Rating: 
Summary: an awful book
Review: This book is not a serious or scholarly piece of work, and I recommend that you not waste your time reading it.
It begins with a description of the life of Mohammed, the origins and spread of Islam, and the creation of various Islamic sects. This is probably the best part of the book, but it is still very poor.
For example, Schwartz never really explains even the basic distinction between Shi'a and Sunni Islam. And Schwartz's overall goals badly tarnish his discussion: He wants to portray traditional Islam as being perfectly pluralist, tolerant, and peace-loving, so as to contrast it with hate-filled, intolerant, and violent Wahhabism. As a result, his description of the Ottoman Empire (representing Schwartz's traditional Islam) is completely uncritical and consequently not credible. For instance, he never even mentions the Ottomans' barbaric and murderous treatment of Armenians and Kurds, to name just two salient examples.
The rest of the book follows a similar pattern: There are Muslims Schwartz likes (especially Sufis), and there are Muslims he hates (Wahhabis, plus others who are not Wahhabis but whom Schwartz describes as "Wahhabized," though he never explains what that's supposed to mean). The "good" Muslims can do no wrong, and the "bad" Muslims are behind just about every act of terrorism committed anywhere on the globe. I know this sounds like it must be a charicature of the book, but it's not. Rather, Schwartz's book is itself a charicature of the complexity of contemporary international affairs.
An example will illustrate Schwartz's appalling sloppiness with evidence. On pages 217-218, he claims that a "manifesto" written by Osama bin Laden proves that Saddam Hussein is connected with bin Laden and Al Qaeda. I found this surprising, because there is, to my knowledge, no proven link between them whatsoever (and I have followed this issue very closely). In fact, it is well known that bin Laden has always hated Hussein and secular rulers like him, that bin Laden had called for Hussein's overthrow, that Hussein hated bin Laden and had brutally repressed Islamic fundamentalists like him, etc. (See, for example, the analysis of this issue in a report by the Carnegie Endownment for International Peace). So I was very curious to see what evidence Schwartz had found in bin Laden's "manifesto" to support his conclusion that, in spite of all that, Hussein and bin Laden were allies.
Here is Schwartz's evidence: In his "manifesto," bin Laden (1) called for an end to the UN sanctions on Iraq, (2) lamented the destruction inflicted on Iraq in the first Gulf War, and (3) also lamented the deaths of Iraqi children that were caused by the UN santions. I'm not kidding--that is the sum total of Schwartz's "proof" that Hussein was an ally of bin Laden and Al Qaeda in their global terror campaign. It's absurd.
The book does contain one interesting thesis: Schwartz claims that for most Americans, the face of violent and dangerous Islamic extremism is Ayatolla Khomeini and the Iranian revolution, while Americans have regarded Saudi Islam as "moderate" because the Saudis are US allies. Schwartz plausibly argues that the reverse is true: Saudi Islam (Wahhabism) is much more dangerous because of its support for a "holy war" without borders, while the Islamic revolution in Iran was really about liberating the Shi'a of Iran from oppression under the Shah, not about waging a larger war beyond Iran (although Schwartz does acknowledge Iranian support for certain Palestinian militant groups). The thesis is interesting and possibly true. But that one interesting point certainly doesn't make this dreadful book worth reading.
