What do you think?
Rate this book
Reconciliation
From the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who finished writing this extraordinary book just days before her assassination, comes a groundbreaking vision of how to bridge the widening gap between the Islamic world and the West. Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan in October 2007, after eight years of exile, hopeful that she could be a catalyst for change. Upon a tumultuous reception, she survived a suicide-bomb attack that killed nearly 200 of her countrymen. But she continued to forge ahead, with more courage and conviction than ever, since she knew that time was running out—for the future of her nation, and for her life. In Reconciliation , Bhutto recounts in gripping detail her final months in Pakistan and offers a bold new agenda for how to stem the tide of Islamic radicalism and to rediscover the values of tolerance and justice that lay at the heart of her religion. After reading this book, it will become even clearer what the world has lost by her assassination.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2008
222 people are currently reading
3048 people want to read
About the author
Benazir Bhutto
18 books87 followersIn the postcolonial era, Benazir Bhutto a Pakistani the first such woman, as prime minister from 1988 to 1990 and from 1993 to 1996 led a Muslim nation, faced accusations of corruption, went into self-imposed exile from 1998 to 2007, and afterward returned to reenter politics; people subsequently assassinated her at a campaign rally.
Benazir Bhutto chaired the center-left Peoples Party. People twice elected Bhutto to lead a state. She ranks as the only female to date.
Bhutto, the eldest child of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, of Sindhi and Shia faith, and Begum Nusrat Bhutto of Iranian and Kurdish descent. From town of Bhatto Kalan, situated in the Indian state of Haryana, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, her paternal grandfather, came to district of Larkana in Sindh before the independence.
People swore Bhutto for the time in 1988 at the age of 35 years, but from office on alleged grounds, the order of Ghulam Ishaq Khan, then president, removed her. In 1993, people reelected her.
Farooq Leghari, president, again removed Benazir Bhutto in 1996 on similar charges at this time. She moved in 1998 into Dubai.
Bhutto reached an understanding with Pervez Musharraf, president, who granted amnesty and withdrew all charges, and returned on 18 October 2007. She, an opposition candidate, led and departed peoples party in the city of Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled general election of 2008.
Benazir Bhutto chaired the center-left Peoples Party. People twice elected Bhutto to lead a state. She ranks as the only female to date.
Bhutto, the eldest child of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, of Sindhi and Shia faith, and Begum Nusrat Bhutto of Iranian and Kurdish descent. From town of Bhatto Kalan, situated in the Indian state of Haryana, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, her paternal grandfather, came to district of Larkana in Sindh before the independence.
People swore Bhutto for the time in 1988 at the age of 35 years, but from office on alleged grounds, the order of Ghulam Ishaq Khan, then president, removed her. In 1993, people reelected her.
Farooq Leghari, president, again removed Benazir Bhutto in 1996 on similar charges at this time. She moved in 1998 into Dubai.
Bhutto reached an understanding with Pervez Musharraf, president, who granted amnesty and withdrew all charges, and returned on 18 October 2007. She, an opposition candidate, led and departed peoples party in the city of Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled general election of 2008.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
May 5, 2021
A book which Benazir Bhutto herself penned and was published after her assassination. BB’s government was twice toppled due to high corruption charges. And this book clearly doesn’t talk about them. She illustrates about her life incidents but fails to provide a clear picture.
Her image in people’s mind would always be of her being a brave lady and that she was no doubt! However in this book she talks about terrorism, its link with Islam as portrayed by controlled media and how Western countries especially USA continue to influence and manipulate politics in Pakistan for their own benefit.
Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Her image in people’s mind would always be of her being a brave lady and that she was no doubt! However in this book she talks about terrorism, its link with Islam as portrayed by controlled media and how Western countries especially USA continue to influence and manipulate politics in Pakistan for their own benefit.
Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
April 9, 2008
Anyone who knew I was reading Reconciliation, knew that this book was a tough read for me. First, I rarely read works of non-fiction, and second, I didn't know much about the Islamic world/history, though I was vastly curious. But there was something about Benazir Bhutto that really drew me in. After she was killed, I wanted to know more about her--this strong female figure, in a male dominated Muslim world.
I may not agree with everything she said but this book has done a few things for me:
1. It has taught me the different sects of Islam and the religious differences between Sunnis and Shias, which seemed so confusing when you turn on the television.
2. It made Pakistani history digestible and showed how certain events shape the world that we live in today.
3. It made me understand the Islamic perspective for someone who really has a Western point of view.
4. It made me feel so grateful to be able to live in a free country, where I'll be treated with equality (for the most part ;)).
This book contains a multitude of information and to capture it in a few bullets doesn't seem to do it justice. I was frustrated that I was taking so long to read it but I'm glad I took the time and care to read the paragraphs, the chapters. I think the world has lost a great visionary, but I think her work, her political party, and her democratic dreams will live on and I hope to see one day that her aspirations come to fruition.
I may not agree with everything she said but this book has done a few things for me:
1. It has taught me the different sects of Islam and the religious differences between Sunnis and Shias, which seemed so confusing when you turn on the television.
2. It made Pakistani history digestible and showed how certain events shape the world that we live in today.
3. It made me understand the Islamic perspective for someone who really has a Western point of view.
4. It made me feel so grateful to be able to live in a free country, where I'll be treated with equality (for the most part ;)).
This book contains a multitude of information and to capture it in a few bullets doesn't seem to do it justice. I was frustrated that I was taking so long to read it but I'm glad I took the time and care to read the paragraphs, the chapters. I think the world has lost a great visionary, but I think her work, her political party, and her democratic dreams will live on and I hope to see one day that her aspirations come to fruition.
April 20, 2008
Benazir Bhutto first caught my eye many years ago when I noticed that she was prime minister of Pakistan. I was heartened to see a female leader in an Islamic nation because Islamic societies have a reputation for cruelty to women with Pakistan not being the least among them in this regard. Although I admired her and thought it a bad thing when she lost power and Pakistan descended again into military dictatorship, I did not really know anything about her politics. Naturally upset by Bhutto’s assassination, I ordered her book and hoped to learn something about her.
Reconciliation proved to be the political manifesto of a courageous fighter for democracy. While reading it, I would sicken with regret that she was no longer alive to promote the ideas in her book. Her vision is badly needed by Pakistan and the world.
She opens her book by recounting her headstrong return to Pakistan after eight years of exile in anticipation of elections. As a westerner I had heard in the news about the 179 deaths that resulted from the suicide bomber attacks that greeted her return. The slim facts to which I had been exposed failed to reveal what a tremendous event had taken place upon Bhutto’s return to her homeland in October 2007. She stated that three million people lined the streets of Karachi to welcome her. Imagine a crowd of three million gathering for a politician.
She wrote that the power was cut throughout Karachi so that the traffic lights and street lights would be out. This prevented cameras from capturing the size of the crowd. The lack of power and absence of help from the Pakistani government for security added to her danger as she progressed through the adoring crowds in an armored vehicle. Hundreds of young men walked around her vehicle to form a human shield to protect her from attack. I was greatly moved to hear of these men who risked their lives for her. They did it because they believe in democracy. They want a government of the people and for the people. Such a pity that my news only talks about suicide bombers and not true martyrs such as these men. Many of them died in the ensuing explosions and sniper fire that descended upon her. Bhutto survived this attack, but she only had two more months to live.
Reconciliation goes on to explain Bhutto’s deeply held belief that Islam is not opposed to democracy. Through extensive theological research, she shows that Islam as a religion and philosophy is perfectly capable of promoting and supporting democracy.
Bhutto then sadly acknowledges the fact that much of the Islamic world suffers under tyrannies. She blames both the colonial period, the foreign policy of the United States, and Islamic peoples for complaining about these things instead of doing more to fix their societies and reduce corruption, promote economic growth, and promote social justice.
She blames the tyrannical dictatorships for producing fertile grounds for extremism and terrorism. Tyrannies stifle societies and restrict free speech. Populations under such repressive regimes despair because they have no power over their situations. In such climates terrorists and fundamentalists with Medieval philosophies gain power and influence.
The last half of the book attacks the rising philosophy known as the clash of civilizations that says conflict between the West and Islam is inevitable. With facts and support from many scholars she dismantles this theory, but warns that it could produce a self-fulfilling prophecy if it is given credence by policy makers, as is apparently being done.
Bhutto concludes by presenting her many ideas for fostering democracy throughout the world and bringing peace between civilizations. Her research showed that democracies tend not to go to war with each other, so therefore if democracy could flourish within the Islamic world, then peace would prevail. Bhutto proposed massive investments in education, women’s rights, and the creation of organizations to support civil institutions. These actions and many more are badly needed in the Islamic world, where studies show that the majority of people desire democratic government and institutions.
She warns that if the international community and the peoples of Islam continue to leave many countries to fester under tyranny, extremism and terrorism will thrive. She supports this assertion with the fact that extremists and terrorists have increased their power substantially within Pakistan since dictatorship took hold again. Large portions of the country are completely under the control of vicious fundamentalists that offer only war, poverty, and misery.
Everyone should read Reconciliation because the ideas that it contains are so crucial to improving the lives of billions of people. Her ideas are certainly worth trying because the alternatives are so bad. As a written work, this book swings between dry scholarly discussions and impassioned accounts from Bhutto’s life. This sometimes made it a chore to read, but I learned many things and was often moved to tears.
The loss of Benazir Bhutto leaves the world in that much more jeopardy of suffering a clash of civilizations. She was a brave leader. I have no doubt that the Pakistanis will honor and revere her for generations. Pakistan remains seriously troubled and terrorists increasingly make it a base of operations, but at least I can believe that there are millions of Muslims who want it to be very different. The brutal murder of Benazir Bhutto robbed her nation of an astute politician who could fight the good fight, but I can hope that the students attending the tens of thousands of schools that she built are learning good lessons. If not for her, they would likely be illiterate or attending a terrorist-run madrassa. Progress has been made but the need of the world remains great.
Reconciliation proved to be the political manifesto of a courageous fighter for democracy. While reading it, I would sicken with regret that she was no longer alive to promote the ideas in her book. Her vision is badly needed by Pakistan and the world.
She opens her book by recounting her headstrong return to Pakistan after eight years of exile in anticipation of elections. As a westerner I had heard in the news about the 179 deaths that resulted from the suicide bomber attacks that greeted her return. The slim facts to which I had been exposed failed to reveal what a tremendous event had taken place upon Bhutto’s return to her homeland in October 2007. She stated that three million people lined the streets of Karachi to welcome her. Imagine a crowd of three million gathering for a politician.
