The Enemy Within: A Tale of Muslim Britain

(Paperback)

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Description

A searing account of modern Britain from one of its most refreshing political voices 'The Muslims, or, more politely put, the Muslim communities, are described and most often referred to as a monolithic block. Well they - we - are not ... Most of us simply want to get on with our lives.' Sayeeda Warsi, peer of the realm, could be considered part of the Establishment. So why does she wonder over half a century after her grandfather came to the UK whether the UK will still be a home for her grandchildren Tracking the changing currents in British attitudes and policy towards Islam and unpicking the challenges for Muslims with brutal honesty, The Enemy Within offers solutions to the big issues of our time with much-needed clarity and humour.

Reviews

Islamophobia is the Ku Klux Klan hatred of our time. This book is an antidote to the hypocrisy around Islam that has become such a poison in our public life. Warsi holds everyone - the state, the press, our Muslim communities - to the same standards of integrity and self-reflection. It throws down a gauntlet for all of us: to read it, understand it, and argue with it, with as much good faith as the author's -- Clive Stafford Smith, Director of Reprieve and author of 'Bad Men' and 'Injustice'
Forthright and intelligent ... By tackling the "Muslim problem" head on, Lady Warsi has added to her accomplishments the feat of speaking truth to power ... It is as enjoyable to read about her devout, enlightened mother as about the pivotal points in her political career ... Thrilling and satisfying -- Leila Aboulela * Guardian *
The Enemy Within is such a comprehensive analysis it should be on the school syllabus as seminal ... It is only through the likes of Sayeeda Warsi that the UK stands any chance of establishing the social cohesion it needs with its Muslim population -- Sir Alan Duncan
Eloquent ... Calm and clever reflection -- Andrew Marr
Uniquely insightful -- Tim Shipman * Sunday Times *
A unique perspective on British multiculturalism -- Afua Hirsch * Guardian *
The Enemy Within is vital reading for decision-makers in Whitehall and Fleet Street. It shows that we need more of the quality that terrorists signally lack: empathy with those different from ourselves -- Sameer Rahim * Telegraph *
A hard headed, well-informed and intellectually coherent analysis of policy towards British Islam. Much of what Baroness Warsi reveals is deeply shocking. Again and again it turns conventional wisdom on its head. It deserves to promote a public debate on this subject which has been needed for more than 20 years -- Peter Oborne
Timely and thoughtful -- Jenni Russell * Sunday Times *
[Warsi is] a trailblazer ... [She] writes with conviction * Spectator *
Sayeeda Warsi's integrity, intelligence and deep understanding of the challenges confronting the Muslim communities, the government and wider society make this a politically charged and invigorating read. A vital book at a critical time -- Helena Kennedy QC
Sayeeda Warsi traces the recent travails of British Islam through her own remarkable journey from a working-class childhood in Yorkshire to a seat at the Cabinet table. She is an unsparing critic, whether of Muslims who practise intolerance or media-driven politicians who find virtue in "non-engagement". But the conclusion of this thoughtful and passionate book offers hope amid the gloom: with fresh policies and a dash of courage, the beast of division can be starved, and Britain strengthened to make its way in the world -- David Anderson QC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
The book is a masterpiece of fine writing and wisdom. It is timely and much needed in rebutting the myths and fears that spread Islamophobia. It reaffirms the values of equal citizenship, free speech and the rule of law in our multicultural society. It is a wake-up call and a manifesto for politicians and media in combatting religious and racial discrimination -- Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC
Compelling brave and honest -- Shazia Awan (Broadcaster and Activist)
The Enemy Within has a refreshingly balanced approach - constructive critique of Muslim communities and government - and workable recommendations -- Salma Yaqoob
Engaging , thought provoking and a must read book by a trailblazer -- Qari Asim (Leading UK Imaam and Member of HM Government's Sharia Review)

Author Bio

A lawyer, businesswoman and racial justice campaigner, Sayeeda Warsi is Britain's first Muslim Cabinet minister. Appointed a life peer at the age of thirty-six, she served as Chairman of the Conservative Party, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and as Minister for Faith and Communities. In the summer of 2014 she resigned from government, citing its 'morally indefensible' policy on Gaza.