method of pushing their extreme agenda.