She wrote that the power was cut throughout Karachi so that the traffic lights and street lights would be out. This prevented cameras from capturing the size of the crowd. The lack of power and absence of help from the Pakistani government for security added to her danger as she progressed through the adoring crowds in an armored vehicle. Hundreds of young men walked around her vehicle to form a human shield to protect her from attack. I was greatly moved to hear of these men who risked their lives for her. They did it because they believe in democracy. They want a government of the people and for the people. Such a pity that my news only talks about suicide bombers and not true martyrs such as these men. Many of them died in the ensuing explosions and sniper fire that descended upon her. Bhutto survived this attack, but she only had two more months to live.
Reconciliation goes on to explain Bhutto’s deeply held belief that Islam is not opposed to democracy. Through extensive theological research, she shows that Islam as a religion and philosophy is perfectly capable of promoting and supporting democracy.
Bhutto then sadly acknowledges the fact that much of the Islamic world suffers under tyrannies. She blames both the colonial period, the foreign policy of the United States, and Islamic peoples for complaining about these things instead of doing more to fix their societies and reduce corruption, promote economic growth, and promote social justice.
She blames the tyrannical dictatorships for producing fertile grounds for extremism and terrorism. Tyrannies stifle societies and restrict free speech. Populations under such repressive regimes despair because they have no power over their situations. In such climates terrorists and fundamentalists with Medieval philosophies gain power and influence.
The last half of the book attacks the rising philosophy known as the clash of civilizations that says conflict between the West and Islam is inevitable. With facts and support from many scholars she dismantles this theory, but warns that it could produce a self-fulfilling prophecy if it is given credence by policy makers, as is apparently being done.
Bhutto concludes by presenting her many ideas for fostering democracy throughout the world and bringing peace between civilizations. Her research showed that democracies tend not to go to war with each other, so therefore if democracy could flourish within the Islamic world, then peace would prevail. Bhutto proposed massive investments in education, women’s rights, and the creation of organizations to support civil institutions. These actions and many more are badly needed in the Islamic world, where studies show that the majority of people desire democratic government and institutions.
She warns that if the international community and the peoples of Islam continue to leave many countries to fester under tyranny, extremism and terrorism will thrive. She supports this assertion with the fact that extremists and terrorists have increased their power substantially within Pakistan since dictatorship took hold again. Large portions of the country are completely under the control of vicious fundamentalists that offer only war, poverty, and misery.
Everyone should read Reconciliation because the ideas that it contains are so crucial to improving the lives of billions of people. Her ideas are certainly worth trying because the alternatives are so bad. As a written work, this book swings between dry scholarly discussions and impassioned accounts from Bhutto’s life. This sometimes made it a chore to read, but I learned many things and was often moved to tears.
The loss of Benazir Bhutto leaves the world in that much more jeopardy of suffering a clash of civilizations. She was a brave leader. I have no doubt that the Pakistanis will honor and revere her for generations. Pakistan remains seriously troubled and terrorists increasingly make it a base of operations, but at least I can believe that there are millions of Muslims who want it to be very different. The brutal murder of Benazir Bhutto robbed her nation of an astute politician who could fight the good fight, but I can hope that the students attending the tens of thousands of schools that she built are learning good lessons. If not for her, they would likely be illiterate or attending a terrorist-run madrassa. Progress has been made but the need of the world remains great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2009
I picked up this book thinking that Benazir Bhutto was going to be my hero but I was very disappointed. I know she is heroic and was a martyr for her cause -- Islamic Democracy -- and I wanted to know more about that. About how she promoted women and freedom and voice to the people of Pakistan. I loved to hear about her optimism about how Islam is a peaceful religion that has been hijacked by extremists who stray from the real messages of the Quran. That message was pounded into my brain at my liberal arts college. But I am starting to become less satisfied with that explanation. I want to know more. I was hoping to get more with this book. But I did not.
I know that Islam is a beautiful religion. It fascinates me and I believe that Mohammad could have been a prophet much like Jesus and others. His message was of peace and love. I understand that people misconstrue the text of the Quran to fit their own religious ideologies. People do that with the Bible, too.
But then why isn't there such extremism in Judaism and Christianity? Why do Jews and Christians generally enjoy more freedoms than Muslims? Why has democracy stuck in the West but seems almost impossible in the Middle East? Why isn't there the terrorism we see in Judaism and Christianity that we see in Islam? Bhutto says that there is terrorism in Christianity and sites bombings of abortion clinics. Are we really going there? We're comparing that to September 11th or the bombings that happen in Pakistan every single day? And I'm sure they're reallllly pro-choice in Pakistan. (Har har.)
I don't want to believe that Islam is inherently less peaceful than Christianity and Judaism. I don't want to! But then what is going on here? That is what I'm dying to know, and I cannot get an answer. I was hoping to find an answer in Bhutto's book, but instead found stereotypes and falsities about Christianity, and narrowmindedness about being a Muslim.
She tends to quote the Quran (ex. "And if your Lord had pleased He would certainly have made people a single nation, and they shall continue to differ.") and then summarize the text, saying "This means that... blahdiddy blahdiddy blah. That God created diversity and asked believers to be just and to desire justice in the world." Ms. Bhutto, it's nice that this is how you read the text. I wish more people were like you. But hundreds and thousands of Muslims do not accept diversity, and that is the problem. That is what scares people. What do we do about that?
She says that Islam "has actually embraced other cultures and religions in ways much more accepting and respectful than any of the other great monotheistic religions of our time in their early periods. Islam may now
have the image of being closed and intolerant, but nothing could be further from the truth, as much as
extremists would like the world to think otherwise." Some of Islam is closed and intolerant -- there are things further from the truth. Don't lie to us. It makes me doubt everything you say.
Another summary of the Quranic text: "And if your Lord had pleased He would certainly have made people a single nation, and they shall continue to differ." This means that God created diversity and asked
believers to be just and to desire justice in the world. The Quran acknowledges that salvation can be achieved in all monotheistic religions. Islam embraces all humanity under one God, discrediting all other exclusive religions clams to salvation. I don't believe there is anything quite like this in any religion on earth." In Benazir Bhutto's Islam, Islam embraces all humanity under one God. Yay! That's her interpretation and I love it. But wait a second... she's discrediting Christianity. And in my interpretation of Christianity, all of humanity is embraced ... not just under one God. Everyone. Not just Monotheistic faiths. She criticizes the Bible for saying that Jesus is the "Way The Truth and the Light." But to me, that means that He is the Way the Truth and the Light for Christians. For me. Not everyone. People assume that quote implies exclusivity, for some absurd reason. To me, it doesn't. Ms. Bhutto, if you're going to be liberal with interpreting your sacred text, please let me do the same with mine. (BTW, "Islam accepts as worthy of salvation all those who believe in one god as the Master and Creator" seems like a false statement to me. Aren't Muslims who convert religions considered "apostates," a capital offense?)
There is a lot more shit that I don't agree with, but one point made me a little angry:
"Recently on American television, the right-wing commentator Ann Coulter created a great stir by suggesting that Jews need to be "perfected" and by being perfected would become Christians. She repeatedly called Christians "perfected Jews." There is no parallel concept of exclusion anywhere in Islamic holy texts and doctrine. In Islam, all monotheistic religions are seen as paths to salvation."
Can we please not compare Ann Couter's bigoted rants to Islamic holy texts and doctrine? Can she please not be sited as the source? She is an extreme shock jock and shouldn't be taken seriously. That was a low blow, Ms. Bhutto, and that isn't fair.
I don't know a great deal about Middle East politics, so I was impressed with Bhutto's analysis on the democratic growth across the Muslim world, and I really do love her vision of a democratic Muslim World. "Importantly, the Quran gives authority to human representatives on earth (i.e. government): "O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you." This passage is the basic building block of government, as it allows for human authority on earth: government." Great. Let's spread that word around. And Bhutto does give full blame on the West for the dictatorship and stunt of growth in the East. And I don't know enough about Foreign policy to argue with her. But because I found so many falsities in her rants on
Christianity, I have to wonder if she hasn't exaggerated here, too.
I enjoyed Bhuttos's vision for Democracy. I just had some issues with her religious views. I think I'd like to read a book about the good she has done -- one that focuses on her political career. Any suggestions?
I know that Islam is a beautiful religion. It fascinates me and I believe that Mohammad could have been a prophet much like Jesus and others. His message was of peace and love. I understand that people misconstrue the text of the Quran to fit their own religious ideologies. People do that with the Bible, too.
But then why isn't there such extremism in Judaism and Christianity? Why do Jews and Christians generally enjoy more freedoms than Muslims? Why has democracy stuck in the West but seems almost impossible in the Middle East? Why isn't there the terrorism we see in Judaism and Christianity that we see in Islam? Bhutto says that there is terrorism in Christianity and sites bombings of abortion clinics. Are we really going there? We're comparing that to September 11th or the bombings that happen in Pakistan every single day? And I'm sure they're reallllly pro-choice in Pakistan. (Har har.)
I don't want to believe that Islam is inherently less peaceful than Christianity and Judaism. I don't want to! But then what is going on here? That is what I'm dying to know, and I cannot get an answer. I was hoping to find an answer in Bhutto's book, but instead found stereotypes and falsities about Christianity, and narrowmindedness about being a Muslim.
She tends to quote the Quran (ex. "And if your Lord had pleased He would certainly have made people a single nation, and they shall continue to differ.") and then summarize the text, saying "This means that... blahdiddy blahdiddy blah. That God created diversity and asked believers to be just and to desire justice in the world." Ms. Bhutto, it's nice that this is how you read the text. I wish more people were like you. But hundreds and thousands of Muslims do not accept diversity, and that is the problem. That is what scares people. What do we do about that?
She says that Islam "has actually embraced other cultures and religions in ways much more accepting and respectful than any of the other great monotheistic religions of our time in their early periods. Islam may now
have the image of being closed and intolerant, but nothing could be further from the truth, as much as
extremists would like the world to think otherwise." Some of Islam is closed and intolerant -- there are things further from the truth. Don't lie to us. It makes me doubt everything you say.
