islam and politics

Explores the history of the Taliban, from Mullah Omar and his students' 1994 skirmish with Afghani and Pakistani forces at a small truck stop on the border of the two countries to the Taliban movement's takeover of Afghanistan and establishment of theocratic Sharia law. Examines the continuance of the Taliban, even after American forces seemingly overthrew them in 2001.

Examines the history of Iran and discusses how the country came to be the most significant Shiite power in the Islamic world.

Describes the political upheaval in Pakistan and its history.

Offers insight into Afghanistan's political position within the restructured Central Asian region, the ethnic relationships that complicate its political history, and the potential for stability.

Presents debates on the values of political Islam and their influence in both the Muslim world and the West.

Contains seventeen essays that present opposing viewpoints on issues that involve the Middle East, including why it is a conflict area, how Islam affects the area, what role the United States should play, and whether peace between Palestine and Israel is possible.

Explains what militant Islam is, stressing the difference between Islam the faith, and militant Islam, the ideology, looking at the similarities between militant Islam, fascism, and communism, following the rapid development of Islam in the U.S., and discussing the threat it may pose to America.

Traces the history of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan; discusses how the leaders of the movement interpret the principles of Islam; and examines the influence of the Taliban in the competition among Western countries and companies to build oil and gas pipelines in Asia.

Examines the history of Sudan's ethnic conflict and its continuing effect on the people of that country.