Since its formation in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been ruled by two interdependent families. The Al Sa’uds control politics and the descendants o...
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reviews
Jan 29, 2010
Nicholas
rated it: 
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1385147.html
The two eponymous faces are fanaticism and moderation; the book's subtitle is 'Saudi fundamentalism and its role in terrorism', and the whole thrust of the book is to expose Wahhabism and its linkage with the Saudi monarchy as a driving force in Islamic terrorism worldwide. The tone of the book is offputtingly polemical at times, but there were a couple of good sections - Schwarz is pro-Shi'ite, so his take on Iran is much more sober than one More...
The two eponymous faces are fanaticism and moderation; the book's subtitle is 'Saudi fundamentalism and its role in terrorism', and the whole thrust of the book is to expose Wahhabism and its linkage with the Saudi monarchy as a driving force in Islamic terrorism worldwide. The tone of the book is offputtingly polemical at times, but there were a couple of good sections - Schwarz is pro-Shi'ite, so his take on Iran is much more sober than one More...
Dec 16, 2007
Matt
rated it: 
Definitely an interesting story, even if slow and very academic. Written post-9/11 but pre-Iraq, Schwartz argues that the strict Wahabbi denomination of the Saudi ruling class has been a detriment to pluralistic Islam in the 20th century, and the US alliance with the Saudi monarchy, incorrectly seen as a staunch and moderate force in the Middle East, has been detrimental to the war on terror and to America's standing in the region. He gives lots of examples of export of extremist idealogy from
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Aug 14, 2010
Lisa
rated it: 
Knockout. Read sample from any book sales website. Describes how radical islam isn't Islam. Describes how traditional Islam radicalized to a call for destruction.
Feb 12, 2008
Seth
rated it:
It's very informative, but very dry. The last two chapters really went where I wanted it to go, but the writing style in general is a bit bland. It is, however, still worth reading.
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