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Fuad Khuri presents a competent and detailed but readable analysis in this carefully written work.  Khuri analyzes the relationships of the form of state government and the type of Islam in virtually every country of the world where Muslims live.  Not only that he also provides a historical analysis of each of these, describing how each Islamic sect or order relates to the particular form of government in every historical period.

Khuri is a Christian Lebanese anthropologist.  This work represents the extensive on-the-ground investigation Khuri has conducted and he draws upon his personal experience across the Muslim world.  His own personal humour is an important factor in the enjoyable experience of learning from him in this work.

He provides a competent and very interesting analysis with practical conclusions about the role of various types of Islam under various types of governments.  Khuri's analysis and description proves that the common ideas are too simplistic and overlook important realities in the Arab and broader Muslim world.

The information and analysis here will help westerners to overcome their stilted, limited and stereotyped views of political systems in the Muslim world.  Khuri's work is an important resource for anyone who seriously wishes to understand the complex intersection of political formats and religious practice across the diverse "Muslim world."

Khuri includes excellent historical and cultural information on various ethno-religious groups, historical movements and religious orders as well as political histories that I have not read elsewhere.  This book is a rewarding and informative read, and should be annotated and kept accessible for ongoing consultation.

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OBJ

First reading notes written 2 May 2006
Expanded review posted on Amazon 12 February 2009
This final review posted on OJTR 22 February 2009
Last edited 7 January 2013

Orville Boyd Jenkins, EdD, PhD
Copyright © 2009 Orville Boyd Jenkins
Permission granted for free download and transmission for personal or educational use.  Please give credit and link back.  Other rights reserved.

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