Islam versus Terrorism is is a Middle Easterner’s perspective on the puzzle and problems of the Middle East. Zadeh’s informative book describes Islam, the history of the region, the clash of cultures, and the reasons for terrorism from “their point of view”, with some practical solutions. This pocket sized book is a quick reference and a straightforward explanation of the geography, culture, and internal/external problems of the countries of the region. It describes how some of America’s past foreign policies have created hatred, mistrust, and discord between the United States and the Middle East. This contention resulted in the heinous act of violence on September 11, 2001, and has continued with the present conflict in Iraq and Afganistan, affecting America’s relationship with the rest of the world.
Islam versus Terrorism, ISBN 0-9674480-1-8 can be purchased from book stores or direct from the publisher: The Copy Press. Phone: 643-547-2972. Fax: 643-547-2973. www.copypress.co.nz. E-mail: infor@copypress.co.nz. Price $15
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This book provides pertinent information on Islamic culture, which dictates the lives of an ever-increasing number of followers, estimated at 1.6 billion. It reveals critical facts about the geographical importance of the region that have been the source of the grave misunderstandings in the minds of Westerners because of false advertisement of the U.S. politicians and mainstream media. It shows how establishing better policies for the U.S. would be a better way in deal with terrorism than attempting to kill them all.
The tragedy of September 11, 2001 was a warning, a wake-up call to Americans. It surprised many people, just as Pearl Harbor did. Until the shameful destruction of the World Trade Center and attack on the Pentagon by the terrorists, most Americans simply were not concerned about the world beyond their shores because they had their normal peaceful lives and felt secure that nothing so heinous could happen to them on their own soil.
Because of their military strength and the physical distance from troubled area the majority of Americans were not interested to know their government’s foreign policies. World Wars I and II took place in Europe and Asia; the atom bomb was dropped and destroyed Hiroshima, the Korean and Vietnam wars along with Middle East conflicts were fought in far away places. The well-thought out attack by a few fundamentalist Al Qaeda terrorists, resulted in the death of three thousand four hundred innocent people in America, was a clear proof that the U.S. is not untouchable and that there is an unhappy world across the ocean.
I believe this devastating attack contained a clear message to the U.S. government to be wary of interfering in other countries’ affairs if they wish not to become a party to the problem, which has been their policy in past. Dictating to other nations how to conduct their lies, especially the Muslim countries that have been vocal in expressing their opposition, could result in more serious consequences in the future. American politicians must learn more about other cultures and people in order to make better foreign policies. The best decision U.S. politicians could make is helping other nations rather than exploiting them for their personal benefit and life style.
Sending in military troops and name-calling is not the American Way. They only generate more hatred and aggression. If the U.S. want to play a meaningful role, as the most powerful nation on earth, it is best to be a valuable friend that a big bully.
Desperate, poverty-stricken people who are occupied by other countries do not have the financial resources and the influence that their wealthy enemies do. So, Terrorism today is the poor man’s way to fight powerful adversaries.Continued military efforts on one side and suicide bombing on the other will only ignite deeper resentment, hatred, and retaliation in a never ending battle. A diplomatic approach and a willingness to find, soften or remove the causes of discontent would be the best solution. Islam does not promote terrorism, desperation does!
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