Middle East Books

Brilliant book. The story of the struggle of a woman for liberation and equality as her host nation slips from existence at the hands of a formidable enemy.

Detailed review to follow

This is a very brave book to write for someone from the Arab world, and very interesting to read for one who is familiar with that world. The book chonicles the growth from girl to independent woman in a society which is against giving women their independence. And it is someone's true story. It is a must for people interested in women's rights in an arab society.

Extremely moving story. The author recounts for us how she survived through an abusive childhood, an arranged marriage as a teenager, being a refugee of two wars, and being widowed twice. Through all of her experiences, she never comes across as being helpless or an object of pity, but rather as a strong woman who will prevail despite the circumstances. Through reading her story, I finally began to comprehend what it means to be brought up and live in a patriarchal society and through this why anthropologists put so much emphasis on kinship structures when describing cultures. Her story also provides excellent background into the issues of concern for Islamic feminists- -especially child custody laws. This book is a must for anyone interested in women's roles in Islamic society. It also provides useful firsthand description of the Palestinian flight from Israel in 1947-48.

Dr Hunsberger's book takes us on the wondrous travels of the seminal poet and philosopher who helped to shape the thinking and practices of his many readers and disciples. Her lively and insightful account of Nasir's hajj and his stops along the way make him come to life and illustrate how his experiences shaped his philosophy and influenced his timeless writing. Dr Hunsberger's artfully written book is must reading for those curious about the development of civilization in the Middle East.

Dr Hunsberger's biography of the seminal Persian poet and philosopher is a must read for anyone curious about the state of affairs in the Middle East a millennium ago. Her exhaustive research and insight gives ballast and meaning to the personality of Nasir Khusraw as well as his travels and his journals. I highly recommend Dr Hunsberger's most-amazing book to any scholar devoted to Middle Eastern, Arabic, Persian or Islamic studies. Nasir was a dedicated scholar and so is Dr Hunsberger.

This book answered a lot of questions that I had about the people of Badakshan and surrounding areas. Extremely readable book. Age old philosophies disclosed, still relevant after 1000 years. Great poetry and translation by Alice Hunsberger. Must read by all Rumi fans.

It should seem obvious by now to any who care about truth that Zionists see America as not just the savior, supplier and sugar-daddy to Israel. Indeed, Zionists see America as the servant of Israel and in their tunnel vision they see no price too high for America to pay. That is what our controlling elites have allowed America to be reduced to. The masses have a choice: a life driven by fear or by honesty.

The only defensible war is a war of defense.
- G. K. Chesterton.

_Neo-Conned! Again: Hypocrisy, Lawlessness, and the Rape of Iraq_, published in 2007 by Light in the Darkness Publications an imprint of IHS Press, is a sequel to the book _Neo-Conned!_ which condemns the War in Iraq from the perspective of Catholic just-war theory. This book is subtitled "The illegality and the injustice of the second Gulf War" and consists of various essays and interviews from a wide variety of perspectives. These two books are edited by D. L. O'Huallachain and J. Forrest Sharpe. The writers, thinkers, and soldiers whose essays appear in this book range from conservative and traditionalist Catholics to paleo-conservatives to left wing intellectuals. As such, the war is condemned from a wide variety of viewpoints and positions across the political spectrum. The second Gulf War has not met the criteria for a just-war according to Catholic tradition and thus is to be condemned. The reasons why this war was fought in the first place, in a country which should be of no direct concern to the United States, are varied. Obvious reasons include the presence of oil, the role of monetary policy in maintaining a strong dollar against the Euro, and political power. Another reason involves the take-over of United States foreign policy by a clique of intellectuals known as neoconservatives. Two fundamental characteristics of the neoconservative agenda (particularly as spelled out in excellent essays by Stephen Sniegoski and Claes Ryn) include a near messianic zeal for establishing global democracy (certainly not a classically conservative agenda!) and complete allegiance to the state of Israel above all things. For example, as Sniegosky shows, following the tragedy of 9/11, Bush came to be influenced by the foreign policy of the neoconservatives (allowing his original more restrained foreign policy to be superseded) and coupled with his own apocalyptic Christian beliefs came to regard the War against Iraq as necessary. In many ways then, the War against Iraq can be understood as being fought for Zionist interests. Similarly Claes Ryn concludes that the neoconservatives are the New Jacobins, and just as their ancestors unleashed a reign of terror following the French Revolution, so they have unleashed the full power of the American military. Another interesting essay by E. Michael Jones, argues (echoing the original claims of Murray Rothbard) that the so-called _National Review_ branch of "conservativism" is actually nothing more than a CIA black operation. Jones shows how though neoconservatives often appeal to ethnics and Catholics in particular, that their understanding of things is fundamentally opposed to the teachings of the Catholic church. A final essay that deserves some mention is that of David Lutz which focuses on Christian Zionism. This essay shows how Christian Zionists have abandoned the traditional just-war theory of the Roman Catholic Church. In particular, Lutz explains how Christian Zionism infiltrated Protestantism through the teachings of Darby, Scofield, and others (and that Scofield may even have been employed by the Rothschilds in their quest for global domination). Lutz shows how Christian Zionism is fundamentally opposed to the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church, and refutes the claims regarding the so-called Rapture made by some. These essays offer fascinating material which effectively shows how the "right wing" in America has been overtaken by usurpers whose policies of global democracy are anything but conservative.

