The brief rise and precipitous fall of “Islamic liberalismâ€Just a few short years ago; the “Turkish Model†was being hailed across the world. The New York Times gushed that prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) had “effectively integrated Islam; democracy; and vibrant economics;†making Turkey; according to the International Crisis Group; “the envy of the Arab world.†And yet; a more recent CNN headline wondered if Erdogan had become a "dictator.â€In this incisive analysis; Cihan Tugal argues that the problem with this model of Islamic liberalism is much broader and deeper than Erdogan’s increasing authoritarianism. The problems are inherent in the very model of Islamic liberalism that formed the basis of the AKP's ascendancy and rule since 2002—an intended marriage of neoliberalism and democracy. And this model can also only be understood as a response to regional politics—especially as a response to the “Iranian Modelâ€â€”a marriage of corporatism and Islamic revolution.The Turkish model was a failure in its home country; and the dynamics of the Arab world made it a tough commodity to export. Tugal’s masterful explication of the demise of Islamic liberalism brings in Egypt and Tunisia; once seen as the most likely followers of the Turkish model; and provides a path-breaking examination of their regimes and Islamist movements; as well as paradigm-shifting accounts of Turkey and Iran.
#774706 in Books Osprey 2013-10-22 2013-10-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.93 x .22 x 7.26l; #File Name: 178200614180 pages9781782006145
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. My favorite hero of the American RevolutionBy Thomas S. IngeI was glad to discover a new book about the Swamp Fox and wonder if the author encountered any alligators or poisonous snakes while venturing through South Carolina's swampy terrain for the photographs he used to accompany the text. Being only 80 pages; the book is a quick read and has nice artwork; a map of Marion's battles and skirmishes; and a listing of the number of participants from both sides in these engagements as well as the figures of those killed; wounded; captured; etc. I do feel that the author dwelled too much on Cowpens; where Marion did not fight; and left out interesting stories about the tower the rebels erected to capture Fort Watson and the sacrifice Mrs. Motte was willing to make in the capture of Fort Motte. Still; I am very pleased to add this to my collection of Swamp Fox books.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Not one of the better onesBy James D. CrabtreeFrancis Marion was an American guerrilla leader during the revolution; operating out of the swamps and forests of the South Carolina back country. His story is a fascinating but this book chooses to focus on other details. It does have some excellent insights into guerilla warfare; but the book never really puts the raids conducted by Marion in relation to British deployments and concentrations in South Carolina; which I think is the most relevent point to his raids. I liked the artwork but I think this one could have been better.I'm not sorry I got it; but this is not one I'm going to go to time and again; as I do with some of the other Osprey books.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Swamp Fox...By HMS WarspiteFor an extended period of time following the Revolutionary War Battle of Camden in August 1780; guerilla leader Francis Marion's small band of irregulars were virtually the only rebel force disputing British control of South Carolina. Marion understood both the importance of his mission and the need to stay a force in being. His masterful campaign kept British regulars and loyalists off balance while buying time for the Continental Army to reconstitute a southern force. That campaign is explored in "The Swamp Fox"; a new Osprey Raid Series book.Author David Higgins quickly sketches the American Revolution in South Carolina through the Battle of Camden; including Francis Marion's role. The bulk of the book is a tense narrative of Marion's raids and ambushes during a critical period extending into 1781. The author captures the vicious nature of what was essentially a civil war between rebels and loyalists; and Marion's challenges commanding a force of guerillas who came and went as their personal circumstances dictated. The narrative is accompanied by an excellent selection of illustrations; period images; and photographs.The book suffers from some annoying editing failures; and from a travelogue narrative that is difficult to follow from the book's one not very detailed map. It is however a decent introduction to the topic of Francis Marion and his brand of guerrilla warfare; and its importance to the outcome of the Revolutionary War.