Another summary of the Quranic text: "And if your Lord had pleased He would certainly have made people a single nation, and they shall continue to differ." This means that God created diversity and asked
believers to be just and to desire justice in the world. The Quran acknowledges that salvation can be achieved in all monotheistic religions. Islam embraces all humanity under one God, discrediting all other exclusive religions clams to salvation. I don't believe there is anything quite like this in any religion on earth." In Benazir Bhutto's Islam, Islam embraces all humanity under one God. Yay! That's her interpretation and I love it. But wait a second... she's discrediting Christianity. And in my interpretation of Christianity, all of humanity is embraced ... not just under one God. Everyone. Not just Monotheistic faiths. She criticizes the Bible for saying that Jesus is the "Way The Truth and the Light." But to me, that means that He is the Way the Truth and the Light for Christians. For me. Not everyone. People assume that quote implies exclusivity, for some absurd reason. To me, it doesn't. Ms. Bhutto, if you're going to be liberal with interpreting your sacred text, please let me do the same with mine. (BTW, "Islam accepts as worthy of salvation all those who believe in one god as the Master and Creator" seems like a false statement to me. Aren't Muslims who convert religions considered "apostates," a capital offense?)
There is a lot more shit that I don't agree with, but one point made me a little angry:
"Recently on American television, the right-wing commentator Ann Coulter created a great stir by suggesting that Jews need to be "perfected" and by being perfected would become Christians. She repeatedly called Christians "perfected Jews." There is no parallel concept of exclusion anywhere in Islamic holy texts and doctrine. In Islam, all monotheistic religions are seen as paths to salvation."
Can we please not compare Ann Couter's bigoted rants to Islamic holy texts and doctrine? Can she please not be sited as the source? She is an extreme shock jock and shouldn't be taken seriously. That was a low blow, Ms. Bhutto, and that isn't fair.
I don't know a great deal about Middle East politics, so I was impressed with Bhutto's analysis on the democratic growth across the Muslim world, and I really do love her vision of a democratic Muslim World. "Importantly, the Quran gives authority to human representatives on earth (i.e. government): "O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you." This passage is the basic building block of government, as it allows for human authority on earth: government." Great. Let's spread that word around. And Bhutto does give full blame on the West for the dictatorship and stunt of growth in the East. And I don't know enough about Foreign policy to argue with her. But because I found so many falsities in her rants on
Christianity, I have to wonder if she hasn't exaggerated here, too.
I enjoyed Bhuttos's vision for Democracy. I just had some issues with her religious views. I think I'd like to read a book about the good she has done -- one that focuses on her political career. Any suggestions?
Read
September 12, 2008I really wanted to like this book more than I did.
Unfortunately, the author spends most of chapter 2 quoting passages from the Quran in an attempt to prove that Islam is not a violent or mysogynist religion. Like trying to read the Bible, this just made my eyes glaze over (MEGO).
Now I don't pretend to know a lot about Islam. But when her interpretation of the evidence is along the lines of "a close reading shows that it does not advocate violence against people of the book, only those who reject God and his teachings outright" (p. 24), I'm not reassured.
I'm sure volumes have been written on the subject, but Bhutto displays a certain arrogance in expecting the reader to believe that she has definitively settled the matter about the nature of Islam.
In what seems like several hundred pages later, the book gets better in chapter 3, when she recounts the often shameful history of the U.S. and Britain's -- especially in the Cold War era -- actions in the Middle East. Look up "Operation Ajax." And chapter 4, the history of Pakistan, is worth reading.
And if I recall correctly, Bhutto does acknowledge that Muslim nations are less free than other nations (as ranked by Freedom House), and that this failure cannot all be blamed on the West. Many of the problems are related to Arab culture.
Bhutto's credibility is not enhanced when she dismisses Ayaan Hirsi Ali for "her attacks on Islam and even on the Prophet himself have I believe put her outside the rational, useful debate over competing cultures" (p.248). See also http://www.peeniewallie.com/2007/10/a...
Bhutto then concludes by calling for the creation of some government and NGO programs -- a "twenty-first-century Marshall Plan to assist the Islamic world to leap into modernity" (p. 304).
Rather than wade through book, I'd recommend two, much shorter, essays
(1) "Spotting the Losers: Seven Signs of Non-Competitive States" by Ralph Peters (Spring 1998)
http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/Pa...
In case you're curious, the seven signs are
* Restrictions on the free flow of information.
* The subjugation of women.
* Inability to accept responsibility for individual or collective failure.
* The extended family or clan as the basic unit of social organization.
* Domination by a restrictive religion.
* A low valuation of education.
* Low prestige assigned to work.
(2) "Who Is Our Enemy" by Steven den Beste (September 2002)
http://www.denbeste.nu/cd_log_entries...
...The only Arab nations which have prospered have done so entirely because of the accident of mineral wealth. Using money from export of oil, they imported a high tech infrastructure. They drive western cars. They use western cell phones. They built western high-rise steel frame buildings. They created superhighways and in every way implemented the trappings of western prosperity.
Or rather, they paid westerners to create all those things for them. They didn't build or create any of it themselves. It's all parasitic. And they also buy the technical skill to keep it running....
PS -- Interestingly, the first blurb on the back cover is by Walter Isaacson, author of the Einstein biography I read before this book.
Unfortunately, the author spends most of chapter 2 quoting passages from the Quran in an attempt to prove that Islam is not a violent or mysogynist religion. Like trying to read the Bible, this just made my eyes glaze over (MEGO).
Now I don't pretend to know a lot about Islam. But when her interpretation of the evidence is along the lines of "a close reading shows that it does not advocate violence against people of the book, only those who reject God and his teachings outright" (p. 24), I'm not reassured.
I'm sure volumes have been written on the subject, but Bhutto displays a certain arrogance in expecting the reader to believe that she has definitively settled the matter about the nature of Islam.
In what seems like several hundred pages later, the book gets better in chapter 3, when she recounts the often shameful history of the U.S. and Britain's -- especially in the Cold War era -- actions in the Middle East. Look up "Operation Ajax." And chapter 4, the history of Pakistan, is worth reading.
And if I recall correctly, Bhutto does acknowledge that Muslim nations are less free than other nations (as ranked by Freedom House), and that this failure cannot all be blamed on the West. Many of the problems are related to Arab culture.
Bhutto's credibility is not enhanced when she dismisses Ayaan Hirsi Ali for "her attacks on Islam and even on the Prophet himself have I believe put her outside the rational, useful debate over competing cultures" (p.248). See also http://www.peeniewallie.com/2007/10/a...
Bhutto then concludes by calling for the creation of some government and NGO programs -- a "twenty-first-century Marshall Plan to assist the Islamic world to leap into modernity" (p. 304).
Rather than wade through book, I'd recommend two, much shorter, essays
(1) "Spotting the Losers: Seven Signs of Non-Competitive States" by Ralph Peters (Spring 1998)
http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/Pa...
In case you're curious, the seven signs are
* Restrictions on the free flow of information.
* The subjugation of women.
* Inability to accept responsibility for individual or collective failure.
* The extended family or clan as the basic unit of social organization.
* Domination by a restrictive religion.
* A low valuation of education.
* Low prestige assigned to work.
(2) "Who Is Our Enemy" by Steven den Beste (September 2002)
http://www.denbeste.nu/cd_log_entries...
...The only Arab nations which have prospered have done so entirely because of the accident of mineral wealth. Using money from export of oil, they imported a high tech infrastructure. They drive western cars. They use western cell phones. They built western high-rise steel frame buildings. They created superhighways and in every way implemented the trappings of western prosperity.
Or rather, they paid westerners to create all those things for them. They didn't build or create any of it themselves. It's all parasitic. And they also buy the technical skill to keep it running....
PS -- Interestingly, the first blurb on the back cover is by Walter Isaacson, author of the Einstein biography I read before this book.
August 18, 2019
নিজস্ব সংস্কৃতি না; পশ্চিমা বিশ্ব ঘেষা মনে হলো তাকে । অনেকটা পা চাটা কুকুরের মত । ( দুঃখিত , এতো বড় একজন নেতা সম্পর্কে এভাবে বলার জন্য ) ।
ইসলাম সম্পর্কে তার ধারনাটাও পছন্দ হয় নাই । আর, আমাদের মুক্তিযুদ্ধ সম্পর্কে নিজে কিছুই না বলে উনার বাবার ধারনাগুলো ছোট্ট করে বলে গেলেন , সাফাই গাওয়ার মত ।
ইসলাম সম্পর্কে তার ধারনাটাও পছন্দ হয় নাই । আর, আমাদের মুক্তিযুদ্ধ সম্পর্কে নিজে কিছুই না বলে উনার বাবার ধারনাগুলো ছোট্ট করে বলে গেলেন , সাফাই গাওয়ার মত ।
July 19, 2015
I read Benazir Bhutto's daughter of the East first, which was published in 1989. The Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West was published in 2008. An approximate 19 years gap between the two books. Daughter of the East voiced the ideas in the capacity of a daughter whereas this book in comparison was written by a transformed intellectual visionary.
This book is divided into 6 chapters. The first chapter deals with Benazir Bhutto's return to Pakistan from her political exile and the failed assassination attack on her life.
The second part is by far the most enlightening and my favorite part of the book. It analyses democracy in Islamic framework and establishes that democracy as an ideology sits in the heart of Islam.
The third part is a very difficult and bitter lesson in history. She presents Muslim nations as case studies to highlight the involvement of West (for political and economical agendas) which resulted in the disruption of progress. She emphasizes that the West had no doubt exacerbated the issues faced by Muslim countries but the burden of responsibility lies with us as well. And we must take charge of our situations now and continue working towards freedom.
The fourth part deals directly with the political history of Pakistan. I was always a bit resentful towards India for having progressed so far whereas we born at the same time had hardly moved a few steps forward. Benazir Bhutto provides plausible explanations which put the matter to rest for me: - The founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah died one year after we were declared independent which can be analogous to a baby orphaned at birth.
- The second that INC had grassroots organization through experience
- 1948 war left us feeling vulnerable and hence we focused on our military thereafter rather than social and economic growth.
- The inequality in distribution of resources post-independence.
The fifth part is a critical analysis of Samuel Huntington's "the clash of civilization" A dangerous self-fulfilling prophecy - Clashers versus Reconciliationists.
The last part is a call to strengthen our nations through modernization. It is a call to the West to open their minds and it is an equally important call to the East to open their hearts.
Her closing quote pretty much summarizes her position:
"I appreciate that what I propose-from what the Muslim states must do to what the West must do-is huge and may seem daunting and even impossible. I make these recommendations because the times require something more than business as usual. Much of what is recommended is somewhat out of the box. But staying within the box has brought poverty, ignorance, hopelessness, violence and dictatorship to far too many Muslims around the world. Staying within the box has set Islam and the West on a dangerous and unnecessary collision course. It is time for new ideas. It is time for creativity.It is time for bold commitment. And it is time for honesty, both among people and between people. That is what I have tried to do in these pages. There has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation ."