The book begins with a foreword by Joseph Circincione and an introduction by Scott Ritter.

The book includes the following sections with essays by the following:

"An Exercise in Critical Thinking: Today's Sharpest Minds Tackle the War and its Context" - Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Clair, Alexander Cockburn, Robert Fisk, Maurizio Blondet, and Noam Chomsky.

"Driving the Runaway Train: Neocons, 9/11, and Pretexts for War" - Claes G. Ryn, Stephen Sniegoski, Justin Raimondo, David W. Lutz, E. Michael Jones, Kirkpatrick Sale, Naomi Klein, and William O'Rourke.

"The Professionals Speak: Military Reactions to Operation Iraqi Freedom" - Karen Kwiatkowski, Robert Hickson, Jack Dalton, a roundtable discussion with several officers, Pablo Paredes, Karen Kwiatkowski, and Al Lorentz.

"The Professionals Speak II: The Intelligence Community and the Intelligence Debacle" - Patrick Lang and Ray McGovern.

"The Professionals Speak III: War College Professors Apply Their Expertise" - Jeffrey Record and Stephen C. Pelletiere.

"The Professionals Speak IV: A Scientist and a Diplomat" - Gordon Prather and Roger Morris.

"Defying World Order: Reactions from the Vatican and UN Perspectives" - Mark and Louise Zwick, John Burroughs and Nicole Deller, and Francis Boyle.

"Propping Up a Dying Giant: American Economic and Military Survival Tactics" - Immanuel Wallerstein and F. William Engdahl.

"One Good Scandal Deserves Another: The Snowballing of American Lawlessness" - Gabor Rona, Joseph Margulies, Amnesty International, Joseph Margulies, Jeffrey Steinberg, Jacob Weisberg, Dan Smith, and John Hutson.

"So Much for the Fourth Estate: Our Imperial Press" - Tom Engelhardt, John Stauber and Sheldon Rampton, and Sam Gardiner.

"The Other Side of the Story: Honest Men Consider the Situation of Iraq" - Ayan S. Al-Qazazz, Fr. Jean-Marie Benjamin, and Milton Viorst.

"Enduring Injustice: Iraq and the Current Political Landscape" - Donn de Grand Pre, Mark Gery, and Curtis Doebbler.

"Appendices: Perspectives on Gulf War I" - Michael Ratner and John Stauber and Shelton Rampton.

These essays and interviews include excellent material to be found nowhere else. Together with the first book _Neo-Conned!_, these two books make an important contribution to the debate over the War in Iraq from the perspective of Catholic just-war theory and a condemnation of the role of the United States in that war.

This extraordinary book and its predecessor provide tremendous intellectual, moral, and spiritual ammunition for those of us who oppose this monstrous war in Iraq that has taken the lives of in excess of 650,000 Iraqis and thousands of Americans and others. Maurizio Blondet's essay is particularly poignant and revealing. If Edward Luttwak's words to Blondet are any indication many of the Neo-cons were seeking to have Iraq bombed "back into the Stone Age" as early as the First Gulf War. One thing most open-minded people will come away with from reading this book is that the Neo-cons are a far, far greater danger to America than any of their designated enemies.

All good people who can afford it should buy this book. They should also pick up a copy of THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT: OMISSIONS AND DISTORTIONS by David Ray Griffin. The two books complement each other quite well.

Well written and easy to follow. I especially love the way the book is set up. Two authors who lean towards slightly different directions (hawk/dove) in regards to how America should engage with North Korea, present their argument while also responding to the other's arguments in alternating chapters.

Professors Cha and Kang come at the current and historic crisis in North Korea from different angles: Cha from a more "realist" view of international relations, Kang from a more "liberal" view. The book is a series of several chapters written alternately by Cha and Kang with each pair of chapters focusing on one aspect of the Korean problem. Both view North Korea as being entirely "rational," and make a point to discredit 30-second sound byte types of analyses of North Korea's decisionmaking process. Cha finds that it is perfectly rational for North Korea to attack or go nuclear even if the end result has a high probability of resulting in total destruction, because the status quo is so unbearable that the North is willing to bear the risk. Kang suggests that increased economic development, integration into the world economy, and the introduction of market forces will alter North Korea's cost-benefit analysis and push it away from violent military action or the active pursuit of a nuclear weapons program. In the end, both agree that the default strategy for the United States is engagement.