If you are looking for an introduction to Islam, or for insightful and well-reasoned discussion of world affairs, please look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: an awful book
Review: This book is not a serious or scholarly piece of work, and I recommend that you not waste your time reading it.It begins with a description of the life of Mohammed, the origins and spread of Islam, and the creation of various Islamic sects. This is probably the best part of the book, but it is still very poor. For example, Schwartz never really explains even the basic distinction between Shi'a and Sunni Islam. And Schwartz's overall goals badly tarnish his discussion: He wants to portray traditional Islam as being perfectly pluralist, tolerant, and peace-loving, so as to contrast it with hate-filled, intolerant, and violent Wahhabism. As a result, his description of the Ottoman Empire (representing Schwartz's traditional Islam) is completely uncritical and consequently not credible. For instance, he never even mentions the Ottomans' barbaric and murderous treatment of Armenians and Kurds, to name just two salient examples. The rest of the book follows a similar pattern: There are Muslims Schwartz likes (especially Sufis), and there are Muslims he hates (Wahhabis, plus others who are not Wahhabis but whom Schwartz describes as "Wahhabized," though he never explains what that's supposed to mean). The "good" Muslims can do no wrong, and the "bad" Muslims are behind just about every act of terrorism committed anywhere on the globe. I know this sounds like it must be a charicature of the book, but it's not. Rather, Schwartz's book is itself a charicature of the complexity of contemporary international affairs. An example will illustrate Schwartz's appalling sloppiness with evidence. On pages 217-218, he claims that a "manifesto" written by Osama bin Laden proves that Saddam Hussein is connected with bin Laden and Al Qaeda. I found this surprising, because there is, to my knowledge, no proven link between them whatsoever (and I have followed this issue very closely). In fact, it is well known that bin Laden has always hated Hussein and secular rulers like him, that bin Laden had called for Hussein's overthrow, that Hussein hated bin Laden and had brutally repressed Islamic fundamentalists like him, etc. (See, for example, the analysis of this issue in a report by the Carnegie Endownment for International Peace, ). So I was very curious to see what evidence Schwartz had found in bin Laden's "manifesto" to support his conclusion that, in spite of all that, Hussein and bin Laden were allies.Here is Schwartz's evidence: In his "manifesto," bin Laden (1) called for an end to the UN sanctions on Iraq, (2) lamented the destruction inflicted on Iraq in the first Gulf War, and (3) also lamented the deaths of Iraqi children that were caused by the UN santions. I'm not kidding--that is the sum total of Schwartz's "proof" that Hussein was an ally of bin Laden and Al Qaeda in their global terror campaign. It's absurd. The book does contain one interesting thesis: Schwartz claims that for most Americans, the face of violent and dangerous Islamic extremism is Ayatolla Khomeini and the Iranian revolution, while Americans have regarded Saudi Islam as "moderate" because the Saudis are US allies. Schwartz plausibly argues that the reverse is true: Saudi Islam (Wahhabism) is much more dangerous because of its support for a "holy war" without borders, while the Islamic revolution in Iran was really about liberating the Shi'a of Iran from oppression under the Shah, not about waging a larger war beyond Iran (although Schwartz does acknowledge Iranian support for certain Palestinian militant groups). The thesis is interesting and very probably true. But that one interesting point certainly doesn't make this dreadful book worth reading. If you are looking for an introduction to Islam, or for insightful and well-reasoned discussion of world affairs, please look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: AtheistWorld.Com Book Review
Review: This book leaves out much to be desired.
You are better off reading "Islam Exposed" by Solomon Tulbure ISBN: 1932303456
Rating: 
Summary: Great book.....must buy
Review: This book reveals the true background of the Wahhabi movement which was innovated by Mohammad bin abdul Wahhab and explains the numerous falsehood they spread in the name of Islam and exposes their role of enmity towards the religion of Islam and towards prophet Mohammad sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam and towards Muslims at large. No wonder the Wahhabis today stand as the backbone of terrorism allowing and financing and planning shedding the blood of Muslims and other innocent people. Their well known history of terrorism as documented in Fitnatul Wahhabiyyah by the mufti of Makkah, Sheikh Ahmad Zayni Dahlan, and their current assassinations and contravention is due to their ill belief that all are blasphemers save themselves. May Allah protect our nation from their evils.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This book shows in clear detail what hypocrites the Saudi's are. They profess to be peaceful, yet have supplied billions upon billions of dollars to terrorists. How can any American be pro-Saudi when the majority of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi's, and the SAUDI'S HAVE NEVER EVEN APOLOGIZED!!!!! This book should be required reading for every true American.
