The Shared Well: A Concise Guide to Relations Between Islam and the West

Van De Weyer gives a very concise and simple approach to the conflict now emerging between the West and the Middle-East. His book summarizes centuries of political, religious, and economic history that have brought the West into conflict with Islam in particular. While very general in its historical analysis, I still found the book to be enlightening and clarifying in answer to the "why they hate us" question. Most Americans today, in wake of 9/11, are quick to say, "they just hate us because they are jealous of us." While I'm certain this is largely true, there is much more to the story than that simplistic and naive assessment. In response, Van De Weyer gives some much needed back-story that is vital for any Westerner to readily assess the situation. With this information, the reader can then, perhaps, generate new concepts as to how to avert these conflicts in the future instead of being merely reactionary. Van De Weyer also gives note to a more tolerant and accepting view of all religions as being equal in their core. He by no means excuses the actions of any terrorist or violent fundamentalist, but only seeks to explain how we in the West arrived at this conflict with Islam (politically, economically, and religiously), and therefore how to avert it in the future.A great primer for any reader wanting to learn the basics on the West/Islamic conflict