Rating: 
Summary: The book consists of conclusory, subjective commentary.
Review: "Crescent and Star," subtitled "Turkey Between Two Worlds," deserves 5 stars for its scholarly-sounding title and for the dignified and attractive graphics on the cover. However, Crescent and Star is not a scholarly book, and it is certainly not a history book. The book tends not to relate facts, but instead it provides a string of subjective, conclusory paragraphs. For reasons unkwown, the text is decorated with fragmentary story-telling. Accordingly, the content of the book deserves two stars.Subjective remarks can be found on page 18: "You in the West also had long periods of backwardness and intolerance, a Turkish diplomat once told me as we walked along a quiet corridor in the foreign ministry in Ankara. You had dictatorships, civil wars, religious fanaticism, the Inquisition, all kinds of horror. Then, over a period of centuries, you climbed out of that hole." (page 18). More conclusory commentary is found on page 19: "For decades, each of Turkey's important political parties has been run by a single individual, sometimes with a tiny coterie of coconspirators. These few figures choose candidates for public office by using a single criterion: blind obedience." (page 19). Irrelevant commentary is found on page 73: "Erbakan was a white-haired, grandfatherly figure, surprisingly elegant in appearance. He moved delicately, gestured calmly and spoke softly. For most of our two hours together, he smiled indulgently as he drifted from cliché to cliché, not showing much in the way of analytical power or concentrated intelligence." (page 73). We find another example of the book's tact of not providing facts, but of instead providing commentary about facts: "Turkey's refusal to confront events surrounding the 1980 coup cannot continue forever. Criminal investigations may not be the best way to determine what actually happened during that period, but some way must be found. Turks need to know how their country fell into near anarchy during the late 1970s and who ordered the imprisonment and abuse of Orhan Taylan and so many other citizens after the coup." (page 95) Another example of "story-telling" occurs on page 116: "We were led to the local police station, and as I crossed the threshold I felt an involuntary shudder. Who knew how many unfortunates, guilty or otherwise, had been brought through this door for rough, perhaps very rough, interrogation sessions?" (page 116) More subjective, fact-free commentary can be found on page 177: "Turks are becoming steadily more European and that is good, because it means they are embracing ideas and perspectives that will make their lives richer and more fulfilling." (page 177). I believe that the book would make better reading if the author had provided more facts, rather than stringing dozens of conclusory paragraphs together. If the author had drafted a fact-based book, rather than drafting conclusory commentary, then the reader would have the enjoyment of coming to a few conclusions herself or himself. The book leaves you with an empty feeling. The book under review has a writing style like that of Time Magazine, but even worse. Both leave you with an empty feeling of having been tricked into reading a page or two of indistinct impressions (rather than of interesting facts). Two stars. For a reader already familiar with recent history of Turkey, or for a reader who has lived in Turkey, this book is likely to be captivating reading. Here, the book will allow the reader to compare her or his own subjective reactions to life in Turkey with the subjective, conclusory thoughts of Mr. Kinzer. However, for a novice reader interested in learning why, for example, Turkey has been more successful in adapting to the modern world than other countries to the immediate east, this book will not be the answer.
Rating:
Summary: The book consists of conclusory, subjective commentary.
Review: "Crescent and Star," subtitled "Turkey Between Two Worlds," deserves 5 stars for its scholarly-sounding title and for the dignified and attractive graphics on the cover. However, Crescent and Star is not a scholarly book, and it is certainly not a history book. The book tends not to relate facts, but instead it provides a string of subjective, conclusory paragraphs. For reasons unkwown, the text is decorated with fragmentary story-telling. Accordingly, the content of the book deserves two stars. Subjective remarks can be found on page 18: "You in the West also had long periods of backwardness and intolerance, a Turkish diplomat once told me as we walked along a quiet corridor in the foreign ministry in Ankara. You had dictatorships, civil wars, religious fanaticism, the Inquisition, all kinds of horror. Then, over a period of centuries, you climbed out of that hole." (page 18). More conclusory commentary is found on page 19: "For decades, each of Turkey's important political parties has been run by a single individual, sometimes with a tiny coterie of coconspirators. These few figures choose candidates for public office by using a single criterion: blind obedience." (page 19). Irrelevant commentary is found on page 73: "Erbakan was a white-haired, grandfatherly figure, surprisingly elegant in appearance. He moved delicately, gestured calmly and spoke softly. For most of our two hours together, he smiled indulgently as he drifted from clich? to clich?, not showing much in the way of analytical power or concentrated intelligence." (page 73). We find another example of the book's tact of not providing facts, but of instead providing commentary about facts: "Turkey's refusal to confront events surrounding the 1980 coup cannot continue forever. Criminal investigations may not be the best way to determine what actually happened during that period, but some way must be found. Turks need to know how their country fell into near anarchy during the late 1970s and who ordered the imprisonment and abuse of Orhan Taylan and so many other citizens after the coup." (page 95) Another example of "story-telling" occurs on page 116: "We were led to the local police station, and as I crossed the threshold I felt an involuntary shudder. Who knew how many unfortunates, guilty or otherwise, had been brought through this door for rough, perhaps very rough, interrogation sessions?" (page 116) More subjective, fact-free commentary can be found on page 177: "Turks are becoming steadily more European and that is good, because it means they are embracing ideas and perspectives that will make their lives richer and more fulfilling." (page 177). I believe that the book would make better reading if the author had provided more