BOOK CLUB March: "Imperial Hubris"

[crispini]

Let's get this show on the road! Who's got it? I just picked it up myself.

[stray cat]

1. Thanks for posting. I just got it.

[Coexist]

2. Is it March already

All right - I'm off to the bookstore tomorrow. Hopefully I will get some reading done this weekend - maybe we can discuss the Preface first!!!

[ThorsHammer]

3. Very good book, just read it

[CrispyQ]

4. Got it at the library this weekend --

and have started it.

Whew! His list of US activity in Asia over the past years is mind boggling. Remember the OBL tape right before the election where OBL said, it's not your freedom we hate, it's your policies. After reading this list, it's understandable why they hate us. It seems we've been sticking our nose in everyone's affairs while our own house is totally out of order. The hypocrisy is amazing.

[Coexist]

5. I just bought it today

maybe we can all read over the weekend and begin a good discussion on Monday?

[stray cat]

6. They take our statements by the religious right as policy - Not good.

Page 3 "Clerical comments most Americans disregard are taken as threatening by Muslims because their societal reference is one in which there is no separation of church and state. This had not occurred to me. In much of the Arab world the religious leaders carry alot of political clout and in some cases speak for the government or are the government. Consequently, when Jerry Falwell and others make negative or even agressive statements about Islam and the Middle East it is taken much more seriously over there while we know its just Falwell talking trash in the U.S. This fact along with our international policies does make us look even more anti-Muslim.

The authors list of U.S. policies starting on page 11 and how they could be perceived to Muslims is a tough one.

1. I will never condone Bin Laden's terrorism and attack on Sept.11. However, attacking that action could be percieved as criminalizing jihad - a religious obligation to some Muslims.

2. Donations to terrorist organizations need to be stopped but interfering can be seens as prohibiting religious tithes and religious social programs.

3. The Madrassas and lack of anything besides religious education I think does provide a fertile breeding ground for terrorism recruitment. However, encouraging broad public education can be seen as an attack on Islamic teaching.

I don't think these things alone would be seen as attacking Islam - however in the context of other American policies they could make Bin Laden appear as a devout defender of Islam against the imperialist secular U.S. However, I believe we also need to do these things to defend ourselves. The author at least brings to light the problem of perception.

[Coexist]

7. Wow - just finished wading through it

It was a TOUGH read, could only get through a little at a time.

There was a lot of good information about why we are so hated, and the severe differences between our cultures. Our mistakes are so blatant as to make us appear very foolish. Can this all be true? Is our adminstration so deluded?

I am no fan of GW, but there has to be more depth to this than what was written - right?

[Coexist]

8. HEY! Did anyone else read this?!

It's not April fool's day yet, people.

[CrispyQ]

9. I hate to admit it, but I did not.

I couldn't stand the extremely long paragraphs. I know it sounds silly, but a few more paragraph breaks would have mentally helped me tackle this book. Especially in light of the context. I made it through about 4 chapters & found myself making excuses to not read.

[Coexist]

10. April's book is so much more readable!

I brought it to the beach, and got through several chapters - you will love it if you haven't started it yet.

[kliljedahl]

11. Finished it weeks ago

Right after it came out. I highly recommend it.


http://www.kliljedahl.net

[crispini]

12. Oh, I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who couldn't read this.

I just got so depressed reading it and I couldn't get into it and I haven't been back into this forum in WEEKS out of guilt.

Sigh. What a relief!

[CrispyQ]

13. I lurked the entire month & figured I wasn't the only one

having difficulty reading this as comments were rare. Blue ribbon to FloridaDem for finishing it!

Looking forward to the April book!

[Dave B]

14. I Read it and Loved It!

I admit some of the reading was tough. I had to use the dictionary quite a few times, but he effort was worth it. I learned a lot and am planning to also read "Through My Enemy's Eyes."

Actually I finally joined DU just because I saw you guys were going to read and discuss. I was kind of disappointed that there was no discussion.

[Richardo]

15. In spite of that, welcome to DU, Dave B

Hope you stick around... :thumbsup:

[ThorsHammer]

16. Just read it, very eye-opening book; I highly recommend it