Differences and conflicts make for sensational headlines; but A Brief Guide to Islam starts with the similarities between the major Abrahamic faiths of Judaism; Christianity and Islam. Only then can the differences be understood. By exploring the beliefs; history and politics of the ordinary people of Muslim countries; Paul Grieve offers a fully comprehensive survey that combines authoritative analysis with carefully chosen primary sources. The result is a user-friendly book that challenges cliché and stereotype in areas such as art; women; banking; war; Malcolm X; and the dos and don'ts of visiting a Muslim country. It also exposes the big issues behind the headlines: can Islam support true democracy? Is true democracy what the West really wants for the Middle East; or are we merely seeking a cover of legitimacy for a policy of 'might is right'? Paul Grieve is an unbeliever; he is not a born-again Muslim; a proselytizer or a frustrated desert romantic. His aim is simply to inform. This is the ideal summary for the reader looking for a broad overview of the political and religious contentions that are part of our everyday lives.
#2080420 in Books 2014-04-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.92 x .55 x 7.01l; 1.01 #File Name: 0786495464253 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very general historyBy Perry M FrohneGood book; but a very general history with very few photographs of soldiers; but plenty of general officers. I was hoping with that title it would be more detailed with individual soldier stories and images. Would recommend for the curious; not the researcher.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Nice review of the 2nd SSBy Anthony SwierzbinskiEarley does a nice job covering the history of the 2nd US Sharpshooters; mixing together primary sources and letters with his own conjectures. The result is a highly informative and entertaining history of one of the Civil War's most famous units. A must-read for any sharpshooter enthusiast; as well as any Civil War buff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Sharpshooter hits the markBy C EiserI was very impressed with the detailed information on Civil War sharpshooters. The weaponry that was used as well as the training the sharpshooters went through; set a standard for our future sharpshooters and protectors of our nation.
