Vali Nasr's book “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future" is an excellent introduction into the history of the Middle East conflicts. The biggest drawback to purchasing this book is that it was clearly written in 2005 and published in 2006 so it is grossly out of date. I highly recommend the book but want you to understand the caveats.
While I enjoyed the book tremendously and learned a great deal there is room for both praise and criticism.
I was looking for a book that would explain the divides within the Muslim world from a historical perspective and this book clearly meets that objective. The book spends a great deal of time covering the Islamic world from the death of The Prophet in the 7th century until the 12th century and uses examples of historic events that are echoed by current and past players (Hussein, Khomeini, Sistani, Assad) in this region. It barely covers anything between that time and 9/11. That's not a drawback because it's really since 9/11 that Americans have been so focused (but dangerously misinformed) on events in the Muslim world.
This is not a book about the Middle East. Israel figures only marginally in this book. This is a book about Muslim politics and the two major Islamic faiths- Sunniism and Shiism.
Several other reviewers said that the book is nonpartisan but I disagree with that. The author is Iranian born a Shiite Muslim. The book is written from the viewpoint of of Shiite and takes aim directly at the Sunnis. Throughout the book Sunnis are cast as the extremists where Shias are cast in the role of historical underdogs and mediators. That's not to say Shias don't get some of the blame from Nasr for the Middle East tragedies but the division of fault is unbalanced and his criticism of Shias comes finally in the last two pages.
Nasr identifies the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the beginning of the rise of the Shias. Nasr does an excellent job of painting the good and the evil of the Ayatollah Khomeini and his central role in the Iranian Revolution. Anyone wanting to understand more about the character of Khomeini will find it in this book. While we find deep character analysis of Ayatollah Khomeini the analysis of Iraq’s Ayatollah Sistani, also Shia, is less intense and paints Sistani as a great moderate.
After reading the book one comes away with a clear understanding of how the war in Iraq has plunged the Middle East into the chaos that we see today. The author clearly identifies the US led invasion of Iraq as a dramatic escalation in Middle East conflict and a force in more widespread Shia power.
The greatest fault with the book is that nowhere does the author analyze the roles and motives of those who brought the war to Iraq. The author dances around the sensitivity of the subject because at the time the book was written George W Bush was still the President and the author had a rooted interest in seeing the American role in Iraq continue. Remember while the Iraq invasion removed Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, from power it shifted the power almost entirely to the Iraqi Shia majority. The book implies that the Bush administration may have been unaware of what impact this shift would have on future world events. (The index links to 2 mentions of Bush 43 in the whole book)
Nasr's most recent book "The Dispensable Nation” is highly critical of the Obama administration and how, in the author's opinion, Obama has deserted Iraq and therefore the Shias.
"The Shia Revival" examines the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, Islamism in Pakistan and the influence of the Royal Saudi family but pays scant attention to the events and tragedy of 9/11, Afghanistan and the Taliban. Nasr suggests that the anti-American part of this conflict is a diversion from the real issue- hatred between Sunni and Shia factions of Islam. Nasr further points out that extreme sects within the Sunni faith re using American hatred as a recruiting weapon when their real target is the Shia.
Nowhere does the author discuss the close ties between the first and second Bush presidencies and the Saudi royal family. Only when I read the New York Times review of the author's follow-up book did I understand clearly how the author wanted to avoid criticizing the Bush government but certainly spares no criticism of the following administration.
A possible reason could be because the author views Bush as the liberator of the Shias in Iraq and the subsequent withdrawal of American troops by Obama as having a tragic impact on Shias. This partisan viewpoint recasts “Rise of the Shia” in a much more unfavorable light.
Ahmed Chalabi, an Iraqi born Shia and President of Iraq for 30 days gets only scant mention in the book. His purported influence, using false information, on VP Dick Cheney is not discussed at all. To me, another red flag that only part of the story is being revealed.
Nasr is an Iranian born American, distinguished scholar and is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Middle East but he comes at his analysis from a distinctly partisan Shia point of view.
I highly recommend reading this book but to think one understands the Middle East after reading this book alone would be a mistake. It is one viewpoint but an essential one. If you are new to Muslim politics or simply want to start understanding the history behind the Muslim turmoil this is an excellent book to buy.
My journey into understanding the Middle East continues but I will now seek an alternative narrative for my next book.
