Some call it a friend to the U.S.; others a foe. Now get the facts on this complex and crucial nation. A detailed and comprehensive overview of this complex Middle Eastern country, this book covers Arabia's early history, the rise of the House of Saud, the discovery of Saudi oil, Islamic fundamentalism, day-to-day-life, and the country's connection to 9/11, as well as the country's future.
An objective, comprehensive, and easy-to-read reference to the 50 most significant conflicts around the world. For those who want to learn why there is so much hate in the world, and why much of it seems to be directed at the United States.
There is, perhaps, no other place in the world fraught with as much turmoil as the Middle East. This updated guide provides readers with an intense look at current events and the ever-changing political and social landscape, as well as the history-ancient and modern-of the region. This latest edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Middle East Conflict offers a completely updated view of events in the region through the corrective lens of present-day knowledge, as well as a look at what's going on there right now- The rearming of Hezbollah, and what it may mean to Israel and the Lebanese government. The increased threat of Iran-despite increased pressure from the United States and Europe, its acquisition of nuclear weapons may only be a matter of time. With Hamas controlling Gaza and the Palestinian Authority now divided, can the Palestinians present a united position in peace talks? The evacuation from Gaza-has this peace measure only led to a launching pad for a new front in a war against Israel?
A simple, explanatory guide to Islam’s central text. Taking the same approach as the bestselling The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the Bible, this book presents a balanced overview of the Koran, explaining not only the “flow” of the Koran, but also what it has to say about Allah and humanity, virtue, justice, life on earth, the afterlife, women, love, unbelievers, faith, and tradition. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Koran is your cover-to-cover companion to this sacred—and sometimes complicated—holy text. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • A foolproof introduction to the fundamental themes of the holy Koran. • Expert advice on how to approach the book when you a translation of it yourself. • Ten things that make the Holy Koran unique among the world’s holy text. • Inspiring tips on how to overcome the challenges non-Muslim face when reading the Koran.
Astronomy is an ancient science on the cutting edge. Although it's been around for more than 5,500 years, astronomers say that we've learned more than 90 percent of what we know about the universe in just the last 50 years. Of this body of knowledge, a disproportionate amount has been acquired in the past decade, with each new year yielding more information than the last. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy, Third Edition, covers these new advances and discoveries and is repositioned to focus more on exciting, cutting-edge cosmology topics and less on backyard astronomy.
An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy
With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy-to-follow, plain-English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture. The Koran For Dummies is for non-Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing: The meaning of Koran and its basic message The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style How to live by the Koran’s teachings The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism Different interpretations of the Koran No other book provides such a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective. Plus, you’ll discover: What the Koran really says about women and civil law How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims Common misconceptions of the Koran How to raise a family the Koranic way Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam's holy book.
Ted Thornton provides an overview about the Hamas. Hamas stands for the Islamic Resistance Movement, a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist organization that has a military wing. The group has carried out terrorist attacks on Israelis. Shiek Ahmed Yassin is the founder of Hamas, and he was imprisoned by the Israelis in 1989. He was released in 1997.
