|
Guests of the Ayatollah Book Review by Amir Taheri
Earlier this year the State Department in Washington singled out the Islamic Republic of Iran as the number-one challenge that the United States faces in the international arena. Since then several events have proved that analysis right. Tehran has thumbed its nose at Washington over the nuclear issue while intensifying efforts to secure greater influence in Iraq and Afghanistan . It has also reactivated its support networks among Shi'ite minorities in several Arab countries allied to the US . The mini-war fought between Israel and Hezballah also helped underline the Islamic Republic's determination to remain on the offensive against the US and its regional allies.
Book review by: Azar Nafisi Guardian
Belying the grim image of modern Iran, My Uncle Napoleon explores a culture full of humour and irony, sensuality and tenderness. For Azar Nafisi it is the perfect introduction to her country Let us imagine we are in the process of creating a
much-needed reading list for experts and analysts on Iran. I would
put My Uncle Napoleon in a cherished place very near the top. One
reason for this choice is that it is a great read. More pragmatically,
I believe this novel provides its readers - in a delightful and deliciously
politically incorrect manner - with many important insights into Iran,
its culture and traditions, its present conflicts and past history,
as well as its paradoxical relation to the west. The Force of Reason 23/08/2006 Book Review by Amir Taheri
Europe is facing a great conspiracy to destroy its civilisation, enslave its peoples, and use it as a base for the conquest of the world. The conspiracy is hatched by Muslims with a diabolical strategy in which mass immigration to Europe and high birth rates once they have settled there are the key weapons. That, in summary, is the theory that Italian journalist and author Oriana Fallaci exposes in her new book "The Force of Reason". This is a sequel to her 2002 book, "The Rage and The Pride", which amounted to an outpouring of deeply felt anger against Muslims in Europe. At the time the book was criticised for its unbridled emotionalism and lack of intellectual discipline. This is partly why Ms Fallaci decided to re-visit the polemic, this time with what she claims is arguments "based on reason."
|
