Synopses & Reviews
A political, social, and cultural battle is currently raging in the Middle East. On one side are the Islamists, those who believe Islam should be the region’s primary identity. In opposition are nationalists, secularists, royal families, military establishments, and others who view Islamism as a serious threat to national security, historical identity, and a cohesive society.
This provocative, vitally important work explores the development of the largest, most influential Islamic groups in the Middle East over the past century. Tarek Osman examines why political Islam managed to win successive elections and how Islamist groups in various nations have responded after ascending to power. He dissects the alliances that have formed among Islamist factions and against them, addressing the important issues of Islamism’s compatibility with modernity, with the region’s experiences in the twentieth century, and its impact on social contracts and minorities. He explains what Salafism means, its evolution, and connections to jihadist groups in the Middle East. Osman speculates on what the Islamists’ prospects for the future will mean for the region and the rest of the world.
Review
"Short, readable, clear, and passionately written. A good introduction to Egypt's story.and#8221;and#8212;Boston Globe
Review
"Osman delivers textured historical context . . . and he focuses analysis more accurately than most current pundits."and#8212;Carlin Romano, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Review
and#8220;Published a short time before thousands of Egyptians began pouring into Cairo's Tahrir Square, Egypt on the Brink is a timely account of Egypt near the end of the 30-year Mubarak era. It is presented thematically, rather than chronologically, and one of the most intriguing themes is the notion that whereas Egypt in the age of liberal nationalism (the 1920s and 1930s) and the Nasser years (1952-70) had a regional standing and a sense of national purpose, Hosni Mubarak's regime lost both this standing and this purpose as it devolved into a dreary despotism. Yet Osman writes with neither nostalgia nor disdain. Separate chapters discuss the Islamists, the Christians, the rise of liberal capitalism, and Egypt's youth. Even the conclusion, which speculates on who and what regime would replace Mubarak, now overtaken by events, offers useful thoughts on Egypt's distinctive politics.and#8221;and#8212;L. Carl Brown, Foreign Affairs
Review
and#8220;Strange, then, that despite continued fascination with ancient Egypt, so little aside from turgid academic tomes or breathless journalistic accounts has been published about the current condition of the most populous country in the turbulent Middle East, and among the most influential. and#8220;Egypt on the Brinkand#8221; is a slim book, simply written and easy to understand, and it goes a long way to filling this void. [and#8230;] The author, Tarek Osman, a Western-educated Egyptian banker and occasional columnist, brings the eye of an intelligent amateur to the story of his countryand#8217;s past half-century. He writes with feeling, backed up by an impressively broad list of sources as well as sharp critical insight and astute judgment.and#8221;and#8212;The Economist
Review
and#8220;It is hard to imagine a timelier book than Egypt on the Brink. . . an elegantly written and insightful analysis of the fissures and discontents of contemporary Egypt.and#8221;and#8212;James Jankowski, Middle East Journal
Review
"Tarek Osman, a Western-educated Egyptian banker and occasional columnist, brings the eye of an intelligent amateur to the story of this countryand#8217;s past half century. He writes with feeling, backed up by an impressively broad list of sources as well as sharp critical insight and astute judgement."and#8212;The Economist
Synopsis
An incisive analysis of Islamist movements in the Middle East
A political, social, and cultural battle is currently raging in the Middle East. On one side are the Islamists, those who believe Islam should be the region's primary identity. In opposition are nationalists, secularists, royal families, military establishments, and others who view Islamism as a serious threat to national security, historical identity, and a cohesive society.
This provocative, vitally important work explores the development of the largest, most influential Islamic groups in the Middle East over the past century. Tarek Osman examines why political Islam managed to win successive elections and how Islamist groups in various nations have responded after ascending to power. He dissects the alliances that have formed among Islamist factions and against them, addressing the important issues of Islamism's compatibility with modernity, with the region's experiences in the twentieth century, and its impact on social contracts and minorities. He explains what Salafism means, its evolution, and connections to jihadist groups in the Middle East. Osman speculates on what the Islamists' prospects for the future will mean for the region and the rest of the world.
Synopsis
Famous until the 1950s for its religious pluralism and extraordinary cultural heritage, Egypt is now seen as an increasingly repressive and divided land, home of the Muslim Brotherhood and an opaque regime headed by the aging President Mubarak.
In this immensely readable and thoroughly researched book, Tarek Osman explores what has happened to the biggest Arab nation since President Nasser took control of the country in 1954. He examines Egyptand#8217;s central role in the development of the two crucial movements of the period, Arab nationalism and radical Islam; the increasingly contentious relationship between Muslims and Christians; and perhaps most important of all, the rift between the cosmopolitan elite and the mass of the undereducated and underemployed population, more than half of whom are aged under thirty. This is an essential guide to one of the Middle Eastand#8217;s most important but least understood states.
Synopsis
A lively and informed account of Egyptandrsquo;s recent history and current situation
Synopsis
In this immensely readable and thoroughly researched book, Tarek Osman explores what has happened to the biggest Arab nation since President Nasser took control of the country in 1954. This new edition takes events up to summer 2013, looking at how Egypt has become increasingly divided under its new Islamist government.
Synopsis
An incisive analysis of Islamist movements in the Middle East
About the Author
Tarek Osman, a political economist focused on the Arab World, is the author of the internationally acclaimedand#160;Egypt on the Brink; a regular contributor toand#160;Foreign Affairs,Financial Times,and#160;Project-Syndicate, and theand#160;Cairo Review; the writer and presenter of the BBCandrsquo;s major production andldquo;The Making of the Modern Arab Worldandrdquo;, and the political counsellor of the European bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Arab World. He has 16-years experience in strategy consulting, direct investment, and political-economy advisory. His website isand#160;www.tarekosman.com; and twitter account is:@TarekmOsman.