Algeria: Revolution Revisited (Islamic World Report) [Paperback]

Reza Shah-Kazemi (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1998 | ISBN-10: 186064368X | ISBN-13: 978-1860643682

Algeria is a nation beset with endemic--one might almost say systemic--violence: extra-judicial killings and routinized torture by a state claiming to be legitimate, monstrous acts of terrorism by groups calling themselves "Islamic." In the past four years, approximately 100,000 people have been killed: that is, on average, 500 people every week, with countless more maimed, injured, and traumatized. How is one to explain this explosion of violence, on the one hand, and this exploitation and distortion of Islam, on the other? This book comprises eight chapters which focus on different aspects of the crisis in Algeria, combining political analysis of its causes with forces at work in the recent past. They bring to light the forms that Islam has assumed politically and culturally in Algeria, and at the same time present a critique of these forms "from within," that is, from a traditional Islamic point of view.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Reza Shah-Kazemi is a freelance writer and editor specializing in comparative religion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris (November 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 186064368X
• ISBN-13: 978-1860643682
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,901,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Good Example of A Bad Approach, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Algeria: Revolution Revisited (Islamic World Report) (Paperback)

I am somewhat inclined to agree with the other reviewers over this one. As a western journalist who has visited Algeria many times over the last few years I can understand why it over-simplifies the case. I am often in a position where I am asked about Algeria and my usual response is to make people understand that it is a situation which is very complex and does not give in to the type of analysis which is common among some journalists.I am afraid to say that this book also belongs to the same category of journalism which starts off with an approach containing a series of assumptions which are then not substantiated with good analysis.

R.Wakeman

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mis-placed account of Political trauma., January 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Algeria: Revolution Revisited (Islamic World Report) (Paperback)

The book starts witha promising introduction but falls into serious errors concerning the political climate in Algeria. As an Algerian, the author appears to have his head in the clouds and his commentary is shot through with a basic naievete about the affairs governing Algeria. A very poor attempt at poltical analysis.