Triumph of Disorder: Islamic Fundamentalism, the New Face of War

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating look at a troubled world
Review: I have been reading Morgan Norval's work for years, and find itconsistently stimulating and pertinent. Writing with the expertise of one who has actually been there, he always offers a penetrating look at conflict. Triumph of Disorder, his latest book, looks specifically at the discontents of the Islamic world and the threats arising therefrom. It is a superb job. Mr. Norval does not shrink from expressing strong views, and those accustomed to cautious academic writing may be startled. But even those who disagree with the ideas--and they are genuine ideas--presented in this book will find himself or herself spurred to think afresh and more deeply about a growing problem for which there is no end in sight. On the fundamental issues of motivation, violence and the logical illogic of human behavior, the author is unbeatable. Strongly recommended for the reader willing to take an intellectual step beyond the campus library and into the harsh realities of the world as it is. As a former soldier who has seen first-hand some of the challenges this book defines so ably, I found Triumph of Disorder, worth the price, worth the time, and worth sharing with friends.

Rating:
Summary: A wake up for the West
Review: Mr. Norval's book is dialed right in in terms of the terrorist threats facing the world. I would recommend the reading of Pat Buchanan's "Death of the West" as a companion to this work. Althought poorly edited, "Triumph of Disorder" is incredibly prescient given 9/11. Western, Christian, capitalist society must prepare for the jihad. The fact remains, the population of the west is declining while the population of Osama, et al. is increasing. It is not racist to see the world in these terms. We, as Americans, must know what our history and heritage is. We do not want France or Germany to dominate us through the EU nor do we want to be subjigated to Moslem religious rule. We are a republican country guarenteed by the vote. Those politicians who spout political correctness and "tolerance" in the wake of terrorism are self serving whores. It is time for Americans to decide if they are citizens or subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Provocative look at the future of conflict
Review: While many fine and thoughtful books have been written on the violent aspects of fundamentalist belief in the Islamic world, I found this the most provocative and challenging. Mr. Norval has done a first-rate job of thinking this problem through and marshalling his arguments. Even if the reader does not agree with some of his conclusions, the author always forces the reader to think afresh. Avoiding simplistic portrayals of the Islamic "threat," the author nonetheless captures the degree to which cultural separatism and fear of change inspires a disproportionate amount of international terrorism in the Islamic world--a mark of cultural inability to compete. For those seeking a deeper understanding of a very complex, but urgent problem, this book is well worth the price. Strongly recommended for those interested in terrorism, international affairs and cultural studies, from lay readers to military officers and diplomats.