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The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future Paperback – April 17, 2007
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Vali Nasr
(Author)
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Print length320 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherW. W. Norton & Company
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Publication dateApril 17, 2007
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Dimensions5.6 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
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ISBN-100393329682
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ISBN-13978-0393329681
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Provocative. -- Thomas L. Friedman
Brilliant and very readable. -- Trudy Rubin
A must-read. -- Robert Hunt
Provocative.--Thomas L. Friedman
Brilliant and very readable.--Trudy Rubin
A must-read.--Robert Hunt
A must-read. --Robert Hunt
Provocative. --Thomas L. Friedman
Brilliant and very readable. --Trudy Rubin
Smart, clear and timely. --Warren Bass
Provocative. --Thomas L. Friedman"
Brilliant and very readable. --Trudy Rubin"
[A] must-read for those who find themselves perplexed about the sectarian violence in Iraq, the unpredictable politics of Iran, and the suddenly resurgent Hezbollah in Lebanon. --Robert Hunt"
Smart, clear and timely. --Warren Bass"
Fast moving, engaging and ultimately unnerving.... The Shia Revival is at its most provocative when exposing how the Sunni-Shiite power imbalance seeps out of classrooms and infects life on the ground. --Irshad Manji"
This book offers compelling corrective reading.... Broad-ranging and detailed, but still eminently readable. --L. Carl Brown"
Brilliant and very readable. -- Trudy Rubin
A must-read. -- Robert Hunt
Provocative.--Thomas L. Friedman
Brilliant and very readable.--Trudy Rubin
A must-read.--Robert Hunt
A must-read. --Robert Hunt
Provocative. --Thomas L. Friedman
Brilliant and very readable. --Trudy Rubin
Smart, clear and timely. --Warren Bass
Provocative. --Thomas L. Friedman"
Brilliant and very readable. --Trudy Rubin"
[A] must-read for those who find themselves perplexed about the sectarian violence in Iraq, the unpredictable politics of Iran, and the suddenly resurgent Hezbollah in Lebanon. --Robert Hunt"
Smart, clear and timely. --Warren Bass"
Fast moving, engaging and ultimately unnerving.... The Shia Revival is at its most provocative when exposing how the Sunni-Shiite power imbalance seeps out of classrooms and infects life on the ground. --Irshad Manji"
This book offers compelling corrective reading.... Broad-ranging and detailed, but still eminently readable. --L. Carl Brown"
About the Author
Vali Nasr is Dean and Professor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.
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Product details
- Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company; Reprint edition (April 17, 2007)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0393329682
- ISBN-13 : 978-0393329681
- Item Weight : 10.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.6 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#831,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #85 in Shi'ism Islam
- #238 in Islamic Theology (Books)
- #465 in Islamic Social Studies
- Customer Reviews:
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Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2014
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2015
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The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future by Vali Nasr argues “The reality that will shape the future of the Middle East is not the debates over democracy or globalization that the Iraq war was supposed to have jumpstarted but the conflicts between Shias and Sunnis. ” Not only does Nasr supply ample evidence to make this book accessible to both academic and less formal audiences, he supports his assertions with a mix of primary and secondary sources. Sprinkled with dialogue from Iraqi war generals and ample use of secondary sources centered around historical Shia and Sunni events, Nasr’s work is both compelling and riveting, offering an unparalleled look into the deeply layered world, and the ancient conflict between the Shia and Sunnis in the Middle East. This is both an enlightening an emotional treasure to explore.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2010
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The "Shia Revival", by Vali Nasr, was a terrific book which provided a thorough and objective analysis of Islam. His book outlined the history of Islam (which is deep, sensitive and complex), a chronology of Islamic events, hierarchical theologians and legends of dynastic rulers, saints and imams which should serve to enlighten the curious reader. The negative perceptions many westerners have of Muslims, in general, is skewed when compared to other major religions. Islam's culture and theology, founded in the 7th century, is the least known and quite possibly the least understood.
The "split" during the early years of Islam severed the followers of The Prophet Muhammad into two sects; Shia and Sunni. This caused an implosion within its ranks which created violence, hostility and an intense animosity that endures today. Attempts by past leaders to initiate pan-Islamic nationalism in order to showcase Arab unity, which could have assuaged the internal conflict, failed. In fact, in some instances, the reverse was true. The sectarian divide continues unabated. Islam has not had a reform movement in its religious doctrine since its founding. The feeling, I believe, is that to "modernize" is to "westernize" and that, I also believe, is anathema to their basic religious principles and esoteric philosophy.
Vali Nasr's book provided detailed information concerning the tensions and hostile feelings exhibited by Iran leaders towards the West and the causes attributed to outbreaks in international relations. Further, he produced evidence that Muslim terrorists in Arab countries are engaged in wars on two fronts; one against the West and one internally against extremists of each religious sect. Fifteen percent of the Muslim population are Shia, with the largest group living in Iran, whose influence in Iraq and, in particular, the Middle East, is keenly felt, given the political environment that currently exists. Shias, living in other countries, dominated by a Sunni-controlled majority, are a distinct religious minority even though they are as ethnically Arab as their religious counterpart.
A rear view look at Iran's history in early 1920, saw its concessions and patrimonies sold off by formerTurkish tribal leaders to the British and Russian governments who, at the time, considered Iran's leaders to be inept and backwater culturally and politically. During the early 1950's, when Iran's President attempted to gain control of their oil fields, the U.S. Government intervened, at the behest of the British, and deposed him. Those actions set the stage for much of the present day anger which produced a "fundamentalist" movement that created an Islamic Theocratic Republic. Prior to that outlandish coup d'etat, Iran was headed towards a democratic government. The world will never know what could have been as the political environment in the Middle East continues to embroil.
