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Title: The Closed Circle: An Interpretation of the Arabs by David Pryce-Jones ISBN: 1-56663-440-7 Publisher: Ivan R. Dee Publisher Pub. Date: February, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.12 (25 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A grim portrait of the Arab World
Comment: David Pryce-Jones doesn't give you much reason to be optomistic about the relations between the West and the Arabs. In fact, he doesn't give you any hope at all.
Pryce-Jones's thesis is that the heart of Arab culture is an "Honor/Shame" ethic. Those who live by it, he says, have one great overiding goal: to be powerful and respected in the eyes of others. Any criticism is taken as an attack, and all effort is devoted to subjugating others. There is no real basis for peace within Arab culture, or in the relations of Arabs with non-Arabs, for such a civilization is a perpetual war of all against all, the only question being how violent it will be at any given time.
Worse, reason is utterly impotent. Pryce-Jones maintains that Arab civilization is certain it has all the answers. If something is working out the way it should, then that is because someone was plotting against the Arabs. All the West can do is keep defeating them till their entire society disintegrates.
I hope Pryce-Jones is wrong, or at least exaggerating. I fear he is not. Regardless, this book's point of view needs to be considered. It may be as bad as he thinks.
Rating: 5
Summary: The Closed Circle: An Interpretation of the Arabs
Comment: Mr. Pryce-Jones presents some uncomfortable facts about the Muslim Middle East that should be understood by anyone who cares to begin to understand what's going on in the modern world populated by the likes of Osama bin Laden. One of the most powerful passages in his book is not opinion or conclusion, but rather a tragic listing of the murdered Arab leaders from 1948 onwards. This list is truly frightening. For Americans, it would be as if every president since Harry Truman had been assassinated during office and his successor the man responsible for the murder.
Say what you want about cultural relativism and its reponsibility to respect the way of life of others, this fact (together with the other well-researched data that Mr. Pryce-Jones presents) paints a troubling picture of tribal society, feckless international intervention and, ultimately a fertile ground for the disaffected who are fed militant Islam at every turn.
Take heed.
Rating: 4
Summary: Do you want to understand Arab culture?
Comment: Mr. Pryce-Jones has written an essential description of the honor-shame nexus that is so central to Arab culture. Those who view honor and shame as people in the West do, must read this book to understand the very different properties honor-shame has in this culture.
His description of power relationships is exemplary. He provides many examples of the dangerous consequences to which these power seeking conspiracies lead. The implications are discouraging, but having knowledge of probable consequences is much better than pursuing goals in ignorance. Perhaps we can then select goals and approaches that have some hope of success in this very different culture.
I only hope any of our diplomats charged with a Middle East assignment understand the content of this book. I have recomended this book strongly to all my friends who have any interest in the Middle East.
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Title: Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions About the World's Fastest Growing Faith by Robert Spencer, David Pryce-Jones ISBN: 1893554589 Publisher: Encounter Books Pub. Date: August, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: The Arab Mind by Raphael Patai ISBN: 1578261171 Publisher: Hatherleigh Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2002 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: Anti-Americanism by Jean Francois Revel, DIARMID CAMMELL ISBN: 1893554856 Publisher: Encounter Books Pub. Date: 01 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
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Title: Civilization and Its Enemies: The Next Stage of History by Lee Harris ISBN: 0743257499 Publisher: Free Press Pub. Date: 01 February, 2004 List Price(USD): $26.00 |
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Title: An End to Evil: How to Win the War on Terror by DAVID FRUM, RICHARD PERLE ISBN: 1400061946 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 30 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
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