Rating: 
Summary: Understanding the Wahhabi Cult
Review: This is a timely book, in its attempt to demonstrate to a Western and in particular an American audience the rise of the Saudi based Wahhabi cult, and the resulting violence and mayhem that many in the west mistake for Islam itself. He shows how the policies of the British and later the American governments supported this rise, sometimes for cynical political and economic ends, and sometimes inadvertantly, and how mistaken ideas of multi-culturalism, political correctness and religious freedom have muted the Western academic and media criticism of Saudi-backed fanaticism, with the World Trade Centre attacks as only the most high profile disaster arising from this.
In parallel, he paints a picture of traditional Islam, tolerant and humane, that will surprise few Muslims but many Western non-Muslims. These traditions survive strongly today, despite the attempts of fanatics to destroy them.
Schwartz's account is weaker in his understanding of the perception around the world of the overbearing nature of the American empire. While he rightly points out the irrational hatred which the Wahhabis display with regard to America, he seems not to recognise the real, valid grievances which people in many countries, Muslim and non-Muslim, have about American economic, political and military muscle. Sometimes his logic is weak, as where he suggests that Saudi opposition to the war on Iraq proves that the Saudis and Saddam Hussain were in league with each other.
Despite these flaws, this book is well worth reading - essential for anyone seeking to understand the true danger of the Saudi/Wahhabi project, and even as an avid reader of books on Islam and politics, this book had a wealth of new material for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Pluralistic, Jewish Advocate, a Good Start. 80-85% Accurate.
Review: Unfortuantly, this matter is very new to us here in the States. This is the first book I have read that I can even acknowledge as heading in the right direction,for the most part, but still I see some favertisim taking Mr. Schwarts point of veiw due to his fairly limited time of study and experiance with the involved components of such matters. Since less than 1/3 of people voted last week here in the states, from those who could have voted when so much more can vote but don't even bother to attempt, we can sadly conclude that most people that could benifit from Mr.Schwatz book is not going to notice it. As someone who has lived in ways and places to have first hand experinance of, some, such issues I think Mr. Schwatz has done a great job introducing the basics, which is more than I have seen anyone els due so far, but to someone like me it still shows how much further we still have to go, just like this great nation's citizens who are to lazy to get involved and vote when others around the world are dieing for such an oppertunity. God Help us All. Read this book if you are going to read any book out there at this moment. don't mind the 3 stars my stars are hard to get!!
Rating:
Summary: A Very Serious Scholar!
Review: Well, Stephen is an old friend of mine from times in Kosovo. The ideas in this book represent years of research and thinking. They also represent long hours of listening to his probing of Islam while we drank coffee in the Grand Hotel Pristina. His mind is so detailed and he talks so fast, it is difficult to follow. I have used his book on Kosovo in my honors courses and students found it very "enlightening." The Two Faces of Islam is intense, complex, detailed, thought-provoking. One should never underestimate the thoroughness and penetration of the author's thinking and knowledge. I have trouble with some of his ideas, but no one raises serious questions better than he does, which is his intent and his talent.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT TIME FOR A BOOK LIKE THIS
Review: When the world is wondering what is up with the garbage in the middle east. When we now have it at our front doorstep we need to understand it. What's up with these people? Why do they act like they do? Why do they feel like they do? And how does it effect us all? Another book that I recommend that explores these things from a spiritual perspective is called, "I Talked To God And He Wants To Talk To You".
Rating:
Summary: Something seems to be missing
Review: While Schwartz's book presents the reader with logical and necessary questioning regarding the Saudi role in the war on terrorism, it's relations and influence in the Middle East, its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, etc., I seriously question the validity of his claims against the Wahhabis, a group he depicts as the sole cause of agitation in the Muslim faith and the main opponents in Islam towards the West. All faults in Islam, according to Schwarts, stem from Wahhabism - a movement that he depicts as an organized institution but one realizes it must not be since he never describes its structure, heirarchy, etc. He also fails to clarfiy and elaborate on HOW Wahhabism has managed to exist - he tells why it emerged and how it gained momentum, but then never fully explains HOW it became a transnational movement and WHY people subscribed to it's version of Islam. Criticisms aside, I must admit the book was an "eye opener" and should be a must-read for all those who think the Saudis are truely US allies.
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