An absolutely must read treatise on Islam, Democracy and the West!
This book is divided into 6 chapters. The first chapter deals with Benazir Bhutto's return to Pakistan from her political exile and the failed assassination attack on her life.
The second part is by far the most enlightening and my favorite part of the book. It analyses democracy in Islamic framework and establishes that democracy as an ideology sits in the heart of Islam.
The third part is a very difficult and bitter lesson in history. She presents Muslim nations as case studies to highlight the involvement of West (for political and economical agendas) which resulted in the disruption of progress. She emphasizes that the West had no doubt exacerbated the issues faced by Muslim countries but the burden of responsibility lies with us as well. And we must take charge of our situations now and continue working towards freedom.
The fourth part deals directly with the political history of Pakistan. I was always a bit resentful towards India for having progressed so far whereas we born at the same time had hardly moved a few steps forward. Benazir Bhutto provides plausible explanations which put the matter to rest for me: - The founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah died one year after we were declared independent which can be analogous to a baby orphaned at birth.
- The second that INC had grassroots organization through experience
- 1948 war left us feeling vulnerable and hence we focused on our military thereafter rather than social and economic growth.
- The inequality in distribution of resources post-independence.
The fifth part is a critical analysis of Samuel Huntington's "the clash of civilization" A dangerous self-fulfilling prophecy - Clashers versus Reconciliationists.
The last part is a call to strengthen our nations through modernization. It is a call to the West to open their minds and it is an equally important call to the East to open their hearts.
Her closing quote pretty much summarizes her position:
"I appreciate that what I propose-from what the Muslim states must do to what the West must do-is huge and may seem daunting and even impossible. I make these recommendations because the times require something more than business as usual. Much of what is recommended is somewhat out of the box. But staying within the box has brought poverty, ignorance, hopelessness, violence and dictatorship to far too many Muslims around the world. Staying within the box has set Islam and the West on a dangerous and unnecessary collision course. It is time for new ideas. It is time for creativity.It is time for bold commitment. And it is time for honesty, both among people and between people. That is what I have tried to do in these pages. There has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation ."
An absolutely must read treatise on Islam, Democracy and the West!
July 9, 2013
I picked up this book thinking "Yeah! A Muslim woman's perspective on Islamic culture and the West. And she was even prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. She ought to have a ton of insights." Sadly, my enthusiasm was short-lived. This book had many interesting parts, but ultimately ended up being unpersuasive and tedious for a few reasons.
First of all, I am skeptical of anyone who gives one verse of a holy scripture, explains how it supports their point of view and moves on without further sources or even counterarguments to what opponents might say about that verse. Bhutto does this several times in the sections about woman's rights, religious tolerance/freedom and violence in Islam. It doesn't make for a persuasive argument.
During the recounting of the history of Pakistan, there were no criticisms of anything her grandfather or her father did. She seemed unable to look at the situations objectively. I realize that it's not an easy thing to do. But once a section becomes purely justifications and defenses and blaming people-who-aren't-your-family, I start wondering what the truth actually is. This suspicion was increased when I spoke with a coworker who grew up while Bhutto was prime minister. My coworker essentially said "It's generally thought in Pakistan that Bhutto wanted to be prime minster to get revenge on her father's killers."
The editing and stylistic choices were sometimes not conducive to an audiobook setting. As one of my status updates said, there was a point in the book where almost every sentence had the word "civilization". Possibly not that big of a deal if I was actually reading the book, but hearing the word "civilization" over and over again grated on my nerves after 10 minutes.
There are also a few factual errors I caught, such as her claim that Muslim territorial expansion ended in the 9th century. Which makes me wonder what other claims needed fact-checker.
Ultimately, I wonder if many of the problems I had with this book might have been fixed if there were proper editing and a little more time for Bhutto herself to bring it together cohesively. I get the sense that this was a semi-finished book thrown together by her family/supporters/publishers quickly so that people could read her thoughts before her name left the front page. (It was published only a few months after her death).
Overall, a good read in the sense that I learned a lot, even if I'm taking it with a large grain of salt. But I wouldn't recommend it.
First of all, I am skeptical of anyone who gives one verse of a holy scripture, explains how it supports their point of view and moves on without further sources or even counterarguments to what opponents might say about that verse. Bhutto does this several times in the sections about woman's rights, religious tolerance/freedom and violence in Islam. It doesn't make for a persuasive argument.
During the recounting of the history of Pakistan, there were no criticisms of anything her grandfather or her father did. She seemed unable to look at the situations objectively. I realize that it's not an easy thing to do. But once a section becomes purely justifications and defenses and blaming people-who-aren't-your-family, I start wondering what the truth actually is. This suspicion was increased when I spoke with a coworker who grew up while Bhutto was prime minister. My coworker essentially said "It's generally thought in Pakistan that Bhutto wanted to be prime minster to get revenge on her father's killers."
The editing and stylistic choices were sometimes not conducive to an audiobook setting. As one of my status updates said, there was a point in the book where almost every sentence had the word "civilization". Possibly not that big of a deal if I was actually reading the book, but hearing the word "civilization" over and over again grated on my nerves after 10 minutes.
There are also a few factual errors I caught, such as her claim that Muslim territorial expansion ended in the 9th century. Which makes me wonder what other claims needed fact-checker.
Ultimately, I wonder if many of the problems I had with this book might have been fixed if there were proper editing and a little more time for Bhutto herself to bring it together cohesively. I get the sense that this was a semi-finished book thrown together by her family/supporters/publishers quickly so that people could read her thoughts before her name left the front page. (It was published only a few months after her death).
Overall, a good read in the sense that I learned a lot, even if I'm taking it with a large grain of salt. But I wouldn't recommend it.
April 20, 2008
Non-extremist views of Islam and how f-up the US is politically.
May 6, 2009
I wasn't sure what to make of this book the first time I looked at it. For lack of a better term, I thought of it as an idealistic rant, albeit truly heroic and well written. The problem was that I had already read The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel Huntington and frankly I thought he was pretty much correct. Even if he wasn't, I had no doubt that dippy Islamist control freaks were set on molding the relatively ignorant masses to their way of thinking. As a matter of fact, that is one view I haven't changed in the last ten years. The problem has just gotten worse.
When I read the book for a book club, this time I spent some more time examining what she said as history. Bhutto makes very good points concerning the substantial commonality of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: all have a common father in Abraham. Abraham fathered his first son Ishmael by his wife's handmaid (at her insistence since she was around 90) and then miraculously Isaac by his ancient wife Sara.
However, Ishmael, later the traditional father of Islam, is driven away and it is Isaac is nearly sacrificed to God by Abraham. Traditional Islam says that Isaac stole Ishmael’s birthright and the Jews rewrote the story. However, in the Qur’an, it simply states tat Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son. The son is not named. The problem comes when Muslim scholars assume that it was Ishmael who was meant even though it does not state that it was he. I mention this issue, first because most people just don’t understand the foundation, but also because this, in a nutshell, is what the modern fight is all about. It’s not religion, but control of the hearts and minds, kind of like NBC would like.
It is Bhutto’s point of view that education can overcome this ignorance and then everyone can get together and play nice. I would tend to agree, but there are some very wealthy and powerful Islamists who don’t find it to their benefit that the common people actually find out what is really going on. Yeah, yeah, I know: Israel is somehow evil and nasty! What a bunch of punks! Once again, it’s about control more than it is about religion.
If you think of about 500 years ago when Tyndale was burned at the stake (strangled at the same time oddly enough) for translating the Bible into English, then you have the idea of what it means to have religious control (Henry VIII) over people. In England, oddly enough, some 3 years after his death, they decided it was a good idea after all and produced An English Bible and then, finally, the King James version in 1611. This latter Bible, by the way, used almost all of Tyndale’s translation. Sorry William!
The best part of this book is when Bhutto takes Huntington’s paper by the horns and wrestles with it. She makes very valid points and I agree that these things could happen if only some people would get their collective heads out of their Islamic butts…and the US will continue giving Pakistan money. I really wanted to agree with her too, but then there’s one minor point: the Taliban had her executed before she could ensure that women in Pakistan could actually have the right to tell some misogynist asshole they were forced to marry to take a hike! Along with that, I really can’t understand what these people are going to do to raise their standard of living unless they grow more poppies or invent some new software which takes the world by storm.
In fairness, this woman knew that they were after her and that she would probably be killed but she returned to Pakistan anyway. I admire women who stand up and tell morons to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I think she was right too. I just don’t think that there is enough goodness left in this world to counter all the evil schmucks that are already here, in Pakistan as well as in the West. God bless her for being brave enough to try and also for writing this idealistic book: maybe one day, some other woman will read her book and figure out what to do. I’m still an idealist because I have faith that things will ultimately be different.
When I read the book for a book club, this time I spent some more time examining what she said as history. Bhutto makes very good points concerning the substantial commonality of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: all have a common father in Abraham. Abraham fathered his first son Ishmael by his wife's handmaid (at her insistence since she was around 90) and then miraculously Isaac by his ancient wife Sara.
However, Ishmael, later the traditional father of Islam, is driven away and it is Isaac is nearly sacrificed to God by Abraham. Traditional Islam says that Isaac stole Ishmael’s birthright and the Jews rewrote the story. However, in the Qur’an, it simply states tat Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son. The son is not named. The problem comes when Muslim scholars assume that it was Ishmael who was meant even though it does not state that it was he. I mention this issue, first because most people just don’t understand the foundation, but also because this, in a nutshell, is what the modern fight is all about. It’s not religion, but control of the hearts and minds, kind of like NBC would like.
It is Bhutto’s point of view that education can overcome this ignorance and then everyone can get together and play nice. I would tend to agree, but there are some very wealthy and powerful Islamists who don’t find it to their benefit that the common people actually find out what is really going on. Yeah, yeah, I know: Israel is somehow evil and nasty! What a bunch of punks! Once again, it’s about control more than it is about religion.
If you think of about 500 years ago when Tyndale was burned at the stake (strangled at the same time oddly enough) for translating the Bible into English, then you have the idea of what it means to have religious control (Henry VIII) over people. In England, oddly enough, some 3 years after his death, they decided it was a good idea after all and produced An English Bible and then, finally, the King James version in 1611. This latter Bible, by the way, used almost all of Tyndale’s translation. Sorry William!
