Infidel Behind the Paradoxical Veil


Book Description

Most Western non-Muslim women couldnt envision surrendering their freedom and being forced to comply with Saudi womens entrapped customs which have existed for the past 1,400 years. Did you know that Saudi Arabias religious police, known as the Mutawa, can take any woman to jail for not covering her hair or wearing an abaya? How would you imagine yourself living a life being compelled to abide by the power and values of men: not being able to drive, talk with your driver, shop alone without a male escort, leave the country without a male escort, or be seen alone with a non-related male? INFIDEL BEHIND THE PARADOXICAL VEIL - A Western Woman's Experience in Saudi Arabia is a personal story of startling encounters such as mentioned above while Jeanette English lived in Riyadh, the most restrictive city in Saudi Arabia, where women who by Shariah law and culture are considered to be the weaker sex. Jeanette candidly unmasks a unique experience which exposes the enigmatic issues affecting Saudi women. Their struggle for equality and freedom of choice is a hot topic with an accelerating interest in the subject of male dominance over them, stirring an intrinsic controversy over which many Westerners are confused. This is a timely book offering extraordinary insight into the real Saudi woman before, during and after the authors year in Riyadh which will turn a few cynical heads toward understanding the issues and challenges in their achieving fair treatment, particularly now in the 21st century. Forced to wear the hijab, Jeanette read the Quran and, in learning about Islam and talking with Saudi women, was able to look behind the veil which many Westerners can only read about. Most authors and journalists who write on this subject have not lived her experience.




Notable Encounters


Book Description

The author characterizes the book as a memoir, entitled, Notable Encounters. As such, he has diligently documented his recollection of dozens of memorable special people that he enjoyed the unique opportunity of meeting over the years of his professional experiences. Many of the names of those whom he had the pleasure of meeting are easily recognized, while others are introduced to the reader for the first time. Beyond identifying and characterizing his meeting opportunities and the interaction with those encountered, he has for the benefit of the reader, provided an in-depth biographical background summary of each personage. As such, his treatise serves also to recall history, significant times and events in many instances. A number of those whom he had the pleasure of meeting became friends for life, while other introductions were the first and last. An interesting perspective that he also introduces in the opening of his writing is one of the history and importance of the handshake. He characterizes that virtually every encounter, greeting, or meeting between two people is initiated with a handshake. The handshake, a practice that has existed in some form or another for thousands of years, most often engaged upon an initial meeting or greeting. The purpose of clasping hands""to convey trust, respect, balance, and equality. Join Chris Adams in encountering, exchanging handshakes and engaging some noteworthy and incredible personalities along his life's journey.













Veiled Women


Book Description




Infidel Kings and Unholy Warriors


Book Description

An in-depth portrait of the Crusades-era Mediterranean world, and a new understanding of the forces that shaped it In Infidel Kings and Unholy Warriors, the award-winning scholar Brian Catlos puts us on the ground in the Mediterranean world of 1050–1200. We experience the sights and sounds of the region just as enlightened Islamic empires and primitive Christendom began to contest it. We learn about the siege tactics, theological disputes, and poetry of this enthralling time. And we see that people of different faiths coexisted far more frequently than we are commonly told. Catlos's meticulous reconstruction of the era allows him to stunningly overturn our most basic assumption about it: that it was defined by religious extremism. He brings to light many figures who were accepted as rulers by their ostensible foes. Samuel B. Naghrilla, a self-proclaimed Jewish messiah, became the force behind Muslim Granada. Bahram Pahlavuni, an Armenian Christian, wielded power in an Islamic caliphate. And Philip of Mahdia, a Muslim eunuch, rose to admiral in the service of Roger II, the Christian "King of Africa." What their lives reveal is that, then as now, politics were driven by a mix of self-interest, personality, and ideology. Catlos draws a similar lesson from his stirring chapters on the early Crusades, arguing that the notions of crusade and jihad were not causes of war but justifications. He imparts a crucial insight: the violence of the past cannot be blamed primarily on religion.




On the Ego and on God


Book Description

Brings together essays on the topics of the ego and of God. This book illustrates the profound connection between the author's phenomenological concerns and his writings on Descartes. It highlights the topics - liberating god and the self from the constrictions of metaphysics - in the philosophy of Descartes.




Europe and Beyond


Book Description




The Veil And The Male Elite


Book Description

Convinced that the veil is a symbol of unjust male authority over women, in The Veil and the Male Elite, Moroccan feminist Fatima Mernissi aims to investigate the origins of the practice in the first Islamic community.