The age of jihad

By Patrick Cockburn Patrick Cockburn

Subjects: Afghan war, 2001-2021, Afghan War, 2001-, Politics and government, Jihad, HISTORY / Middle East / General, Military Journalism, Afghan War (2001-) fast (OCoLC)fst01695175, Iraq war, 2003-2011, Sunnites, Arab Spring, 2010-, Middle east, history, Middle east, politics and government, Iraq War, 2003-2011, Islam and politics, Shiites, History, Arab Spring (2010-) fast (OCoLC)fst01896290, Middle east, history, 21st century, Iraq War (2003-2011) fast (OCoLC)fst01802311, IS (Organization), Is (organization), Afghan War, 2001-2021

Description: "Presented in ... diary form, this substantial volume draws together a careful selection of Cockburn's writings from the frontlines of the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, interspersed with thoughtful analyses and contemporary, original reflection. What emerges is the fine grain and nuance of an unfolding tragedy in which, in contrast to the often facile proclamations of politicians and much of the media: "These are not black-and-white situations, good guys against bad, vile tyrant against a risen people like a scene out of Les Miserables. It is astonishing and depressing to see Western governments committing their countries to wars without recognizing this basic fact." The conflicts being fueled by such misunderstandings are today spilling over to cities in the West, provoking a backlash that learns little from recent history and is likely only to make things worse.--Publisher.