After World War II; leading western powers focused their attention on fighting the "Red Menace;" Communism. Today; as terrorist activity is increasingly linked to militant Islamism; some politicians and scholars fear a "Green Menace;" a Pan-Islamic totalitarian movement fueled by monolithic religious ideology. Such fears have no foundation in history; according to Vartan Gregorian. In this succinct; powerful survey of Islam; Gregorian focuses on Muslim diversity and division; portraying the faith and its people as a mosaic; not a monolith. The book begins with an accessible overview of Islam's tenets; institutions; evolution; and historical role. Gregorian traces its origins and fundamental principles; from Muhammad's call to faith nearly 1;400 years ago to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I; and the subsequent abolition of the Caliphate. He focuses particular attention on the intense struggle between modernists and traditionalists; interaction between religion and nationalism; and key developments that have caused bitter divisions among Muslim nations and states: the partitions of Palestine; the break up and Islamization of Pakistan; the 1978 revolution in Iran; and the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Today Islamist views range across the entire spectra of religious and political thought; and Islamism is anything but a unified movement. While religious extremists have attempted to form a confederacy of like-minded radicals in many countries; much of the Muslim population lives in relatively modern; secular states. Gregorian urges Westerners to distinguish between activist Islamist parties; which promote—sometimes violently—Islam as an ideology in a theocratic state; and Islamic parties; whose traditional members want their secular political systems to co-exist with the moral principles of their religion. Gregorian emphasizes the importance of religion in today's world and urges states;societies; and intellectuals to intervene in order to prevent Islam--as well as other religions--from becoming the political tool of various parties and states. He recommends continuing dialogues between modernist and traditionalist Muslims; as well as among the educated; secular elite and their clerical counterparts. He also urges U.S.-led efforts to engage and better understand the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States and the world. Lamenting widespread U.S. ignorance of the world's fastest-growing religion; Gregorian calls on "enlightened citizens" to promote international understanding; tolerance; and peace.
#1832481 in Books Nat Brandt 1990-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.35 x 1.00 x 6.29l; 1.41 #File Name: 081560243X315 pagesHistoryCivil WarAbolitionCampaigns BattlefieldsMilitary
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Anti Salvery in Oberlin; OhioBy GILHeard about this book during Black history month. Visited a historical site in Columbus; Ohio who mentioned the building was stop on the underground railroad. The curator talked about how the town of Oberlin in Ohio and how it was instrumental in providing refuge for run away slaves.She spoke of the rescue of an escaped slave; John Price; who had been recaptured. As he was being held in a nearby jail; the "entire" town of Oberlin came to his aid. This fascinating story is told by Nate Brandt in this book. The book itself is written at the college level and is well researched and documented. It is a great insight to the interactions between the north and the south and the prevailing thoughts about slavery; both for and against; in the pivotal time before the Civil War.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I just recommended this book for the umpteenth time to someone interested ...By MOI just recommended this book for the umpteenth time to someone interested in antebellum history; and then went and read my copy AGAIN.I got my MA in History. My "specialty" area is pre-American Revolution; up to the Civil War. My thesis was on the contributions of lesser-known; wealthy men of faith in support of ending slavery. They felt "guilty" for their wealth and felt that God's *Higher Law* superseded man's law and did what they could to assist more militant abolitionists without getting caught.The book that started me on this trek was The Town that Started the Civil War by Nat Brandt. Brandt was a newspaper/TV journalist along with his book writing; so his writing style is very reader-friendly. Through this book I learned about the little town (Oberlin; Ohio) and how the Oberlin/Wellington Rescue was connected to John Brown's Harpers Ferry revolt; and the earlier cases of Anthony Burns (runaway slave living in freedom in Boston; but kidnapped by slave catchers) and the Amistad (ship) Slave Revolt. All of these events are connected through the finances of this small group of men.All of those connections are what intrigued me and led to my thesis topic; and led me to fall in love with Oberlin.In my research - then; now; and in the future - I am always intrigued by the little stories behind the big story. This is one of those stories.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Pretty good book about Oberlin;OhBy Kindle CustomerI read it years ago and decided to read it again (from the library) recently after starting a Facebook page about old Oberlin. Bought this copy for my son and he says it's pretty interesting.