Increasingly, U.S. political leaders hurl jingoistic rhetoric and unwarranted aspersions at Iran, which may have galvanized the populace to push back against the USA, thus creating negative attitudes within the American psyche against all Muslims. If Islam is to change, it will be the decisions of its leaders and not by outside influences. With the Muslim world population standing at 1.5b, that seems highly unlikely.
Bruce McLeod, Jr.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The "split" during the early years of Islam severed the followers of The Prophet Muhammad into two sects; Shia and Sunni. This caused an implosion within its ranks which created violence, hostility and an intense animosity that endures today. Attempts by past leaders to initiate pan-Islamic nationalism in order to showcase Arab unity, which could have assuaged the internal conflict, failed. In fact, in some instances, the reverse was true. The sectarian divide continues unabated. Islam has not had a reform movement in its religious doctrine since its founding. The feeling, I believe, is that to "modernize" is to "westernize" and that, I also believe, is anathema to their basic religious principles and esoteric philosophy.
Vali Nasr's book provided detailed information concerning the tensions and hostile feelings exhibited by Iran leaders towards the West and the causes attributed to outbreaks in international relations. Further, he produced evidence that Muslim terrorists in Arab countries are engaged in wars on two fronts; one against the West and one internally against extremists of each religious sect. Fifteen percent of the Muslim population are Shia, with the largest group living in Iran, whose influence in Iraq and, in particular, the Middle East, is keenly felt, given the political environment that currently exists. Shias, living in other countries, dominated by a Sunni-controlled majority, are a distinct religious minority even though they are as ethnically Arab as their religious counterpart.
A rear view look at Iran's history in early 1920, saw its concessions and patrimonies sold off by formerTurkish tribal leaders to the British and Russian governments who, at the time, considered Iran's leaders to be inept and backwater culturally and politically. During the early 1950's, when Iran's President attempted to gain control of their oil fields, the U.S. Government intervened, at the behest of the British, and deposed him. Those actions set the stage for much of the present day anger which produced a "fundamentalist" movement that created an Islamic Theocratic Republic. Prior to that outlandish coup d'etat, Iran was headed towards a democratic government. The world will never know what could have been as the political environment in the Middle East continues to embroil.
Increasingly, U.S. political leaders hurl jingoistic rhetoric and unwarranted aspersions at Iran, which may have galvanized the populace to push back against the USA, thus creating negative attitudes within the American psyche against all Muslims. If Islam is to change, it will be the decisions of its leaders and not by outside influences. With the Muslim world population standing at 1.5b, that seems highly unlikely.
Bruce McLeod, Jr.
Las Vegas, Nevada
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries
CHRISTODOULOS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential reading if you are trying to make sense of the Middle East carnage
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2016Verified Purchase
The infighting between Shia's and Sunnies has been going on since the appearance of Islam. Judging for the Christian perspective of Catholics Vs Orthodox I always thought that this divide was not that deep. I could not be more wrong!
The book goes into details staring from the emergence of the divide right up to nearly the present day and describes the philosophical differences between the two sects and the inevitable politics that go with them. After reading this book one comes to understand the bombings and atrocities of Sunny versus Shia and becomes very pessimistic about the prospects for peace in Iraq and the Middle East in genera.
Essential reading for those trying to make sense of why things are as they are today in the Middle East.
The book goes into details staring from the emergence of the divide right up to nearly the present day and describes the philosophical differences between the two sects and the inevitable politics that go with them. After reading this book one comes to understand the bombings and atrocities of Sunny versus Shia and becomes very pessimistic about the prospects for peace in Iraq and the Middle East in genera.
Essential reading for those trying to make sense of why things are as they are today in the Middle East.
Nikiforos V Fokas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tempers run.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2018Verified Purchase
Or how 16th century messianic Ishmael Safavid, of a militant Sufi sect from Azerbaijan, changed the course of modern-day geopolitics in west Asia by laying down of deep Shi'ite roots that are now firmly entrenched in Iran. Or, also, how a certain massacre in Karbala many hundreds of years previously was the initial seed. This book permits us a peek at why tempers run so heated. And they do still, despite history playing out quite differently since publication.
Raza Chaudhry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth reading!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2019Verified Purchase
I feel that it's worth reading for anyone interested in learning about the internal problems in the Islamic community. =)
John G
4.0 out of 5 stars
Essential reading for Western politicians
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2013Verified Purchase
I found this book a very valuable read. It is heavy on detail, at times the detail becomes a little onerous, but you just need to stick with it, as by the time you get to the end you will have a far greater understanding of the dynamics of the region than you could imagine. Every Western politician should be made read this book before uttering one word on the Middle East.
John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2016Verified Purchase
Learned but easy to read and open minded.
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