Shi’i Muslims; who make up eleven percent of the population of Islamic nations; have produced more than their share of political activism – from the Iranian revolution in 1978-79 to a series of dramatic individual actions; most recently in Lebanon. Why has Twelver Shi’ism changed from quietism to an active involvement in politics? How will Shi’i political activism affect the struggle in and for Lebanon; the Iran-Iraq war; Soviet attitudes toward Afghanistan and Iran; and United States policies toward the Middle East?This timely and important book is the first overview of Shi’i political activism in each of the countries where it has been significant. The contributors to the volume – scholars with wide-ranging expertise – here present up-to-date information on the factors involved in the recent rise of Shi’i activism. Surprisingly; the authors find that national identities have often been more important for Shi’i Muslims than transnational religious solidarity; Shi’is in most countries have mobilized for greater participation in their nation’s resources and political life rather than for Shi’i separatism or clerical rule. According to the authors; Shi’is have not by any means reached a final point in their political activities; their political future depends largely on the degree to which the demands and desires of their local groups are met.“A useful guide to the largely unexplored terrain of Shi’i history and tradition behind today’s headlines in the Middle East.â€-- Gary G. Sick; author of All Fall Down
#172256 in Books 2008-03-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 2.20 x 6.00l; 2.45 #File Name: 0299207943856 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Accurate HistoryBy phanuelsdaughterInteresting read. Having been an ardent student of history; and the Bible; it is much like what my Omi stated happened duringher incarceration in Sachsenhausen/ Stutthoff. She also had much insight into what happened to the different groups; includingJehovah's Witnesses. As I have been reading about the history related; my Omi only told us 'the half of it.'How horrendous. Proverbs states that man has dominated man to his injury. Evil men will do whatever they can imagine for wealthand power; as long as they do not have to work for it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This Book is ----- well it tells how it was ...By JRThis Book is ----- well it tells how it was. It was not written by the Witnesses. Every one should read this book.24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. German/ Austrian Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi GermanyBy Russell L. WiemersIn the book Between Resistance and Martyrdom the courage and faith of Jehovah's Witnesses is examined. Not just a personal narrative it shows through documented evidence and through personal testimonies that Jehovah's Witnesses were the only religion in Germany that actively opposed Hitler's Third Reich. Interestingly; Jehovah's Witnesses were the only religion that had its on identifying classification; the Purple Triangle. All other Christian religious prisoners who were interned in the camps for active resistance were given a Red Triangle; which identified them as political prisoners. The book also exposes the clergy as the force behind the persecution of these resistors. The treatment of the Witnesses as a danger to the government is shown to be without logical support. It shows that their persecution was from those who had hatred for a group who exposed the churches for their wholehearted support for Hitler and his National Socialists organization. The book is not something you would read for light hearted enjoyment but more for those who are studying the Third Reich and those who were standing up in opposition to its evil. It is the first unbiased examination of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the stand they took in the face of extreme peril and suffering.