The best part of this book is when Bhutto takes Huntington’s paper by the horns and wrestles with it. She makes very valid points and I agree that these things could happen if only some people would get their collective heads out of their Islamic butts…and the US will continue giving Pakistan money. I really wanted to agree with her too, but then there’s one minor point: the Taliban had her executed before she could ensure that women in Pakistan could actually have the right to tell some misogynist asshole they were forced to marry to take a hike! Along with that, I really can’t understand what these people are going to do to raise their standard of living unless they grow more poppies or invent some new software which takes the world by storm.
In fairness, this woman knew that they were after her and that she would probably be killed but she returned to Pakistan anyway. I admire women who stand up and tell morons to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I think she was right too. I just don’t think that there is enough goodness left in this world to counter all the evil schmucks that are already here, in Pakistan as well as in the West. God bless her for being brave enough to try and also for writing this idealistic book: maybe one day, some other woman will read her book and figure out what to do. I’m still an idealist because I have faith that things will ultimately be different.
May 3, 2012
I felt that Reconciliation could've/should've been divided into at least 2, maybe even 3 separate books. A huge chunk in the middle deals with Pakistan's history and seems almost autobiographical, since the author and her family has played a huge role therein. Though interesting on it's own, it's hard to see the relevance and the connections to the rest of the book, dealing with other Muslim democracies and how to reconcile the East and the West. Also, I have no doubt that the way she portrays Pakistan's history is hugely biased, focusing on all the great work her and her family did for Pakistan when they were in charge, and how everyone else only wanted to ruin it. I'm not saying she's wrong, just that it's something to keep in mind when reading this part of the book, that she's obviously not going to be critical of the political work done by her and her immediate family.
The first part of the book deals with the various attempts at democracy in several primarily Muslim nations (such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Morocco etc.), and why democracies haven't succeeded.
In the last part of the book Bhutto very powerfully speaks against Samuel Huntington's theory of The Clash of Civilizations (for those not aware of this theory, in short it states that civilizations are going to clash (Christianity ][ Islam) and that these "clashes" are going to get increasingly violent and there's nothing we can do to stop/change that). I think the warning she sounds, that believing in this theory will make it a self-fulfilling prophesy is very accurate and thought-provoking. I also thinks she makes some very good points when she suggests that the West should help educate the people in Muslim countries through building and supporting schools and education systems, basic health care etc.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it had some very interesting perspectives and I would recommend it, especially to those interested in Pakistan.
The first part of the book deals with the various attempts at democracy in several primarily Muslim nations (such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Morocco etc.), and why democracies haven't succeeded.
In the last part of the book Bhutto very powerfully speaks against Samuel Huntington's theory of The Clash of Civilizations (for those not aware of this theory, in short it states that civilizations are going to clash (Christianity ][ Islam) and that these "clashes" are going to get increasingly violent and there's nothing we can do to stop/change that). I think the warning she sounds, that believing in this theory will make it a self-fulfilling prophesy is very accurate and thought-provoking. I also thinks she makes some very good points when she suggests that the West should help educate the people in Muslim countries through building and supporting schools and education systems, basic health care etc.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it had some very interesting perspectives and I would recommend it, especially to those interested in Pakistan.
February 18, 2016
Benazir Bhutto finished this book just months before her assassination. She fights against the "clashers" who insist Islam and democracy can not coexist and predict no end to the fight between Islam and the West. In contrast Bhutto insists "extremism thrived under dictatorship and is fueled by poverty, ignorance and hopelessness." She quotes extensively from the Quran to show the beauty and acceptance of diversity put forth in the Quran.
I can't begin to do this book justice in a short review - but anyone wanting to understand more about Islam and the development of terrorist organizations in the Middle East who misuse Islam to justify atrocities needs to read her well researched and thought out book. She had many years in exile and a Harvard degree to help her think.
She believes the West "must be ready to acknowledge the residual damage of colonialism and its support for dictatorships during the Cold War." In an intense focus on fighting communism the US too often supported the very men we are fighting now. She also says we need to revisit the effects of the War on Terror which too many in the Middle East see as a War on Islam.
She absolutely does not blame Only the west. She blames poverty and fear and people who exploit age old Sunni and Shia differences - when Sunni and Shia coexisted peacefully for centuries. She offers solutions - based primarily on programs she attempted to put in place in Pakistan and programs that parallel the very successful Marshall Plan. It is hard to hate people you know, people you break bread with, people who offer you a leg up.
She also points out that "this problem of religious fanatics hijacking religious values to serve their own violent interests is not a problem limited to Islam." Fanaticism grows where people are hungry and hopeless. The solution then lies not in bombing people so that they become more hungry and hopeless, but rather to help.
I can't begin to do this book justice in a short review - but anyone wanting to understand more about Islam and the development of terrorist organizations in the Middle East who misuse Islam to justify atrocities needs to read her well researched and thought out book. She had many years in exile and a Harvard degree to help her think.
She believes the West "must be ready to acknowledge the residual damage of colonialism and its support for dictatorships during the Cold War." In an intense focus on fighting communism the US too often supported the very men we are fighting now. She also says we need to revisit the effects of the War on Terror which too many in the Middle East see as a War on Islam.
She absolutely does not blame Only the west. She blames poverty and fear and people who exploit age old Sunni and Shia differences - when Sunni and Shia coexisted peacefully for centuries. She offers solutions - based primarily on programs she attempted to put in place in Pakistan and programs that parallel the very successful Marshall Plan. It is hard to hate people you know, people you break bread with, people who offer you a leg up.
She also points out that "this problem of religious fanatics hijacking religious values to serve their own violent interests is not a problem limited to Islam." Fanaticism grows where people are hungry and hopeless. The solution then lies not in bombing people so that they become more hungry and hopeless, but rather to help.
November 16, 2023
Wow. This author’s points were so well-developed and so well explained. I was seriously shaken. The histories of the Muslim world were not well covered in school in my day. I devoured the material Ms. Bhutto shared on that topic. I also feel like I understand her faith much better.
Ms. Bhutto, however, had a great deal more to share. She pulled no punches in getting her vision out to the world. And she was assassinated for doing so shortly after she delivered this book to her people for publication. Please read this important work.
Ms. Bhutto, however, had a great deal more to share. She pulled no punches in getting her vision out to the world. And she was assassinated for doing so shortly after she delivered this book to her people for publication. Please read this important work.
September 16, 2015
The bravery and intellectual strength of Benazir Bhutto, martyred two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, combine to create a powerful and compelling book about the promise of democracy in the Islamic world.
Bhutto finished the book just before she was murdered. Her gospel message of reconciliation, which is both morally forceful and intellectually strong, is the very message her murderers would like to have silenced in 2007. However, events on the world stage since 2007 have proven that her message will not be silenced, and there is much to be hopeful about. Libya. Egypt. The Arab Spring. These are all events that Bhutto never got to see, but which would have gladdened her, and must gladden those who champion her cause.
The book has several parts. In part one, Bhutto outlines Islamic doctrine and religious history. She explains how the religion of Islam is completely congruent with democracy, intellectual progress, and women's rights. She quotes many of the scriptures that Islamic extremists and anti-Islamists both use to portray Islam as a violent, bloody religion, and explains how these passages have been taken out of context. She outlines the specific historical realities of pro-war verses, and how these verses were only written to apply to specific situations where ancient Muslims were instructed to defend themselves, not to engage in the violent global "jihad" of terrorists today. She outlines many Koranic verses that emphasize the pluralistic teachings of Muhammad; that Muslims must allow others to worship as they choose. She explains the word "jihad" doctrinally as a personal, inner struggle against sin, rather than a violent struggle against unbelievers.
In part two, Bhutto explains the current (as of 2007) governmental structures of numerous Islamic countries throughout the world. She gives brief histories of several countries' experiments with democracy and pluralism, and shows how democracies have given way to hawkish, repressive military juntas. She outlines both the failure of these countries to build infrastructure, allow for political party formation, build schools and allow freedoms of speech and assembly, as well as the West's culpability in undermining budding democracies. For example, the CIA covertly deposed of a fledgling democrat in Tehran in the 1950's on the suspicion of Communist sympathies. This disastrous action led to the Shah regime and eventual Ayatollah-led theocracy still operating in Iran today. Of course, she also outlines the disaster that was the United States funding Taliban "freedom fighters" during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to the tune of billions of dollars. So often, the West has made foreign policy blunders and undermined legitimate democracies for the sake of short-term political or financial goals.
Part three of the book focuses specifically on Pakistan and Bhutto's experiences there as the daughter of a politician, and as two-time Prime Minister. With alarming candor, she describes her family's (and the nation of Pakistan's) unfortunate treatment at the hands of dictator Pervez Musharif, and her later successful diplomacy with him. She describes the multiple attempts on her life by terrorists and political opponents, and the violent deaths of several of her family members. (One scene describes a man attempting to hand Bhutto his infant child whom he had dressed in a tiny outfit of plastic explosives. The baby was used as a suicide bomb and the ensuing blast claimed many lives, though not Bhutto's life, of course).
The final section is the most academic and the most compelling section of the book. Using an impressive arsenal of statistics and research, as well as quotations from foreign political experts, Bhutto convincingly explains how Islam and the West can work together to rebuild war-torn Islamic countries, provide for democracy and human rights, and have a working and successful relationship. This last section would be a compelling book on its own, and should be required reading for all leaders of state, diplomats, and members of legislatures and parliaments the world over. Her message is extremely warming, but is grounded in pragmatism and facts, not dewey-eyed optimism. I see Benazir Bhutto's work and legacy as one of those "shining cities on the hill" that President G.H.W. Bush described in 1990. She is a heroine and a martyr. Long live Bhutto!
Bhutto finished the book just before she was murdered. Her gospel message of reconciliation, which is both morally forceful and intellectually strong, is the very message her murderers would like to have silenced in 2007. However, events on the world stage since 2007 have proven that her message will not be silenced, and there is much to be hopeful about. Libya. Egypt. The Arab Spring. These are all events that Bhutto never got to see, but which would have gladdened her, and must gladden those who champion her cause.
The book has several parts. In part one, Bhutto outlines Islamic doctrine and religious history. She explains how the religion of Islam is completely congruent with democracy, intellectual progress, and women's rights. She quotes many of the scriptures that Islamic extremists and anti-Islamists both use to portray Islam as a violent, bloody religion, and explains how these passages have been taken out of context. She outlines the specific historical realities of pro-war verses, and how these verses were only written to apply to specific situations where ancient Muslims were instructed to defend themselves, not to engage in the violent global "jihad" of terrorists today. She outlines many Koranic verses that emphasize the pluralistic teachings of Muhammad; that Muslims must allow others to worship as they choose. She explains the word "jihad" doctrinally as a personal, inner struggle against sin, rather than a violent struggle against unbelievers.
