Islamic Extremism: Causes, Diversity, and Challenges

(Paperback)

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This accessible and deeply informed book examines the threat that Islamic extremists pose to America and provides a balanced and nuanced discussion of the link between Iraq and the war on terror. Explaining the basics of Islam and guiding the reader through the intricacies of each significant fundamentalist group, the Palmers answer key questions: Who are the Muslim extremists and how do they fit within the broader context of the Islamic religion What is their war plan and how do they operate Who are their allies and what are their weaknesses What is the experience of Israel, the Islamic world, and the United States in fighting Muslim extremists How can they be defeated The book includes detailed analyses of Hizbullah and the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, the Iraqi clones of Hizbullah, and the Islamic government in Turkey.

Reviews

The authors' nuanced analysis is a welcome addition to a growing literature on political Islam. Recommended. * Choice Reviews *
This brilliant book is absolutely the best contribution ever to the study of Islamic radicalism. Never before has any work on this heated topic dealt with it as comprehensively, dispassionately, and convincingly as the Palmers do in this breathtaking study. This smoothly written work is a must read for everyone, including decision makers in countries gripped with the dilemma of Islamic radicalism. -- Hilal Khashan, American University of Beirut
This powerful author team examines the heart and soul of Islam, a religion and civilization that is increasingly global in impact. As leading guides, the Palmers provide a clear path to understanding Islam. Using their new book as a field guide, readers will chart a safe course through a world beset by violence, ignorance, and arrogance. -- James A. Bill, College of William & Mary

Praise for the authors' work:

[A] sensible and productive set of proposals for understanding Muslim extremism. . . . [The authors] analyze jihadi strategies with a nuanced common sense all too hard to come by in the sometimes sensationalist literature on the topic.

Praise for the authors' work:

A compelling and extremely well-written analysis of topics that generally suffer serious distortion by the unthinking generalizations of policymakers and the media. The complexity of the Islamic world and the Middle East are made wholly understandable through this excellent and lucid work.

Author Bio

Monte Palmer is professor emeritus at Florida State University. He directed FSU's Middle East Studies Center, as well as the Center for Arab and Middle Eastern Studies at the American University of Beirut. Princess Palmer is a former consultant for the World Bank.