facts, rather than stringing dozens of conclusory paragraphs together. If the author had drafted a fact-based book, rather than drafting conclusory commentary, then the reader would have the enjoyment of coming to a few conclusions herself or himself. The book leaves you with an empty feeling. The book under review has a writing style like that of Time Magazine, but even worse. Both leave you with an empty feeling of having been tricked into reading a page or two of indistinct impressions (rather than of interesting facts). Two stars. For a reader already familiar with recent history of Turkey, or for a reader who has lived in Turkey, this book is likely to be captivating reading. Here, the book will allow the reader to compare her or his own subjective reactions to life in Turkey with the subjective, conclusory thoughts of Mr. Kinzer. However, for a novice reader interested in learning why, for example, Turkey has been more successful in adapting to the modern world than other countries to the immediate east, this book will not be the answer.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading for Turkish people
Review: CRESCENT AND STAR is a fun, informative read. Turkey is becoming a popular destination for Westerners (unless they're Greek and mad about Cyprus) and this book shows us why. Turkey has been in the middle of things politically and culturally for so long, and yet the country and its people are pretty much a mystery to most Americans. Mention Turkey, and images from MIDNIGHT EXPRESS spring to mind. But every person I know who has visited has had great things to say: the people are hospitable, it's cheap, there's a lot to do and see, and the food is superb. It's also important for us to understand our allies, and Turkey has been courageous enough to stand with the US even though it's been criticized for doing so. Turkey also shows us how Islam and secular society can co-exist. This is important now, as Muslims become a stronger political voice, in the US and in Europe.
Rating: 
Summary: Devlet & Raki
Review: Having traveled to Turkey numerous times for both business and vacation (I generally spend two weeks each summer in Istanbul and Bodrum), I thought Kinzer did a spendid job of describing the crossroads Turkey is at. In the aftermath of September 11th, the book is particularly relevant, as it examines what is frequently being referred to as the "model" for a secular Islamic state. The book is also an easy read for anyone interested in Turkey and its important future role in Middle East/Central Asia-Western relations, as it provides an excellent view into the various internal and external conflicts Turkey has had to address, without becoming too bogged down in a detailed history. Although at times fairly critical of the Turkish government and military, generally, the captivating spirit and culture of the Turkish people shine through. The vignettes that precede each chapter about the author's experience with Turkish culture - swimming the Bosphorous, enjoying raki (the Turkish national drink), attending olive oil wrestling and camel fights, and even spending a night in a Turkish jail - add a wonderful personal and human touch to the book. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Turkey and/or current affairs in the Middle East/Central Asia.
Rating:
Summary: a Turkish testament
Review: I don't know Stephen Kinzer from a bar of soap, but I could bet he's a very likeable guy. I used to read his articles in the New York Times with great pleasure, back in those years when he was covering Turkey and wrote many pieces on the new nations in the Caucasus and Central Asia too. For the first time, in Kinzer's articles, the subscribers got more than just election or disaster news---we got coverage of all kinds of cultural, social, and economic trends in Turkey. I always hoped Kinzer would write a book on the country. He did and I bought it. If I compare it to an academic tome like Caglar Keydar's "State and Class in Turkey", CRESCENT AND STAR reads as smooth as silk, even if the depth of the ideas is not so great. It is a highly informative, journalistic look at modern Turkey, a country at a political, historical crossroads. Turkey has managed to burst the economic straitjacket that bound it for decades; the Kurdish insurrection has been squelched, and relations with Greece improved beyond all belief. There is a strong possibility that the country will join the European Union in the next decade. Yet, a number of political problems remain. Kinzer points out again and again that the conservative, but secular military elite dominates the civilian politicians, who often are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. In turn, civil liberties have been denied because the behind-the-scenes military class feels that Turkey "is not ready" for full freedom. The role of religion, i.e. Islam, in society has yet to be decided. There are a few hotheaded fundamentalists, many who want a stronger role for Islam under democracy, and many more who don't want Islam to play any role at all. Is it a good idea to push the whole issue into a corner ? Kinzer liked Turkey. You can feel that on every page in the book. Liking the country, having friends there, he wanted to use his journalistic power to best advantage, to strike a blow for his friends, who like him, believe in freedom and democracy, and see a bright future for Turkey if it goes down that road. I too, from a great distance, sympathize with this picture. I like people who don't hide behind some abstract "objectivity". But I am afraid his desire to help turned the book into something of a polemic. As he discusses each of the main aspects of modern Turkish politics and society---Ataturk, the party politics, the military, the Kurds, Islam, censorship and repression, the great earthquake of 1999, and relations with Greece-we receive the same lecture a number of times. Encourage dissent, he cries, embrace ethnic and religious diversity, own up to the Armenian massacres of 1915 or at least discuss them, give religious people a voice in society, let Parliament have the ultimate power instead of the soldiers, decentralize, don't lose Ataturk's desire for change and modernization, and above all, trust your own citizens to be mature enough to choose what they want in government. If you don't mind this rather heavy-handed insistence on the same theme, then CRESCENT AND STAR is an excellent book for anyone wanting to know the main issues, trends, and political feelings in modern Turkey. The sections Kinzer refers to as "snacks" or meze are all very interesting. Another book on modern Turkish life and culture as seen by an American ? Please.