In part two, Bhutto explains the current (as of 2007) governmental structures of numerous Islamic countries throughout the world. She gives brief histories of several countries' experiments with democracy and pluralism, and shows how democracies have given way to hawkish, repressive military juntas. She outlines both the failure of these countries to build infrastructure, allow for political party formation, build schools and allow freedoms of speech and assembly, as well as the West's culpability in undermining budding democracies. For example, the CIA covertly deposed of a fledgling democrat in Tehran in the 1950's on the suspicion of Communist sympathies. This disastrous action led to the Shah regime and eventual Ayatollah-led theocracy still operating in Iran today. Of course, she also outlines the disaster that was the United States funding Taliban "freedom fighters" during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to the tune of billions of dollars. So often, the West has made foreign policy blunders and undermined legitimate democracies for the sake of short-term political or financial goals.
Part three of the book focuses specifically on Pakistan and Bhutto's experiences there as the daughter of a politician, and as two-time Prime Minister. With alarming candor, she describes her family's (and the nation of Pakistan's) unfortunate treatment at the hands of dictator Pervez Musharif, and her later successful diplomacy with him. She describes the multiple attempts on her life by terrorists and political opponents, and the violent deaths of several of her family members. (One scene describes a man attempting to hand Bhutto his infant child whom he had dressed in a tiny outfit of plastic explosives. The baby was used as a suicide bomb and the ensuing blast claimed many lives, though not Bhutto's life, of course).
The final section is the most academic and the most compelling section of the book. Using an impressive arsenal of statistics and research, as well as quotations from foreign political experts, Bhutto convincingly explains how Islam and the West can work together to rebuild war-torn Islamic countries, provide for democracy and human rights, and have a working and successful relationship. This last section would be a compelling book on its own, and should be required reading for all leaders of state, diplomats, and members of legislatures and parliaments the world over. Her message is extremely warming, but is grounded in pragmatism and facts, not dewey-eyed optimism. I see Benazir Bhutto's work and legacy as one of those "shining cities on the hill" that President G.H.W. Bush described in 1990. She is a heroine and a martyr. Long live Bhutto!
October 17, 2021
Okay! So I thought this would be an autobiography of Benazir Bhutto, but this turned out to be a lengthy dissertation about Islam, Islamic nations and their dispensations, the Western world Vs Islam, Pakistan and its rulers, and many more points.
What did I like about this book?
Benazir Bhutto goes into detail about each and every Islamic country on the planet earth. The succinct writeups about each of these nations gave me a lot of insight.
Also, she goes on to explain a few of the nuances of Islam in detail, for a non-Muslim like me it was a great help.
The programs she undertook for women and children in Pakistan, the well-being of people in Pakistan are really appreciable. Especially when she was part of the most tumultuous (Zia to Musharraf) part of Pakistan's polity.
What I did not like about this book?
Bhutto views Islam from a high raised pedestal of generational wealth and Oxford groomed mind. Time and again she claims that Islam is right but most people misunderstand it. This I feel, could be the case and a valid point, but if religion is being misunderstood by the majority of its followers then doesn't it need a rephrasing?
She blames literally everyone including clerics, the USA, CIA, Afghans, tribals, India, Waahabis, Jaamatis, but does not come to the simple conclusion that religion-based government is bad.
Bhutto has gone to the minutest of the details about everything in this book, but there is no single word about minorities in Pakistan. It is like for her, they do not exist.
Her expectations from Pakistan are extraordinary. She should have understood that a country that has been established on the sole basis of religion cannot be liberal. She expects every Pakistani to come out of their "wrong" Islamic mindset and should make changes happen. She gives many instances from Islam where Muhammad Paigambar PBUH endorsed women's equality and independence.
Like an adage goes "First part of the solution is to accept that there is a problem." Bhutto does exactly the opposite while trying to solve the problem. She vehemently denies that religion is the problem. One might like it or not, religion, then be it any religion, should have no place in the socio-political structure if one wants to grow.
Benazir Bhutto was a classic case of "a good-hearted person who did not really understand grassroots problems due to the silver-spoon upbringing." She tried to do a lot for the people and women of Pakistan, but could not do it as effectively as someone like Grameen bank did in Bangladesh since she miscalculated her moves time and again. Both her father's and her political failure were due to the deputies they chose themselves. She just failed to understand Pakistan.
P.S. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated soon after she finished this book. May her soul rest in peace. But her death further demonstrates the very fact she has been trying to ignore. Religion is the problem.
What did I like about this book?
Benazir Bhutto goes into detail about each and every Islamic country on the planet earth. The succinct writeups about each of these nations gave me a lot of insight.
Also, she goes on to explain a few of the nuances of Islam in detail, for a non-Muslim like me it was a great help.
The programs she undertook for women and children in Pakistan, the well-being of people in Pakistan are really appreciable. Especially when she was part of the most tumultuous (Zia to Musharraf) part of Pakistan's polity.
What I did not like about this book?
Bhutto views Islam from a high raised pedestal of generational wealth and Oxford groomed mind. Time and again she claims that Islam is right but most people misunderstand it. This I feel, could be the case and a valid point, but if religion is being misunderstood by the majority of its followers then doesn't it need a rephrasing?
She blames literally everyone including clerics, the USA, CIA, Afghans, tribals, India, Waahabis, Jaamatis, but does not come to the simple conclusion that religion-based government is bad.
Bhutto has gone to the minutest of the details about everything in this book, but there is no single word about minorities in Pakistan. It is like for her, they do not exist.
Her expectations from Pakistan are extraordinary. She should have understood that a country that has been established on the sole basis of religion cannot be liberal. She expects every Pakistani to come out of their "wrong" Islamic mindset and should make changes happen. She gives many instances from Islam where Muhammad Paigambar PBUH endorsed women's equality and independence.
Like an adage goes "First part of the solution is to accept that there is a problem." Bhutto does exactly the opposite while trying to solve the problem. She vehemently denies that religion is the problem. One might like it or not, religion, then be it any religion, should have no place in the socio-political structure if one wants to grow.
Benazir Bhutto was a classic case of "a good-hearted person who did not really understand grassroots problems due to the silver-spoon upbringing." She tried to do a lot for the people and women of Pakistan, but could not do it as effectively as someone like Grameen bank did in Bangladesh since she miscalculated her moves time and again. Both her father's and her political failure were due to the deputies they chose themselves. She just failed to understand Pakistan.
P.S. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated soon after she finished this book. May her soul rest in peace. But her death further demonstrates the very fact she has been trying to ignore. Religion is the problem.
March 16, 2016
هذا الكتاب هو ترجمة لكتاب المؤلفة باللغة الانجليزية. بمعنى انها كانت تخاطب العقل الغربي اكثر من توجهها للقارئ العربي . الكتاب من منشورات شركة المطبوعات في بيروت ويقع في ٤٨٥ صفحة ويتوزع على ستة فصول ومقدمة وخاتمة الفصول الستة هي :
طريق العودة
المعركة داخل الاسلام الديمقراطية ضد الدكتاتورية والحداثة والتطرف
الاسلام والديمقراطية التاريخ والتجربة
قضية باكستان
هل صدام الحضارات امر حتمي ؟
كلمة خاتمة.
يبدو ان الكتاب ظهر بعد اغتيال المؤلفة او ربما بعد الترجمة العربية لان كلمة الختام كانها تأبين من زوجها وابنائها.
الكتاب بالرغم من انه يحمل عنوان طموح يتحدث عن المصالحة والاسلام والديمقراطية والغرب وهو موجة للانسان الغربي الا ان الكتاب في حقيقتة سيرة ذاتية وسرد لحياة المؤلفة واسرتها. يفتقر الكتاب للتوثيق فكثير من المعلومات المذكورة دون توثيق او مراجع.
تتحدث عن المصالحة واغلب السرد في الكتاب هو هجوم على حكام باكستان السابقين واللاحقين وكان الديمقراطية ارتبطت فقط بفترتها و فترة ابوها ذو الفقار علي بوتو.
الكتاب يحمل تجني كبير على السعودية بالرغم من دعم السعودية السخي لباكستان وحب اغلب الشعب الباكستاني للسعودية ولكنة ليس مستغرب منها لانعا اسماعيلية المذهب
كشف الكتاب تسطيح في كثير من معالجتها لبعض المواضيع مثل العلاقة بين الاسلام والديمقراطية. ايضاً كشف الكتاب اخطاء كثير سياسية وتاريخية يدهش القارئ منها اذ تصدر من شخصية سياسية مثلها ودارسة علوم سياسية وعلاقات دولية فهي تقول ان اندونيسيا كانت خاضعة للاستعمار الالماني في حين كل العالم يعرف ان المانيا ليس لها مستعمرات. تقول وصل علي عبد الله صالح للسلطة بانقلاب في اليمن وهذا غير صحيح
الكتاب مليء بالتكرار وحضور الذات والانا و التهجم على الاخرين خاصة في باكستان
الفصل الاخير تغطيته جيدة لولا حضور الانا فيه
طريق العودة
المعركة داخل الاسلام الديمقراطية ضد الدكتاتورية والحداثة والتطرف
الاسلام والديمقراطية التاريخ والتجربة
قضية باكستان
هل صدام الحضارات امر حتمي ؟
كلمة خاتمة.
يبدو ان الكتاب ظهر بعد اغتيال المؤلفة او ربما بعد الترجمة العربية لان كلمة الختام كانها تأبين من زوجها وابنائها.
الكتاب بالرغم من انه يحمل عنوان طموح يتحدث عن المصالحة والاسلام والديمقراطية والغرب وهو موجة للانسان الغربي الا ان الكتاب في حقيقتة سيرة ذاتية وسرد لحياة المؤلفة واسرتها. يفتقر الكتاب للتوثيق فكثير من المعلومات المذكورة دون توثيق او مراجع.
تتحدث عن المصالحة واغلب السرد في الكتاب هو هجوم على حكام باكستان السابقين واللاحقين وكان الديمقراطية ارتبطت فقط بفترتها و فترة ابوها ذو الفقار علي بوتو.
