In this original and provocative book; Nahed Artoul Zehr explores the theological underpinnings of al-Qaeda and related Islamic movements such as ISIS. She demonstrates how this marginal narrative transformed al-Qaeda from a relatively hierarchical and regional organization to a globalized; decentralized; and diffuse system of networks. She draws connections between religious ideas and strategy in her translation and analysis of leading theoretical and tactical jihad text; The Global Islamic Resistance Call; by Mustafa abu Mus' ab al-Suri.Just as importantly; she questions al-Qaeda's understanding of the Islamic tradition on the use of force; arguing that it reflects a weak understanding of this tradition. More specifically; it is al-Qaeda's (and related groups') break with this tradition that is key to an al-Qaeda defeat.Simultaneously; Zehr critiques the US military and policy establishment as it attempts to offer counter-narratives to the al-Qaeda phenomenon that emphasizes "good Muslims" versus "bad Muslims" in order to embrace a "moderate" form of Islam. According to Zehr; this approach is misguided: it is beyond the US government's purview and expertise to make such theological claims about Islam. Better; she argues; to note the counter-narratives that are coming from within the Muslim community and other nongovernment institutions interested in moving this work forward.By refocusing our attention on al-Qaeda's narrative and the various ways thatit is being contested; the book provides an alternate lens from which to viewal-Qaeda and the al-Qaeda phenomenon for Islamic and US foreign policy scholars and students.
#241347 in Books Regnery History 2013-06-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.60 x 7.50l; 2.50 #File Name: 1621570436265 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great book for readers of all levels!By Poor old dadMy library of books on antebellum America; the American Civil War and reconstruction number in the hundreds. Through the years; there are many books I've picked up; began reading and then shelved them; wondering why I bought the book in the first place. THIS BOOK IS NOT ONE OF THEM! The book is very readable and has a style unlike others: it begins telling part of the story and then breaks into a "first person" account or letter. The unique thing is; this is done without detracting from the flow of the story.I do have a very minor quibble and that is the word illustrated in the title leads one to believe the book to have many pictures; etc. There are illustrations; but mainly smaller pen/ink drawings and at best; only 1/8th page size; every 2 or 3 or 4 pages. But I found the notations under the drawings to be very readable and useful to the story line (I'm not delving into the storyline; as it is about the Gettysburg campaign). The quibble would not take away anything from my recommendation to read this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. History; AmenBy FirestoneGreat read. In time to visit Gettysburg in the 150th year celebration....This book brought tears to my eyes when I read the letters that soldiers wrote to their loved ones at home. Col. Joshua Chamberlain stood out as a hero for the Union as did Gen. Robert E. Lee for the Confederacy. I highly recommend this book. Reading this book inspired me to visit more battlefields to learn about each particular battle and to honor both sides for their commitment to their cause. Not too many pictures but "illustrated" can mean word pictures as well.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Must for Civil War BuffsBy jjflash15Having read all the Schaara novels about the civil war; I was most interested to read the personal experiences of people who actually participated in the battle of Gettysburg. This is such a monumental turning point in American history that you want to know what the participants thought and felt. The Illustrated Gettysburg Reader puts you there and expresses those thoughts and feelings in the vernacular of the 1860's with its heroism; gore; and romantic valor. It is a truly memorable book that I will treasure in my library for the rest of my days. It brings those 3 days of 150 years ago to life.
