The dagger of Islam

by John Laffin

Book by Laffin, John

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 1979

About the author

John Laffin was a prolific author with nearly 130 books to his name. Many of his books concerned military history.

Laffin's parents both served in WWI, his father in the 20th Battalion and his mother as a nurse. In 1940, aged 24, having worked with Smith's Weekly and The Wagga Advertiser, he enlisted in the 2nd AIF. He trained as an infantryman and later completed an officer course before serving in New Guinea. While convalescing in Sydney in 1943 he met his wife Hazelle.

After the war Laffin worked for a number of newspapers and magazines, wrote short novels and began his own feature service and editing unit. With his family he left for England in 1956 where he resided for nearly 40 years. He wrote articles for Australian newspapers and taught English, history and geography in secondary colleges.

Laffin traveled extensively in Europe, especially the Western Front areas of WWI and in the Middle East. He returned to Australia in 1995 but Hazelle developed heart problems and died in early 1997. He is survived by his two daughters, Bronwen and Pirenne, and a son, Craig.

Reviews

[Kraychik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more relevant in 2012 than it was when it was published in 1979. It explains how the political force of Islam is one of the greatest threats to free civilisations of our time. While many folks like me separate Islam from Islamism, this other chooses to view Islam through the lens of Islamists who themselves refuse to draw a distinction between Islam and political Islam: in their eyes they are one in the same. Frighteningly, this view is shared by hundreds of millions, which is why we see Islamic dictatorships (and "secular" dictatorships) across the spectrum of Muslim-majority countries. This book is a quick and easy read and certainly serves as a wake up call for the uninitiated.

[Hristos Dagres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book is 40 years old, one could argue that it is and it is not outdated, on the same time.
It's outdated because it's missing all the political events, wars, assassinations and terrorist actions of the last 40 years. Also, it is outdated in terms of the malignant spread of islamofascism in the West, mainly in Europe, including the surge of millions of undocumented "refugees" and illegal immigrants.

On the other hand, some of the main points made by Laffin are still valid today, because 40 years are not sufficient for major changes in a backwards sociopolitical system as Islam is. Laffin was proven right when he suggested the possibility of USA and USSR working together to neutralize Islam and advised that an alliance between the West and Islam will be unwise. Unwisely, the American leaders chose the latter and today we're paying the price of breading the "Monster"of militant islamism. Also, Laffin highlighted how futile is to keep looking for moderate, reliable political Islam: all examples eventually proven wrong, starting with Turkish president and "neo-sultan" T. Erdogan.

Where was he wrong? Firstly, he couldn't (or didn't want to) understand how great was the difference between arab nationalism, in the form of Ba'athism, and fundamentalism. Today, in Syria, it's president Assad who was proven the most firm barrier to ISIS. Of course, Arab nationalism is by default against the exploitation of the Middle East by the West, and this explain why Laffin couldn't (or didn't want to) understand.
Secondly, there are many important pieces missing in the description of "secular" Kemalist Turkey, including Kemal Attaturk and B. Echevit. Nowhere is mentioned that "westernization" of Turkey was build on three genocides of Anatolian Christians: Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians. Obviously, the turkish slaughterhouse is merely "statistics" before the eyes of a Western "analyst". However, it is still a major error not to highlight that the Anatolian genocides were used as a blue-print by the Nazi officers a few decades later. Additionally, the author forgets to mention the turkish invasion in Cyprus and occupation of more than 40% of the island, which was actually a plan executed by Echevit. Just to remind here that the greek-cypriot community was more than 80% of the population, whereas the turkish part was less than 20%.

[David Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Laffin, a prolific writer of military genre, outlines Islamic belief and shines a spotlight on Islam’s mission in the world – a world-wide caliphate; the absolute subjugation of the West, that will bring about the climax of history.

Although the book is 45 years old, one could argue that it is, and it is not, outdated. The core teaching of the Koran is the final word of Allah, passionately embraced and lived by Mohammed’s followers. Any change is regarded as blasphemous.

What has changed and needs updating is the status of countries dominated by Islam, which he details in the final stages of his book. While Lapin provides a helpful distinction of historic differences in countries dominated by Islam at the time of his research, the spread of Islam has expanded and continues to infiltrate the West.

Lapid warns the West that courting moderate Muslims is folly, as right-wing fundamentalists historically coerce them to return to the truth of their religion, founded on violence.

A personal experience confirms Islam’s mission. Years ago, I attended a meeting of civic and religious leaders to address youth crime. I sat beside an Imam. His friendly, opening conversation included the invitation to, “Come over to Islam – it’s a beautiful religion.” When I assured him I was happy in my Christian faith, his voice, firm and with raised finger replied, “If it takes 50 years, 100 or 1,000, Australia will become an Islamic state.”

The Dagger of Islam is a useful introduction to Islamic thought that provides an historic overview of its origins, teaching and influence.

[Daren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting as a background to Islam and the countries discussed.
Somewhat dated now.