The Two Faces of Islam
Saudi Fundamentalism and Its Role in Terrorism
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Since its formation in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been ruled by two interdependent families. The Al Sa’uds control politics and the descendants of Ibn Abd al-Wahhab impose Wahhabism—a violent, fanatical perversion of the pluralistic Islam practiced by most Muslims. Stephen Schwartz argues that Wahhabism, vigorously exported with the help of Saudi oil money, is what incites Palestinian suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, and other Islamic terrorists throughout the world.
Schwartz reveals the hypocrisy of the Saudi regime, whose moderate facade conceals state-sponsored repression and terrorism. He also raises troubling questions about Wahhabi infiltration of America’s Islamic community and about U.S. oil companies sanitizing Saudi Arabia’s image for the West. This sharp analysis and eye-opening expose illuminates the background to the September 11th terrorist attacks and offers new approaches for U.S. policy toward its closest ally in the Middle East.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Schwartz challenges President Bush's "axis of terror." "The real exporters of international Islamic extremism and terror," he says, are not Iraq or Iran, but an American ally: the Saudis. Saudia Arabia is dominated by Wahhabism, which journalist Schwartz (Kosovo: Background to a War) labels a "fascistic" cult. And the West, he goes on, has "nurtured this serpent in very bosom" by supporting the Saudis in the belief that they were "moderate." (On sale Oct. 15)
Customer Reviews
Absolute Must Read
If only more journalists would read this book, perhaps more accurate reporting on Islam, and the threat traditional Islam and muslims face from Saudi-based Wahhabism would be exposed. Politicians would gain tremendous insight into the two aspects of Islamic identity playing out on the world stage, if they read this work. Everyone should read this book!