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DID CHARLIE HEBDO KNOW: What is “FUNDAMENTALISM”?

Fundamentalism: A very Short Introduction

By Malise Ruthven

Oxford University press. Oxford. 2007

Review by Hoshang Noraiee

This is a small book, but an in depth investigation of the variety and nature of fundamentalisms as they reflect  different aspects of social, traditional and religious settings.  Ruthven shows that fundamentalism does exist in most modern societies as well as in more traditional ones, and it is not confined to Muslim societies as some believe. Fundamentalism is also a big issue in Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, even secular traditions.

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My Life With Taliban Abdul Salam Zaeef- Review by Hoshang Noraiee

My Life With Taliban

By Abdul Salam Zaeef

Hurst & Company, London, 2010

Review by Hoshang Noraiee

Origin of the Taliban

Abdul Salam Zaeef’s biography is an important source of information, from an insider, about the origin of the Taliban. Zaeef was the Taliban’s ambassador in Islamabad. Taliban’s diplomatic relations at the time were limited to Pakistan and at lower levels with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, Zaeef was a unique personality, possibly the most active representative of the Taliban with the whole world outside Afghanistan. Continue reading My Life With Taliban Abdul Salam Zaeef- Review by Hoshang Noraiee

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Pakistan: A Hard Country

Pakistan: A Hard Country

Anatol Lieven

London, Penguin Books 2012 (ISBN 978-0-141-03824-7), 566pp

Review by Hoshang Noraiee

This is a brilliant book written by an academic who has a tremendous amount of experience with journalism in the Indian subcontinent. The book benefits from a highly intellectual depth and stimulating stories from the reality of life in communities and institutions in Pakistan. The book captures some hidden aspects of life which have enraged many destitute communities into allying with radical Islamists, particularly in areas where Taliban of Pakistan have deeply entrenched themselves. Continue reading Pakistan: A Hard Country

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