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 enlarge | Manufacturer: Norton
Category: EBooks
List Price: $10.95
Buy New: $8.76
You Save: $2.19 (20%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  92 reviews
Sales Rank: 4115
Format: Kindle Book
Media: Kindle Edition
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Dewey Decimal Number: 297.8
ASIN: B000U0O9FC
Publication Date: March 13, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 The Shia Revival July 20, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
A good book for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the conflict between Shia and Sunni Islam-
 The Shia Revival July 10, 2008
This is an excellent book that gives insight ino the Shia branch of Islam. The Shias are the majority rule in Iraq and are the Muslim church in all of Iran. This book gives you an excellent understanding of the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Iran, of the conflict between the minority Sunni and majority Shia. It helps you understand where and why they are coming from and what to expect from them. It gives and excellent history of Islam and well as encapsulizes what it happening today. It is easy to read and gives you great insight into understanding the current conflicts there, including Saudi Arabia's role in controlling the Sunnis. It opens your eyes to understand what is really happening versus the propraganda we are fed in the U.S. by our government and lobbyists. You become wiser in understanding the many layers of deceit and lies thrown to the uneducated American public. I highly recommend this book if you truly wants some understanding about the conflict with Iraq and Iran.
 excellent scholarship and great analysis July 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Nasr has written a terrific book that describes the long history of the Sunni-Shi'a conflict and how it influences modern Middle Eastern politics. I would recommend it as a primer for anyone who would like to know more about the culture and current events of the Arab world. It's detailed, yet accessible and engrossing.
The book begins with description of the Ashoura festivals and the Sunni revulsion to what they consider to be idolatry. It then describes the great split among the backers of various Caliphs which eventually became the modern Sunni/Shi'a conflict, the history of how both sides became entrenched and what continued to fuel the discord between them. From there, Nasr describes how the religious and social luminaries of the Arab world saw their positions as pawns of the superpowers and how this shaped the many conflicting views of what the Muslim future should look like and how to get there. Finally, the author takes us through Iraq and Iran of today to show why the war in Iraq is so intense and shows little sign of slowing down (it's all about who holds what resources) and how and why Iran is using the war to its advantage.
I would like to give this book 4 and a half stars, but I can't give half stars. The only little fault of this great book is a slight tinge of sympathy toward the Shi'a. In a purely analytical and historical work, it doesn't seem fitting to show even the slightest tinge of sympathy or empathy toward the subject of your study. However, this is a very slight point and it doesn't compromise Nasr's command of the facts in any way, shape or form.
The Rise of the Shia in the Middle East May 22, 2008
The author presents a very scholarly work on the background of the Sunni/Shia split, Shia history, and the rise of Shia in the Middle East. He argues persuasively that the War in Iraq, among other things, has produced the unintended consequence of strengthening Shia power in the region. This includes Iran, Shia in Iraq, and Shia minorities in countries throughout the region. The author does believe however that the balance of power will eventually settle and a peace will result generally between the Sunni and Shia. This book is very instructive in describing the major leaders and groups involved in this power struggle. It is worthwhile for all who have an interest in the Middle East.
Shia Revival April 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an excellent book which describes the fundamental
differences between the Shia and Sunnis. Antagonisms
existed between Shia and the Sunnis for over 1400 years.
The Sunni Islam had a Golden Age. Under the Umayyads,
the caliphs were both Caesar and a Pope delegating
authority to professional religious scholars.
Foes of Umayyads identify Ali (the Prophet's cousin)
as the Prophet's successor. The Sunnis believe that
the successor of the Prophet is the only leader of the
Islamic Community and not a deity or a prophetic calling.
Between 632 and 661, 4 caliphs ruled. They were Abu Bakr,
Uthman Ali, Uman and Rashidun. The Sunnis believe
"Better a 60 year tyranny than a single day of civil strife".
Shia imams are closer to the Iranians. They believe in
spreading cultural diversity and they've gained a foothold
in Iran, North Africa and Syria. Shia did well in Iraq
electing the first Shia state. The real power brokers
migrated to Iran which is now the largest Shia country.
There is a modern secular trend in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq
and Pakistan. Shia have migrated through Persia,
the Azeris-Turks and Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea.
The Shia believe that the Prophet had special qualities,
He was without sin and could divine religious teachings.
The Sunnis are preoccupied with order in the society
at large. The Shia want the USA to commit to political
reform across the region. The USA can assist in this
process; however, the parties must cooperate fully in order
to advance the political agenda. The work has considerable
implications for mutual cooperation between the West and
Islam.
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