Good Muslim, Bad Muslim: America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror

Awesome synopsis and analysis of the Cold War waged in Asia, Africa, and Central America and its present day fallouts. A must read.

suddenly it all makes sense

Rarely does a book come along that alters your perceptions of the world - this is one such book (in combination with Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine). The book explores political Islam, and provocatively addresses its root causes as a leftover of Cold War politics. A must-read.

I think normally, I'd maybe give it 3.5 stars, maybe more four, but I think, using the descriptive thing, I liked it is more apt than I loved it. It's a pretty good book. Mamdani is obviously very intelligent, though I think he's a bit lazy with sources, and I don't like the footnoting style. He guides the reader first through Orientalism, before having a look at US policy in the world from say...more

I think normally, I'd maybe give it 3.5 stars, maybe more four, but I think, using the descriptive thing, I liked it is more apt than I loved it. It's a pretty good book. Mamdani is obviously very intelligent, though I think he's a bit lazy with sources, and I don't like the footnoting style. He guides the reader first through Orientalism, before having a look at US policy in the world from say 1975. Some of his judgements are doubtful (such as Carter cutting off aid to vicious human rights offenders), and others are hard to judge (he considers a comparison of Israel to Liberia enlightening, but doesn't explain for those of us ignorant of much African history, nor does he provide sources we can chase up). It is generally an intelligent guide, and provides valuable coverage of the US role in the rise of the Mujahideen. He does not show particular expertise though, relying on a few sources that I'd be better off finding and reading first hand (Cooley, Ahmed Rahid.) Additionally, the introduction is very thoughtful and interesting. I think this is a good primer for the roots of the "war on terror", which was Mamdani's aim - but there are limitations.   hide

Ohh my god. Such a damn tough lamguage. Didnt understand the first one-third part of the book.read it to experience......Although a nice read.

a must read, enough said

Mamdani is the man. This is one of my favorite books of all time. His first or second chapter on "culture talk" is alone worth the price of the book.

best