Cha and Kang do a good job of bringing intellectual depth to a debate that is often over-simplified. It makes a good read for the average reader while remaining a strong academic work of its own. This is not a history book--it is a book examining academic questions with real-world implications.

After the first Gulf War, several second/third world countries made the observation that the technical and other advantages possesed by the U. S. make it imperative that any country concerned about an attack from the United States have nuclear weapons. I note that I don't see President Bush talking much about attacking North Korea. General Gary Luck offered a quick sound bite on the costs of a war in N. Korea: "one million casualties, one trillion dollars in industrial damage and lost business."

In this excellent book the authors attempt to bring some sense to the scare headlines so loved by the news media -- Newsweek called the North Korean leader, "Dr. Evil." The book is written by two professors, one a bit more hawkish, one a bit more dovish. They present their views, they discuss the others viewpoint, they then try to come up with an overall plan that makes sense.

A million casualties -- somebody better come up with a plan that's better than TV's talking heads.

With this book I also highly recommend "North Korea at a Crossroads" by Suk Hi Kim.

I lived through the Vietnam era and I did not understand the conflicting and seemingly irrational world around me. This book explains those conflicts and resolves the irrational and contradicting events that left most Americans, including myself, unsettled and unsatisfied with the "popular" or "partisan" explanations of the day. Without understanding the Vietnam era, you will never understand America in the 1990's.

Is probably the best analysis of why we succeeded so completely in the Gulf War. It covers the historical and the strategic ,(socio-political), aspects leading to the Gulf War from the American Military standpoint. It is closer to a collection of interrelated essays on the different aspects that lead to success in war, starting from what in essence led to the defeat of America in Vietnam. This is a must for those interested in more than just tactics or for those interested in being (or understanding) a great leader and the elements that make "great" policy.

This is not a blow-by-blow account of the Gulf War; indeed, the only actual description of the progress of the war itself is the Appendix, a transcript of General Schwarztkopf's 2/27/91 press briefing.

The bulk of Summers' book is a critical analysis of the historical factors that in large part determined how the war was prosecuted and that determined its outcome. Much of this is a re-examination of why we failed in Vietnam- a subject covered brilliantly in Summers' earlier "On Strategy:"- and the changes in US Military policy that followed. Particular import is placed on how the support of the American people and world leaders was cultivated to support the Gulf War.

For students of history, politics and the military, this is a must read.

My daughter brought this book home from her school library and asked me to read it to her. It is a great story about a girl who loves numbers. And perfect for me to read to her since I am an accountant. I really like that the book is about a woman who is good at math, and it takes her a lot of time to meet a man who can match her mathematical genius. It is a cute story with great illustrations.

Beautifully written and illustrated, this is an outstanding book for uses in the upper-elementary grades to accompany a lesson on properties of whole numbers (the multiplicative identity, in particular), place value, and problem solving, in general. I used it with my course for prospective elementary teachers and they loved it. I know that children will love it as well. It also supports gender equity in mathematical ability.

Young Aziza, the sultan's daughter, has been educated in all things, but her favorite subject is numbers. When the time comes to marry, how to choose her husband? A riddle, of course. A riddle with only one answer. She travels throughout the country searching for a man who can answer her riddle. An astronomer, a soldier, and a merchant all try, but fail. Just as Aziza is about to give up a farmer comes to the caravan to try to answer the riddle. This humble man knows the answer and becomes her groom. A detailed explanation of the riddle follows the story. The illustrations are beautiful. A great story, gorgeous pictures, math - what more could you want!

A fine, balanced, insightful, scholarly survey of Zionism and its dark side. This Israeli scholar issues an effective call for readers to take a more enlightened stand on an issue often clouded by ignorance and (anti-Palestinian)racial prejudice. As a former relief worker in the Middle East, I heartily endorse Prof. Beit-Hallahmi's book as an introduction to clear thinking and action about the realities of Palestine/Israel and other, broader, issues. As a professor of social ethics, I find this book well documented and well researched, bringing light to a question which often generates only heat and darkness.

This Haifa University Israeli scholar credibly demolishes the myths successfully established by a century of Zionist propaganda. He joins Marc Ellis and Meron Benvenisti(CITY OF STONE)as a courageous "voice in the wilderness" in an Israel where few leaders are willing to acknowledge the massive injustice done to the Palestinian people over the past fifty years. That such a devastating critique of the flawed foundation of a society can come from within it's own intelligentia is, oddly enough, a tribute to Israel and a sign of hope.

