The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future
by: Vali Nasr
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Product Description:
The critical struggle between Shia and Sunni for the future of the Middle East.
To most Western eyes, all Islamic movements look alike, and the central conflict in the Middle East is one between religion and secularism. Shockingly little has been written about the bitter divide between Shia and Sunni. Yet without understanding their ancient conflict—and its modern embodiment in the power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia for political and spiritual leadership of the Muslim world—it is impossible to comprehend events across the so-called Shia Crescent, from East Africa through Iraq and Pakistan to India.
The provocative rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini, the Saudi pressure on the United States not to unseat Saddam Hussein in 1991, the critical role of the Ayatollah Sistani and the religious establishment in Najaf (Iraq), the volatility of Pakistan today, and the consequences of the shift toward Shia power through American intervention—all this and more is explained in the light of the Shia/Sunni divide.
The critical struggle between Shia and Sunni for the future of the Middle East.
To most Western eyes, all Islamic movements look alike, and the central conflict in the Middle East is one between religion and secularism. Shockingly little has been written about the bitter divide between Shia and Sunni. Yet without understanding their ancient conflict—and its modern embodiment in the power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia for political and spiritual leadership of the Muslim world—it is impossible to comprehend events across the so-called Shia Crescent, from East Africa through Iraq and Pakistan to India.
The provocative rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini, the Saudi pressure on the United States not to unseat Saddam Hussein in 1991, the critical role of the Ayatollah Sistani and the religious establishment in Najaf (Iraq), the volatility of Pakistan today, and the consequences of the shift toward Shia power through American intervention—all this and more is explained in the light of the Shia/Sunni divide.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Great book, slightly biased author though....
This is a fantastic book.I've often struggled to understand why exactly the Sunni and Shia seems to hate each other so much.I now have a more full understanding of the conflict between the two groups.The author teaches you about the history of the conflict (dating back to the time of Mohammed), its various manifestations through history, the current power dynamic between the two, who the major actors are, and in the last chapter he really breaks down his theory of how all this will shape the ... Read More
Rating: 
- A must read
I have lived most of my life with Iranians, around Iranians, and in Iran and thought I "knew" a lot about Shias. I have also spent 20+ years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and learned a lot about the Sunnis. In reading this book, I realized that I did know a lot about both, but also discovered that there was an great amount that I did not know, both in the history and geographical spread of the Shias. Vali Nasr has filled in that gap in this most informative work.
During my years ... Read More
Rating: - Excellent
Vali Nasr has gone to great lengths to explain history. I think a lot of research has gone int this book and in addition to history, Vali has covered recent times in light of Shia Sunni conflicts, stories and politics. The book is not an easy read, but hold you together with its interesting outlook. Although a bit pro Shia, the book rightfully does so in a manner which makes sense, explaing why ? what ? where ? when ? and how ?. Good book and a recommended read.
Rating: - Timely, Well-Written
Very well-written, and author does a good job of explaining complicated subject matter without being too dry or bogged down in details.Obviously a very timely book given events in Iraq.Accessible to a wide readership.
Rating: - Great Deal
This was a special from Amazon during a no shipping promotion. I paid less than my classmates, and mine was hardcover while theirs was paperback. Great deal. Thanks.
- Great book, slightly biased author though....This is a fantastic book.I've often struggled to understand why exactly the Sunni and Shia seems to hate each other so much.I now have a more full understanding of the conflict between the two groups.The author teaches you about the history of the conflict (dating back to the time of Mohammed), its various manifestations through history, the current power dynamic between the two, who the major actors are, and in the last chapter he really breaks down his theory of how all this will shape the ... Read More
- A must readI have lived most of my life with Iranians, around Iranians, and in Iran and thought I "knew" a lot about Shias. I have also spent 20+ years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and learned a lot about the Sunnis. In reading this book, I realized that I did know a lot about both, but also discovered that there was an great amount that I did not know, both in the history and geographical spread of the Shias. Vali Nasr has filled in that gap in this most informative work.
During my years ... Read More
- ExcellentVali Nasr has gone to great lengths to explain history. I think a lot of research has gone int this book and in addition to history, Vali has covered recent times in light of Shia Sunni conflicts, stories and politics. The book is not an easy read, but hold you together with its interesting outlook. Although a bit pro Shia, the book rightfully does so in a manner which makes sense, explaing why ? what ? where ? when ? and how ?. Good book and a recommended read.
- Timely, Well-WrittenVery well-written, and author does a good job of explaining complicated subject matter without being too dry or bogged down in details.Obviously a very timely book given events in Iraq.Accessible to a wide readership.
- Great DealThis was a special from Amazon during a no shipping promotion. I paid less than my classmates, and mine was hardcover while theirs was paperback. Great deal. Thanks.