الكتاب يحمل تجني كبير على السعودية بالرغم من دعم السعودية السخي لباكستان وحب اغلب الشعب الباكستاني للسعودية ولكنة ليس مستغرب منها لانعا اسماعيلية المذهب
كشف الكتاب تسطيح في كثير من معالجتها لبعض المواضيع مثل العلاقة بين الاسلام والديمقراطية. ايضاً كشف الكتاب اخطاء كثير سياسية وتاريخية يدهش القارئ منها اذ تصدر من شخصية سياسية مثلها ودارسة علوم سياسية وعلاقات دولية فهي تقول ان اندونيسيا كانت خاضعة للاستعمار الالماني في حين كل العالم يعرف ان المانيا ليس لها مستعمرات. تقول وصل علي عبد الله صالح للسلطة بانقلاب في اليمن وهذا غير صحيح
الكتاب مليء بالتكرار وحضور الذات والانا و التهجم على الاخرين خاصة في باكستان
الفصل الاخير تغطيته جيدة لولا حضور الانا فيه
June 23, 2013
This book is a "must read" for all who wish to become more informed on the issues facing the world regarding differences between Islam and the western world.
Ms. Bhutto explains in a most articulate and intelligent fashion why she believes that Islam and democracy are compatible. Her background as Prime Minister, her Harvard education, and her natural ability to express complex philosophies in a manner which can be understood by almost everyone, serve her well as she put forth reason after reason, fact upon fact, how the Muslim world has come to be viewed as it is by most westerners.
Her keen insights allow her to offer advice not only to those in the West, but to her fellow Muslims, as well.
Democracy in the Muslim world! That's what she was all about. And for that, she was martyred.
Her death will not be in vain. Surely, even at this very moment, a young woman (or man), inspired by both her message and her life, is taking up her cause.
We have not heard the last of Ms. Benazir Bhutto. We will most certainly hear more about how her life and martyrdom and their impact upon the Islamic world, Pakistan in particular, in the next years and decades.
Ms. Bhutto explains in a most articulate and intelligent fashion why she believes that Islam and democracy are compatible. Her background as Prime Minister, her Harvard education, and her natural ability to express complex philosophies in a manner which can be understood by almost everyone, serve her well as she put forth reason after reason, fact upon fact, how the Muslim world has come to be viewed as it is by most westerners.
Her keen insights allow her to offer advice not only to those in the West, but to her fellow Muslims, as well.
Democracy in the Muslim world! That's what she was all about. And for that, she was martyred.
Her death will not be in vain. Surely, even at this very moment, a young woman (or man), inspired by both her message and her life, is taking up her cause.
We have not heard the last of Ms. Benazir Bhutto. We will most certainly hear more about how her life and martyrdom and their impact upon the Islamic world, Pakistan in particular, in the next years and decades.
August 17, 2019
One of the most logical, well-written arguments on the compatibility, nay the absolute right, of Islam to be be understood as a religion that embraces and at its highest expression, demands, an idealistic democracy such as both Aristotle and Socrates would have approved of. The reader will be stunned at the logic of her arguments and the strength of the support Benazir Bhutto offers.
February 17, 2015
I enjoyed that the author took the time to explain cultural differences between Christians and Muslims. Then she put into context the geopolitical situations that are causing the troubles of today.
A very educational read from a unique point of view. Very recommended.
Scotty Cameron
A very educational read from a unique point of view. Very recommended.
Scotty Cameron
June 14, 2025
Benazir Bhutto was beautiful, glamorous, and fearless, and she gave her life for her people. This book should be poignant and memorable, but it's actually very dry and rarely engages the reader. Ironically, the chapter near the end where she critiques the "Clash of Civilization" theory is much more passionate and convincing than the chapters where she writes about all the persecution her family suffered at the hands of various military dictators in Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto never seems to have figured out that her own Western education, (she does like to name drop dear old Harvard) and her vast wealth and inherited family privilege, might prevent her from fully understanding, let alone edifying the Muslim masses she was trying to guide "ah slowly, toward the light!" In her own way, she was as much of an imperialist as Rudyard Kipling. Her absolute faith in science, material progress and Western democracy is what destroyed her. Unlike Kipling, she never really understood what she was up against. Kipling warned of "the blame of those ye better," and even "the hate of those ye guard." But Benazir Bhutto never really got the message. She died as bravely as Joan of Arc, but her enemies outsmarted her just as surely as the High Priest outsmarted Danny and Peachy in "The Man Who Would Be King."
The irony wouldn't be lost on Rudyard Kipling.
Benazir Bhutto never seems to have figured out that her own Western education, (she does like to name drop dear old Harvard) and her vast wealth and inherited family privilege, might prevent her from fully understanding, let alone edifying the Muslim masses she was trying to guide "ah slowly, toward the light!" In her own way, she was as much of an imperialist as Rudyard Kipling. Her absolute faith in science, material progress and Western democracy is what destroyed her. Unlike Kipling, she never really understood what she was up against. Kipling warned of "the blame of those ye better," and even "the hate of those ye guard." But Benazir Bhutto never really got the message. She died as bravely as Joan of Arc, but her enemies outsmarted her just as surely as the High Priest outsmarted Danny and Peachy in "The Man Who Would Be King."
The irony wouldn't be lost on Rudyard Kipling.
August 20, 2021
I first encountered Benazir Bhutto in I am Malala. Upon realizing I owned this book, I then set out to read what I expected to be an autobiographical account .
This is a disjointed book. I tried hard to focus my wandering mind but Benazir just could not grip me. Sincerely, there isn’t much good writing here. Nevertheless, this does not take away from the fact that Benazir was an iconic woman who will live on. “She was the fanatics’ worst nightmare.”
Gory details: I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around the baby lined with explosives.
Islam and the west are far more complicated than Benazir points them out to be. Sadly, this book does not offer the reconciliation it claims. My final words, I wish it were so easy Benazir. I really do.
This is a disjointed book. I tried hard to focus my wandering mind but Benazir just could not grip me. Sincerely, there isn’t much good writing here. Nevertheless, this does not take away from the fact that Benazir was an iconic woman who will live on. “She was the fanatics’ worst nightmare.”
Gory details: I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around the baby lined with explosives.
Islam and the west are far more complicated than Benazir points them out to be. Sadly, this book does not offer the reconciliation it claims. My final words, I wish it were so easy Benazir. I really do.
July 12, 2018
I was driven to tears after finishing Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West by the late two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. The year 2007 was both a growing point for me and also a tragic period. I had just finished my first year at Al Ain Juniors School and three months into eighth grade, the worldwide media aired the explosive transmission that rocked not only the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but also the entire world. Benazir Bhutto was martyred on December 27, 2007. And just two months prior to her assassination, she had landed on Karachi soil after eight years spent in exile abroad.
You can read my full review here: http://literaryretreat.com/reconcilia...
You can read my full review here: http://literaryretreat.com/reconcilia...
August 1, 2024
An interesting read, thought provoking and offering a litany of ideas regarding the degradation of democracy in Islamic countries. I was thoroughly engaged with Benazir's research, however I had hoped there would be an ounce of self reflection on her part regarding her family's role in eroding Pakistan's democracy, but alas she is a politician.
December 1, 2019
I learned so much from this book
December 16, 2023
I read this book on and off since late 2022, and going back to it this December I can say that I got something out of it.
April 19, 2020
As the name states the book is about three things Islam, democracy and the West. This book is a story that the Daughter of Destiny BEnazir wants to tell the West. The book is about what she wants to recount the West about her country, her people and her democracy. It seems towards the start that she tries to justify Islam and talks about the origins of jihandi movements and how it is probably the most un islamic thing to be done. However towards the end she really reached out to the West to understand them more than a country that harbors jihadists but a country that is trying to make democracy relevant in every kind of sense.
This book is primarily for West audience. An Asian or an Indian might question the gross mis representation of facts and mis information (from India and world point of view). She starts the book with ISlam and the logic behind the successful religion. Pakistan being the torchbearer has been one of the successful supporters of ISlam. She then talks about democracy and why it is weak in Pakistan. Democracy she says is not just a form of government but a concept. The concept nurtures over time and becomes strong. Pakistan has faced coups and democracy one after the other for the past 50 years due to which the seeds of democracy are not still strong in the county.
True to that. The underlying concept of democracy and the nurturing of democracy which she presents is true to the core. But she pushes the baton and the reason for numerous coups to India. IT was therefore India which probably forced 1965 and 1971 on Pakistan. At least being a lady of such stature BEnazir could at least acknowledge she need not look far to West to learn democracy. She has a 120 cr democratic nation sitting right next to her that is not even 70 years. Interestingly there is no mention of the world's largest democracy when you talk about democracy.
Apart from the above discussion she talks about two other things in the book. One, story of Pakistan and two, what can west do to help Pakistan become great again. Part one has heaps of wrong information trying to derive at facts which are not particularly true. Critical statements that are blurred are the exact details of UN Resolution and 1971 SHimla agreement. There is just a sentence that her father agreed to a new international border - no elaboration and still she writes that Kashmir was a live subject. Sheikh MUjibur Rehman is shown the antagonist. How can west Pakistanis accept rule from Bengali? Language is not just unjust but racist. For a West audience it might seem Sheikh was conquering what was not his but he was a penchant of democracy.
The book closes on a positive note of West to come and heal Pakistan. I think the book need a more India way. Benazir has tried to shy away from India but as a political leaders and a hardy democrat she should be the one to be reconciling India and Pakistan.
I do not know how relevant the book is today. Today the dynamics is different from what it was in 2007. Democracy is there in Pakistan since two terms and the West looks at Pakistan with utmost scrutiny. This book is recommended for people who want to know who was BEnazir after all. Knowing the person and nothing more !!!!
This book is primarily for West audience. An Asian or an Indian might question the gross mis representation of facts and mis information (from India and world point of view). She starts the book with ISlam and the logic behind the successful religion. Pakistan being the torchbearer has been one of the successful supporters of ISlam. She then talks about democracy and why it is weak in Pakistan. Democracy she says is not just a form of government but a concept. The concept nurtures over time and becomes strong. Pakistan has faced coups and democracy one after the other for the past 50 years due to which the seeds of democracy are not still strong in the county.
True to that. The underlying concept of democracy and the nurturing of democracy which she presents is true to the core. But she pushes the baton and the reason for numerous coups to India. IT was therefore India which probably forced 1965 and 1971 on Pakistan. At least being a lady of such stature BEnazir could at least acknowledge she need not look far to West to learn democracy. She has a 120 cr democratic nation sitting right next to her that is not even 70 years. Interestingly there is no mention of the world's largest democracy when you talk about democracy.