This book is remarkable. It ranges widely but is quite incisive! Covering about 200 years of Jewish life with special attention to the Zionist movement and the State of Israel.
Despite the title, it is not the breast beating of a bleeding hear liberal. It just states that facts and examines the arguments and concludes with a way forward.

True, he probably dwells too much on the "failures" of Zionism. (Zionsim failed to work as intended, that doesn't mean necessarily that it failed.) One might want to compare Tom Segev's ELVIS IN JERUSALEM assessment.

The chapter on religion is worth the price alone! He disentangles the groups like Gush Emunim, the Kach party, Agudat Israel, and Neturei Karta, which tend to get lumped together. Along the way the does much to give the lie to Israel Shahak JEWISH HISTORY, JEWISH RELIGION which sought to lay the sins of Zionism at the doorstep of "Classical Judaism." On the contrary, even today, there is an strong negative correlation between orthodoxy and zionism in Israel.

As for anyone who wishes to question his discussion of religious groups, I would like to point out that religion in Israeli life is a Dr. Beit-Hallahmi and his previous book DESPAIR AND DELIVERANCE deals with this very subject.

Antiquities of the Jews or Jewish Antiquities by Josephus, Flavius

Kindle-friendly ebook. Very easy to navigate. I have been using my Kindle for a few months and I totally love it. It encourages me to read.

This book can provide plenty of help and guide for anyone traveling to Pakistan, foreigners in particular (she mentioned a few things in Lahore, my hometown, which even I did not know). I picked the book from my father's bookshelf to kill my time and ended up reading all of it. She explains most things about the local culture extremely well, without the usual negative tone that most other authors unconsciously get into (no offence for anyone please).

For me if a book gives you the information that you need and makes you read more than what you initially planned, is a five star, so is this one!

We visited North Pakistan, looking at the archaeology, and this guidebook was excellent- it covered virtually everything.
We ordered it from London, and it arrived very promptly - and cheaper than the price quoted by amazon.co.uk!

My journey home to Pakistan started a little over five years ago when I married a Pakistani national who had immigrated to the United States in the early nineties. The decision to visit my family back home in Lahore City was one that took nearly five years to make. After securing my flight at the height of the summer travel season and I might add the hottest time of year in that part of the Indian subcontinent I desparately sought out the most comprehensive travel guide I could find. Isobel Shaw's book is informative and a godsend to a novice traveller to the Indian subcontinent such as my self. From her descriptions of famous landmarks to the locations of hotels and hospices she gives an accurate account of what to expect. The index of Urdu phrases came in handy on several occasions as I do not speak or read the language and was often dependent on my husband's translating capability. The maps and descriptions of the different regions allowed us to the luxury of travelling to areas of Pakistan I might never have seen otherwise. My only regret is that we were unable to see more of Kashmir than the border checkpoint. Due to my blonde hair and western features the border guards were relunctant to let us in. Perhaps next time I shall be allowed to travel in that region. I would not hesitate to recommend Ms. Shaw's guidebook to anyone travelling in Pakistan. It is an informative and enjoyable book on the people and the country of Pakistan.

Pakistan is a fascinating and unfairly under-rated country. It certainly is one of the poorest in the world but its people are the most welcoming you will ever meet and the scenery is enthralling. I promised myself I'll keep returning to Pakistan every year since my first discovery trip (1998). Look no further for the best guidebook to Pakistan. This new edition is VERY detailed and informative and has even succeeded in improving on the already brilliant previous edition. In my opinion, Lonely Planet's updated 1998 edition is not bad either but does not compare. Have a wonderful journey ! And please, if you go to Lahore, don't miss the beautiful Wazir Khan mosque !

I really enjoyed this book and found it to be indespensible during two trips to Pakistan in the Summers of 03 and 04. A little skimpy on photos and the prices were outdated (it has not been updated since 1998 I wish they would too). other than that it was/is the best on the market, far more engaging and extensive than Lonely Planet. I see Footprint is expected to release a Guide to the Northern Areas. Although I welcome this I think far too many tourists neglect the four provinces down country. This is really where the guide book shines for it reveals so much about the majority of the country that other books neglect or skim over.

While in pursuit if my passion of travel, I have had the chance to use several types of guides, but never have I enjoyed reading any guide as this one. Very detailed, yet simply arranged, and excellent recommendations. Very accurate trekking information is also included in it, along with the typical "touristy" material. Maps could use a little more detail, as I saw it. Prices and other recommendations were excellent! Awesome job!

If anyone is going to Pakistan, I would highly suggest getting this book. There are so many things that I have never known even though I was there for several months.