From Publishers Weekly
The author of Jihad: The Trial of Political Islam and a professor at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris, Kepel left for the Middle East in the wake of September 11. This first-person, high-level blog-like book, serialized in Le Monde in May 2002, proceeds day by day, beginning October 13, 2001, in autumnal Cairo, where he sees the impact of Osama bin Laden, a "great communicator," on Egypt's youth, and ending in April 2002 in L.A., contemplating Hollywood's failed attempts to come to grips with an "imperious, wounded America." Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
Praise for Kepel's Jihad: The Trial of Political Islam:
"The combination of scope and expertise puts this book in a league of its own."--The Washington Post

"[This book] is a compelling read that makes an appealing case."--The New York Times Book Review

"[A] masterly display of scholarship that describes how a radical idea spread through large segments of the Islamic world."--The Wall Street Journal

"Kepel's history has a wider focus than Ahmed Rashid's Jihad and more analytical depth than Robin Wright's Sacred Rage."--Booklist

"Kepel stands conventional wisdom on its head...this work stands out, both for its erudition and its provocative thesis."--Publishers Weekly

"...a sophisticated and timely work that places the events of September 11 in historical and sociopolitical context..."--Library Journal



Review
Praise for Kepel's Jihad: The Trial of Political Islam:
"The combination of scope and expertise puts this book in a league of its own."--The Washington Post
"[This book] is a compelling read that makes an appealing case."--The New York Times Book Review
"[A] masterly display of scholarship that describes how a radical idea spread through large segments of the Islamic world."--The Wall Street Journal
"Kepel's history has a wider focus than Ahmed Rashid's Jihad and more analytical depth than Robin Wright's Sacred Rage."--Booklist
"Kepel stands conventional wisdom on its head¿this work stands out, both for its erudition and its provocative thesis."--Publishers Weekly
"...a sophisticated and timely work that places the events of September 11 in historical and sociopolitical context..."--Library Journal



Book Description
Gilles Kepel--a renowned expert on Islam--traveled to the Middle East as the US was still struggling with shock from 9/11. He made startling observations, which are presented in this compelling book. He spoke to young people, students, preachers, imams, militants islamists, and political leaders. Topics discussed are: the popularity of Bin Laden; resentment for America, and issues of religious fanaticism.



About the Author
Gilles Kepel is a professor at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

While sensing the omens of a new war, Kepel's account reveals that the realities are more complex than commonly understood. Bin Laden is popular and religious fervour is on the rise, but many people have also found the path to moderation without blunting their critical instincts.

Throughout, Kepel asks the critical questions: Why is there so much resentment towards, but fascination for, the West?

FROM THE CRITICS

The Washington Post

… Gilles Kepel takes us on a swift journey through much of the Arab world, with brief stops in Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi -- not to mention Nazareth, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Gaza City, London, Washington, New York, Boston and Los Angeles. Kepel is a French academic who writes with deep knowledge, sympathy and engagement about Islam and the enduring struggle between modernism and fundamentalism. — Glenn Frankel

Publishers Weekly