On any given issue of importance, I like a broad overview so that things can be put into the proper perspective. Regarding Islam and the West, this provides that in less than 150 pages. Given the importance of future global political development, such a feat of concise and accurate explanation is remarkable.
From the brief starting point of the origins of Judism, Christianity, and Islam as all decendents of Abraham - (where are we all going wrong in our God-centered beliefs?) to the effect of the Communism vs Free World since WWII mentality, the groundwork is laid to where we are now in US relations and understanding of
Islam. Yet to be determined is how the US is to effectively operate in the future to allow or enable alliances that can bring about more democratic and economic growth and stability in the Middle East, and elsewhere, where Islamic faith is a factor. Given a billion Muslims globally, there is a considerable opportunity for good mutual development in most parts of the globe.
What Amin has done was provide a "need to know" book that should be required reading for anyone who has hopes for a more peaceful and just worldview. Otherwise, the same old issues of hatred and destruction will continue to flame. I am sure that such flaming is not what Abraham and his monotheistic decendents had in mind.
Also, noted by Amin is that there has been centuries of positive and mutual cooperation among the West and Islam. His summary of how we got where we are, coming from a very reputable scholar, as Dr. Saikal is, at least has provided this reader with hope that there are avenues for solutions similar to past cultural relations that enhanced all sides.
His review of different understandings and realizations of "democracy" in our modern world provided a clarity that would have otherwise gotten lost in specific events. The case of Iran's experiments in democracy is a case in point.
Thanks, Dr. Saikal for this brief, accurate, and thought provoking book.
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