Islamism and Terrorist Groups in Asia

Children's Literature

There are interesting details in this book but they are mixed in with too many names, dates, and lists of organizations. For this reason, it is not easily read from cover to cover but would be an excellent resource for simple research projects. It also provides a handy refresher on the background of a particular country that might erupt in the news any day. There is a concise discussion of Islamist ideology in general and Osama bin Laden's goals in particular, reflecting what the author calls "Islamists' profound misunderstanding of the nature of American society...matched by the average American's misunderstanding of Islam and Islamism." Used judiciously in world history or comparative religion classes, this series could address the second part of that equation. The editorial consultant for the series is the Foreign Policy Institute, a long-established and respected research organization. Institute President Harvey Sicherman offers an excellent overview of Islamism in each volume. The series also includes a book of facts and figures, as well as a separate title for each of 15 countries or Muslim ethnic groups. Each title features a thorough index, short glossary, and full list of books and Internet resources. Part of the "The Growth and Influence of Islam" series. 2006, Mason Crest, Ages 12 up.
—Karen Leggett

Children's Literature - Sara Rofofsky Marcus

This updated and revised edition of a 2004 publication is part of the "Major Muslim Nations" series, and it provides a useful overview of Islamism and Islamist Terrorism in areas within South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as a discussion of efforts to combate Islamist terrorism in this part of the world. It is not comprehensive enough, however, for serious research which would require in-depth information or data and is the book is not consistently updated. A chronology, a brief glossary, a short list of further readings, and Internet resources that are only partially updated with newer materials than in the predecessor, and an index are provided. The colorful photographs and maps bring visual interest to the pages, and the text is laid out to ease a younger reader's use. This book is useful particularly when other titles in the series are purchased, but it is not sufficient for a full synopsis of the issues regarding Islamism and Islamist terrorism. If the prior edition is held, it is questionable whether this new edition is necessary because there are no significant updates. Reviewer: Sara Rofofsky Marcus