Radical Islam: Medieval Theology and Modern Politics, Enlarged Edition

Islamic fundamentalism (or "radicalism" if you prefer) is not a recent development, in spite of recent events. A case could even be made that Wahabism is a strand of fundamentalism in the broader interpretation of the word. Sivan examines Islam's fundamentalist appeal in Egypt (with the "Muslim Brotherhood", the group responsible for the murder of Sadat), Islamic Jihad in Lebanon and Syria, and the briefly touches on the shi'i revolution in Iran. At the heart of each of these groups is a disaffection with the Middle East's place in the world economy, and the political notion of a "nation-state." The appeal of fundamentalism is explored, and a good introduction to the interpretations of the Qu'ran that fundamentalists find is also discussed.However, the book is not without its shortcomings. As a reader mentioned earlier, there is a Sunni slant to the fundamentalist movement (Shi'ii's are scarcely mentioned at all, and when they are are put in a 'negative' light), and Wahahbism - perhaps the first "fundamentalist" movement within Islam is ignored entirely. Furthermore, I had hoped that some discussion would have taken place regarding "where do we go from here?" Needless to say the issues that give fundamentalist (or even "radical") groups their appeal have not changed, so the continued existence of these groups is a foregone conclusion.It is a good introduction to the "radical" movement, but is hardly the final word or greatest authority on the topic.

forcefully written, sharp, profound analysis of Fuindamentalism