Rating:
Summary: One Sided look At Historical events
Review: Stephen Kinzer has spent time in Turkey and does report of truths on some political issues, but goes into a world of some historical points that he believes to be true. He has no evidence in some of these points he makes. He is not a historian and can not accurately claim some of these events he mentions. On the political side of things he may have an opinion, but opinions are just that. Let us remember that Stephen Kinzer was there as a journalist and certain points journalists make are not always clear and concise.
Rating:
Summary: A good overview.
Review: This book is a nice introduction to Turkey as it gives good historical information that puts the current political situation in perspective. It is also written by someone who has obviously spent a lot of time in Turkey and understands Turks and what life is like in Turkey. The book is very entertaining and is a must for anyone looking for a good background book about Turkey or for anyone that will be traveling there as well.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Primer
Review: This book is about where Turkey has been and where it is going. It assess both internal (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) forces that are driving Turkey's grand strategy. It is a great primer on Turkey, b/c it provides a historical perspective on the current political situation. Kinzer has an insider's understanding of Turkish Culture and an outsider's ability to remain objective.
Highly Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: good coments
Review: This boook discribes Turkey's problem very well. Stephen Kinzar understands Turkish problems effectuivelly. I am glad thathe wrote this book therefore many people can understand even Turkey's own people why Turkey is still strugling with it's own problems.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent potential but a little flawed...
Review: This seems to be the general gist of Mr. Kinzer's message about Turkey today. And I think the same holds true for this book. It's an easy and enjoyable read and Stephen Kinzer provides many pertinent insights and opinions (and a pendant for oriental exotics like camel fights and water pipe smoking- things that most living Turks will never have enjoyed). However, his treatment of both the Kurdish Question and of Turkey's attitude towards its Islamic movement is tainted by 'Western' superficial stereotypes. To find the right answers, one first has to ask the right questions - and even then there is no quick-fix recipe. The book seems to imply that all Turkey has to do to fullfil its potential is to get rid of its corrupt or inept politicians,curtail the political power of its military and adopt a more liberal attitude towards ethnicity, religion and democratic rights. But the real issues run much deeper than Mr. Kinzer's view allows. He does not, for example, offer any insight into the intrinsic incompatibility of Islamic Law (the Sheria) and Western Democracy. Islam (like Judaism) is not just a system of personal beliefs but makes detailed prescriptions for the practical life of the individual and the community - which directly run counter to the notion of personal freedom. Insisting on a secular state in a Muslim population does infringe on the indivual freedom of some Muslims who want to practice their faith as is prescribed in the Koran. However, not to do so, would infringe the right of all other people who do not want to live their lives according to the letter of the holy book. Giving the orthodox religious minority more rights than they already have, is a recipe for disaster (one could persuasively argue that much of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is due to religious fanaticism on both sides). Democracy requires reason and rational discourse not 'God's word'. Everything else is secondary to this fundamental premise. In fact, recently one of the religious parties that Mr. Kinzer believes should be granted greater political sway in Turkey recently held a conference where video footage of the bombing of the World Trade Center and of bin Ladin were enthusiastically cheered by the crowd. Most people in this country were disgusted with this spectacle - and I'm sure Mr. Kinzer would have been. It's a naive fallacy to believe that coopting fanatics into the mainstream will blunt their knives. (Nobody in the West should forget that Hitler's National Socialists were a legal, democratically elected party that came to power through perfectly legal, democratic means.) No, the way forward for Turkey is not with this crowd, but without - and if need be - against this crowd. In Turkey, the complex issues of democracy are not armchair discussion topics but very real, very hard questions with grave implications for the life of the nation and each one of us who do not happen to have a passport that guarantees them exit to, say, Chicago. Compared to other Islamic nations, Turkey is a virtual oasis of democracy and freedom. Compared to the West, Turkey has many failings as a democracy. But want we need to improve is not simplistic lecturing on human rights, or even friendly words - but concrete support and unbridled acknowledgement from the West that this country is on the right track. It always comes to the crunch in our part of the world. And whenever it does, we need friends like Stephen Kinzer to sit on the right side of the fence. That should sound familiar to American ears today, or not?
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