This book compares Islamic and Western political formulations; highlighting areas of agreement and disparity. Building on this analysis; the author goes on to show that political Islam offers a serious alternative to the dominant political system and ideology of the West.Sabet argues that rather than leading to a "Clash of Civlizations" or the assimilation of Islam into the Western system; a positive process of interactive self-reflection between Islam and liberal democracy is the best way forward.Beginning this process; Sabet highlights key concepts of Islamic political thought and brings them into dialogue with Western modernity. The resulting synthesis is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of Islamic and Middle Eastern politics; political theory; comparative politics and international relations.
#92207 in Books C J Chivers 2011-09-06 2011-09-06Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.40 x 5.50l; .94 #File Name: 0743271734496 pagesThe Gun
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A good example of "you can't tell a book by its cover"By J. T. GotsickIt may seem odd to think that an entire book devoted to a single firearm could have interest beyond the hardcore weapons buff. And although devotees of weapons will indeed find this interesting; it deserves a broader audience. Particularly in a post Cold War world; it turns out that the AK-47 is more influential than the nuclear weapon; despite its seemingly lower scale of lethality. This book explores both the origin and the geopolitical implications surrounding what is undisputedly the most widely distributed automatic weapon on the planet. It explains why it was successful from a mechanical standpoint; how it came to be so ubiquitous; and the consequences of its widespread dissemination. There's also a fairly lengthy (and heartbreaking) section devoted to the early history of the M-16; America's intended answer to the AK. It's not exactly uplifting; but it is a very realistic and thoughtful examination of how something as simple as a gun has changed the course of whole societies. Usually not for the better; but that's real life...and death.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very good overallBy Mike VOverall; I enjoyed this book very much. The author's style is very readable; and he manages to tell a complex story in a short span.Some of the minor details are incorrect; such as those regarding restrictions on Germany's arms production; but I always cross-reference other sources when reading a book like this; and they are admittedly minor errors. The early chapters regarding the Gatling and Maxim guns did become tedious after awhile; but the writing does pick up afterward.My final complaint is that the author states in the beginning that he will not make an attempt to moralize for or against the weapons mentioned in the book; yet at times he does exactly that; albeit in an offhand way.Still; it was a pleasant read; and fairly informative while simultaneously being entertaining. I enjoyed the way in which the author provided glimpses into the personalities and feelings of many of the individuals presented. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a crash course introduction to the history of automatic weapons in war.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. AK-47By 05/11ASudan/2002 2007-08;Uganda/2008 2011;Afghanistan/2003;Iraq/2005;Bosnia/1996-98The book provides a unique insight to one of the world's most famous (and perhaps the most reliable) weapon made to date. What was particularly troublesome was the background of the early days of the introduction of the M-16 which was supposed to be the answer to the AK-47's use in Vietnam. The bottom line is that the USG sought to introduce a weapons which was far inferior to the AK-47..in part; due to the malfunction of the weapon because of design and manufacturing deficiencies.Military history of years 1965 through late 1967 in Vietnam tell of horrific stories of Marines and Soldiers found dead with their weapons broken down in an effort to clear a jam. The dead as a direct result of the in-efficiencies of product development and testing are not well documented...but; only in the visual context of those who say their buddies dead...with the weapon close-by. Or; in the course of the close quarters battle with NVA or VC; the M-16 was used a club rather than a weapon.Frankly; our government at that time failed us..in an effort to field a weapon to compete with the AK-47; so many decisive faults occurred with the Army procurement system..and as a direct result; many of our Soldiers and Marines died needlessly. Even after almost 50 years; we use the M4 which is a modified version of the original M-16 weapon with the basic design unchanged.As this is written (02 Feb 2011); according to the Army Times; the Army will be testing new weapons to replace the M4 and M-16. (Note: Most of the Reserves/Guard called to active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan were deployed with the M-16A2..and not the modified M4).Having spend alot of time in both Sudan and Uganda..the AK is the weapon of absolute choice. Virtually everyone carries an AK-47; and yet; in Sudan with the SPLA or in Uganda with the UPDF..I have never seen (emphasis added) a cleaning kit; nor seen anyone cleaning a weapon.And lastly; while in Afghanistan in 2003..and on the road in those Toyota HyLux trucks bumping around Paktia; Khost and Ghazni Provinces; I decided to field a short stock (hand grip only) AK-47 while in the vehicle. Easy to access; plenty of take down power; very easy to clean (yep; I cleaned it every night..about 30 or less seconds to break down)..and I knew absolutely it would not fail. (Note: I fired full auto several times to test the weapon prior to implementation).Checking the barrel stamp after procuring the weapon courtesy of the OGA compound nearby...the date stamp indicated my AK-47 was manufactured in the year 1969. Enough said...Emphasis on the new weapon to replace the M4 and M-16A2 should exclude political emphasis..or other which detracts from the objective to provide our military the absolute best weapon..as we now move into the 10th year in Afghanistan.Chivers provides in-depth insight to some of the comments above as his experience in the Marines and an award winning journalist reinforces the historical context of the AK-47 and other infantry weapons. Many like Chivers remain active in the field in Afghanistan and earlier in Iraq providing a proof source to the comments supported directly from thos "trigger pullers" who walk the walk..everyday in arms way.Randy Hampton