Apart from the above discussion she talks about two other things in the book. One, story of Pakistan and two, what can west do to help Pakistan become great again. Part one has heaps of wrong information trying to derive at facts which are not particularly true. Critical statements that are blurred are the exact details of UN Resolution and 1971 SHimla agreement. There is just a sentence that her father agreed to a new international border - no elaboration and still she writes that Kashmir was a live subject. Sheikh MUjibur Rehman is shown the antagonist. How can west Pakistanis accept rule from Bengali? Language is not just unjust but racist. For a West audience it might seem Sheikh was conquering what was not his but he was a penchant of democracy.
The book closes on a positive note of West to come and heal Pakistan. I think the book need a more India way. Benazir has tried to shy away from India but as a political leaders and a hardy democrat she should be the one to be reconciling India and Pakistan.
I do not know how relevant the book is today. Today the dynamics is different from what it was in 2007. Democracy is there in Pakistan since two terms and the West looks at Pakistan with utmost scrutiny. This book is recommended for people who want to know who was BEnazir after all. Knowing the person and nothing more !!!!
July 21, 2017
I was born in Pakistan and lived there until age 16, and therefore, unlike many readers, I read this book from a different perspective and have a different take on it.
Before I delve into the review, I just want to state that this book is not a biography of Benazir Bhutto. And even though the title explicitly states the obvious, I picked up this book expecting a life story of her. The focus of this book is about the education of sensitive topics about Islam and to provide a case for a secularism and democracy in Islam. Above all else, this book shows how intellectual and visionary Mrs. Bhutto was, and how big of a loss is she for Pakistan.
The first chapter begins with the narration of her story of coming back to Pakistan from exile and being attacked by her opposition. It is very heartfelt and I do not intend to spoil it here. The next chapter talks about terrorism and jihad and how these two terms are being misunderstood by many.
The third chapter sheds some light on the western hypocrisy of how they claim to be the advocates of democracy, yet support undemocratic agendas behind closed doors.
The fourth chapter, however, seemed a bit biased from her standpoint. The only major concern I have is her bashing of General Musharraf without taking into account the circumstances that led him to that stage. Besides this, the fourth chapter was actually my favorite. She gave an excellent crash course of the history of Pakistan from Mughal empire until the present day, a must read.
The final two chapters talk about the internal clash within Islam: the two different ideologies of traditionalism and adaptable modernity. She gives her insight of what the future holds for the Islamic civilization, and what could be done to have a better future, not just for Muslims, but for the whole world.
In conclusion, this book is a dry read; there were many pages that I skipped out of vapidity. However, it is necessary for us to read books, like 'Reconciliation,' to better understand one another and create a more progressive and tolerant society.
I will end this review with a quoting a part of chapter 5 that I really liked, "... the real clash within and outside Islam is a battle between the past and the future. It is the resolution of this battle that will determine the direction not only of the relationship between Islam and the West but of international relations in this century. Without further delay, to break the chains and cycle of poverty, extremism, dictatorship, and terrorism, we need to move on the path towards true reconciliation."
Before I delve into the review, I just want to state that this book is not a biography of Benazir Bhutto. And even though the title explicitly states the obvious, I picked up this book expecting a life story of her. The focus of this book is about the education of sensitive topics about Islam and to provide a case for a secularism and democracy in Islam. Above all else, this book shows how intellectual and visionary Mrs. Bhutto was, and how big of a loss is she for Pakistan.
The first chapter begins with the narration of her story of coming back to Pakistan from exile and being attacked by her opposition. It is very heartfelt and I do not intend to spoil it here. The next chapter talks about terrorism and jihad and how these two terms are being misunderstood by many.
The third chapter sheds some light on the western hypocrisy of how they claim to be the advocates of democracy, yet support undemocratic agendas behind closed doors.
The fourth chapter, however, seemed a bit biased from her standpoint. The only major concern I have is her bashing of General Musharraf without taking into account the circumstances that led him to that stage. Besides this, the fourth chapter was actually my favorite. She gave an excellent crash course of the history of Pakistan from Mughal empire until the present day, a must read.
The final two chapters talk about the internal clash within Islam: the two different ideologies of traditionalism and adaptable modernity. She gives her insight of what the future holds for the Islamic civilization, and what could be done to have a better future, not just for Muslims, but for the whole world.
In conclusion, this book is a dry read; there were many pages that I skipped out of vapidity. However, it is necessary for us to read books, like 'Reconciliation,' to better understand one another and create a more progressive and tolerant society.
I will end this review with a quoting a part of chapter 5 that I really liked, "... the real clash within and outside Islam is a battle between the past and the future. It is the resolution of this battle that will determine the direction not only of the relationship between Islam and the West but of international relations in this century. Without further delay, to break the chains and cycle of poverty, extremism, dictatorship, and terrorism, we need to move on the path towards true reconciliation."
June 15, 2009
What an interesting book! While I've categorized it as a biography, it's really much more of an extended position paper from Bhutto to the world. In it, she wishes to make three main points. Those points are that: (1) while there is considerable diversity within Islam (as is true for any of the "big three" monotheistic faiths), in recent years it has been hijacked in a manner of speaking to achieve particular anti-Western political ends; (2) that Islam and democracy, the West, and modernity (esp. technology) are not antithetical--with particular emphasis on the democracy variable; and (3) that Islam is very poorly understood in the West, sometimes because of its complexity but just as frequently because of western groups that wish to emphasize the extremist groups to meet their own political agendas (Ann Coulter, anyone?). Bhutto eloquently makes--and demonstrates with benefit of historic and recent examples--the point that, "All children of the Book have suffered from those who would use force in God's name to achieve political objectives" (p. 30).
Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West is extremely ambitious in scope. Bhutto provides a wealth of background on Islam, on its history and the dynamic nature of Sharia law. The book gets a bit bogged down in the history of failed democracies across the globe--frequently as a combined result of post-colonial intervention by former colonizers with short-sighted goals of resource extraction (i.e., oil), fighting communism, and/or the war on terror. Despite the long middle bit (which really only seems long because she repeats herself a bit for emphasis), the book is well written, thoroughly researched and, above all the hope that it offers is a fitting testimony to this brave woman and the sacrifice that she, her family (husband remained in Dubai with their underage children so that if the worst happened they would still have one parent), the people of Pakistan and--indeed--the world have made. Sadly, Ms. Bhutto was assassinated just days after delivering her final edited manuscript of the book to her publishers. It's a highly provocative book by a remarkable human, and I thoroughly recommend it.
Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West is extremely ambitious in scope. Bhutto provides a wealth of background on Islam, on its history and the dynamic nature of Sharia law. The book gets a bit bogged down in the history of failed democracies across the globe--frequently as a combined result of post-colonial intervention by former colonizers with short-sighted goals of resource extraction (i.e., oil), fighting communism, and/or the war on terror. Despite the long middle bit (which really only seems long because she repeats herself a bit for emphasis), the book is well written, thoroughly researched and, above all the hope that it offers is a fitting testimony to this brave woman and the sacrifice that she, her family (husband remained in Dubai with their underage children so that if the worst happened they would still have one parent), the people of Pakistan and--indeed--the world have made. Sadly, Ms. Bhutto was assassinated just days after delivering her final edited manuscript of the book to her publishers. It's a highly provocative book by a remarkable human, and I thoroughly recommend it.
November 15, 2023
Very good book about Islam and its relation to the west, coming from a muslim.
All that I have known about Islam has, until now, come from non-muslim sources. It has obviously been depicted as a terrorist, violent and primitive religion.
The interpretation given by Benazir is a much nicer one. She depicts Islam as:
* tolerant
* compatible with science
* egalitarian (men-women equality)
* democratic
She grew up in the West, so she could very well have been influenced by some ideas she found there - nonetheless, the fact that she supports principles generally considered good, with the help of the Qur'an, is good for everyone.
Most of all, she supports democracy in muslim countries - backed up by a study (or multiple?) she quotes, that found that violence between democratic countries occurs far less often that if autocracies are involved.
I took away 1 star because I felt some of the arguments only made political sense, and were not very deep. Can't remember them.
Overall a very good book. The author did a good job providing scientific and religious arguments for the principles mentioned above.
One can very well claim that her interpretation of Islam, really could be claimed to be the "interpretation" of peace.
All that I have known about Islam has, until now, come from non-muslim sources. It has obviously been depicted as a terrorist, violent and primitive religion.
The interpretation given by Benazir is a much nicer one. She depicts Islam as:
* tolerant
* compatible with science
* egalitarian (men-women equality)
* democratic
She grew up in the West, so she could very well have been influenced by some ideas she found there - nonetheless, the fact that she supports principles generally considered good, with the help of the Qur'an, is good for everyone.
Most of all, she supports democracy in muslim countries - backed up by a study (or multiple?) she quotes, that found that violence between democratic countries occurs far less often that if autocracies are involved.
I took away 1 star because I felt some of the arguments only made political sense, and were not very deep. Can't remember them.
Overall a very good book. The author did a good job providing scientific and religious arguments for the principles mentioned above.
One can very well claim that her interpretation of Islam, really could be claimed to be the "interpretation" of peace.
January 23, 2010
This book is divided into six chapters that are quite distinct. It's almost like reading six separate well-written articles. The first half of the book is fantastic. My favorite parts are when Bhutto analyzes Islam and the Koran and relates it to modern life. She is incredibly knowledgeable and it's refreshing to hear a modern person living in the outside world, as opposed to some hermetic cleric, offer her interpretations. The parts where Bhutto relates a brief history of Islamic nations, including the origins of the Sunni/Shia conflict, are also excellent. I also enjoyed reading her perspectives of the West's involvement in predominantly Muslim countries such as Egypt, Iran, Afghanistan, and, of course, Pakistan. I think the first half of the book should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the relationship between western and Islamic nations.
The second half the book shifts from the words of a scholar to those of a politician. Some of it is interesting, particularly when Bhutto describes the bombing that occurred when she first set foot in Pakistan in 2007 because it eerily portends her actual assassination months later. Still, compared to the excellent first half of the book, the second half lacks weight. Nevertheless, it all comes together as a wonderful, informative read.
The second half the book shifts from the words of a scholar to those of a politician. Some of it is interesting, particularly when Bhutto describes the bombing that occurred when she first set foot in Pakistan in 2007 because it eerily portends her actual assassination months later. Still, compared to the excellent first half of the book, the second half lacks weight. Nevertheless, it all comes together as a wonderful, informative read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews