The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS

by Robert Spencer

ISIS rocketed onto the world stage seemingly out of nowhere, beheading American hostages, bulldozing international borders, routing the American-trained Iraqi army, and carving out a new state that rules eight million people and a territory larger than the United Kingdom.

But who are they?

Where did ISIS come from, and how did they rise to power in so little time?

What is driving them—and how can they be stopped?

New York Times bestselling author Robert Spencer reveals the blood-drenched history and inner workings of the Islamic State—its military conquests, how it is financing its expansion, and the ideology that is driving its success.

As Spencer reveals, the Islamic State has taken the first steps on the path to becoming a serious world power—steps that Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda dreamed of but were afraid to take.

The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS is your one-stop easy reference for all you need to know about ISIS—and how "infidels" can stop its reign of terror.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Islam, History, Religion, Terrorism, Philosophy

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2015

About the author

ROBERT SPENCER is the director of Jihad Watch, a program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, and the author of seventeen books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muhammad. His latest book is The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Free Speech (and Its Enemies). Coming in November 2017 is Confessions of an Islamophobe (Bombardier Books).

Spencer has led seminars on Islam and jihad for the FBI, the United States Central Command, United States Army Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group, the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Justice Department’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council and the U.S. intelligence community. He has discussed jihad, Islam, and terrorism at a workshop sponsored by the U.S. State Department and the German Foreign Ministry. He is a consultant with the Center for Security Policy.

Spencer is a weekly columnist for PJ Media and FrontPage Magazine, and has written many hundreds of articles about jihad and Islamic terrorism. His articles on Islam and other topics have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Examiner, the New York Post, the Washington Times, the Dallas Morning News, Fox News Opinion, National Review, The Hill, the Detroit News, TownHall.com, Real Clear Religion, the Daily Caller, the New Criterion, the Journal of International Security Affairs, the UK’s Guardian, Canada’s National Post, Middle East Quarterly, WorldNet Daily, First Things, Insight in the News, Aleteia, and many other journals. For nearly ten years Spencer wrote the weekly Jihad Watch column at Human Events. He has also served as a contributing writer to the Investigative Project on Terrorism and as an Adjunct Fellow with the Free Congress Foundation.

Spencer has appeared on the BBC, ABC News, CNN, FoxNews’s Tucker Carlson Show, the O’Reilly Factor, Megyn Kelly’s The Kelly File, the Sean Hannity Show, Geraldo Rivera Reports, the Glenn Beck Show, Fox and Friends, America’s News HQ and many other Fox programs, PBS, MSNBC, CNBC, C-Span, CTV News, Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News, France24, Voice of Russia and Croatia National Television (HTV), as well as on numerous radio programs including The Sean Hannity Show, Bill O’Reilly’s Radio Factor, The Mark Levin Show, The Laura Ingraham Show, The Herman Cain Show, The Joe Piscopo Show, The Howie Carr Show, The Curt Schilling Show, Bill Bennett’s Morning in America, Michael Savage’s Savage Nation, The Alan Colmes Show, The G. Gordon Liddy Show, The Neal Boortz Show, The Michael Medved Show, The Michael Reagan Show, The Rusty Humphries Show, The Larry Elder Show, The Peter Boyles Show, Vatican Radio, and many others.

Robert Spencer has been a featured speaker across the country and around the world and authored 17 books. Spencer’s books have been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Polish and Bahasa Indonesia. His Qur’an commentary at Jihad Watch, Blogging the Qur’an, has been translated into Czech, Danish, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Spencer (MA, Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) has been studying Islamic theology, law, and history in depth since 1980. His work has aroused the ire of the foes of freedom and their dupes: in October 2011, Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups wrote to Homeland Security Advisor (and current CIA director) John Brennan, demanding that Spencer be removed as a trainer for the FBI and military groups, which he taught about the belief system of Islamic jihadists; Brennan immediately complied as counter-terror training materials were scrubbed of all mention of Islam and jihad. Spencer has been banned by the British government from entering the United Kingdom for pointing out accurately that Islam has doctrines of violence against unbelievers. He has been invited by name to convert to Islam by a senior member of al-Qaeda.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard book to objectively review. If you know anything about author Robert Spencer, you are most likely going to agree with him most of the time or discount everything he has to say. To briefly quote his current Wikipedia bio, "Spencer co-founded Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) and the Freedom Defense Initiative (FDI) with Pamela Geller in 2010. Both organizations are designated as hate groups by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center." He also "...co-authored a book, "The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America". His viewpoints have been described as anti-Islamic or Islamophobic." So in all fairness, my politics are pretty far removed from Robert Spencer's.
Having disclosed his point of view and the fact that I do not subscribe to it, here is what I got out of this book - first, the pluses: "The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS" is chocked full of factual and valuable information. Regardless of your circumstances, it is extremely important that you understand what ISIS is, what they stand for, and how dangerous they are. Its hard to see at this point how anyone deals with this group except at the point of a gun and with no quarter received or given. Spencer makes this abundantly clear.
Now the negatives: first, his writing style. I don't care to be shouted at for 384 pages; but that is what Spencer does. Also, although I am far from the expert I think he is in Middle East history, I strongly suspect he "cherry-picks" his facts and narratives to support his theses. Finally, and most important, he thrashes the U.S., the American Administration, and the entire West for their response thus far to ISIS. He then purports to tell the reader how we the "Infidels" should respond and defeat ISIS. But read very carefully - does he really give us a plan? A concrete, step-by-step plan? No! In the final analysis, we will eventually win because we're the good guys and they are the evil guys.
I read this book for two reasons: it was our book club's pick, and I think its healthy to read a variety of viewpoints, not just those you agree with. To only reinforce your own viewpoint is extremely unhealthy. Although I do not agree with Mr. Spencer's politics, I think this is a book worth reading, as long as you do it with your eyes wide open.

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

ISIS: The rise of global Islamic caliphate

Robert Spencer is a great scholar of Islam and he has been educating the people over Islamic ideologies such as sharia law, jihad, fatwa, jizya (a capitation tax levied on non-Muslims), beheadings of infidels, death for apostasy, intolerance to other faiths and culture by quoting the verses from Quran and Hadith. This book documents the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the dangers it poses to the rest of the world. The author presents facts and scriptural backing to show that ISIS is planning and executing the idea of killings of non-believers. The enslavement of Christian and Yazidi women in ISIS-controlled areas and their harsh treatment is a gross violation of human rights.

Minorities who want to remain in the "caliphate" face three options: converting to Islam, paying a religious levy (jizya) or face death. ISIS is a Salafi group that follows a literal interpretation of Islam which promotes religious violence and regards those who do not agree with its interpretations as infidels or apostates. ISIS believes that they are following the warriors of the original caliphate and it has recruited large populations of young Muslims from around the world. They have also recruited Iraqi children as young as nine to its ranks. The caliphate of ISIS states that the legality of all emirates, groups, states and organizations becomes null by the expansion of the Khalifah's [caliphate's] authority and arrival of its troops to their areas. In fact this is very worrisome for Saudi royal family and other emirates in the region that worry more about losing their power than the fate of its population. ISIS is also stepping up its military capabilities in all possible ways for long global war (jihad). The Islamic State's propaganda says the terrorist group could purchase a nuclear weapon in Pakistan and smuggle it through Latin American trafficking networks and into the United States through its "porous border," the same way the illegal aliens arrive.

Obama’s most significant legacy is the rise of the Islamic State. His cut and run of American troops from Iraq left the country open to ISIS occupation. It was revealed in 2013 that the National Security Agency (NSA) was listening to phone calls and reading emails of every honest citizen of this country, but the this surveillance excludes jihad factories, the Muslim mosques, where homegrown terrorists are radicalized. Since October 2011, mosques have become off-limits to FBI surveillance.

Robert Spencer has been relentless in warning the real dangers of Islam when other conservatives are afraid and fearful of being branded as Islamophobic. Over the past 30 years, Spencer is debating about the expansion of Islam in the west. If they strengthen and solidify in the West, conquering the rest of world would be easy. He discusses ways to stop Islamic imperialism that enforces the sharia law. If we don’t do anything, then democracy as we know today would simply disappear under Islam. Spencer co-founded Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) and the Freedom Defense Initiative (FDI) with Pamela Geller in 2010 and currently directs Jihad Watch of David Horowitz Freedom Center. He is a fierce defender of free speech. He has argued with many Islamic scholars to reform the faith so that it could work in a democratic society, but most of them are more interested in deflecting the comments about real issues like sharia, fatwa, jizya, beadings, death for apostasy, terrorism and other disturbing messages coming out of the scriptures rather than reform their faith.

Over the years, I have enjoyed reading the Jihad Watch newsletters, books and blogs of Robert Spencer and I have come to like his style of writing. This is another scholarly work that I recommend very highly.

[4NDY 5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to explain:

Picked this up because of the great title. Flicked through and realised it would be a quick read, which it was. I'm no expert on the subject (who really is?) and I though this would be a good book to start from. Within a few pages it was clear the author had an agenda, there is no analysis of competing hypothesis or counter argument and the side-bars are clearly politically biased.

That said, the incentive to now find more informed and detailed analysis of the subject is greater. So credit where it it due.

Read with caution.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for understanding what the free world is up against from the Islamic State (ISIS) and the ideology driving their advance on the west.

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is directed along the goal of convincing the reader that the Islamic State - and other groups nations have classified as 'terror groups' are rooted in Islam, and that they are bad along with it's root idealogy. With that in mind the book is mainly two approaches, that of neocon narrative, and that of a history book - with the writers own view of the history inserted in. Granted this should be known if you're familiar with the authors work prior such as his website -jihadwatch.

I originally bought this book when I held slightly different views then I do upon being motivated to finish it. The most interesting part of the book for me is the history portions which discussed the historical relevance of the idealogy to the modern world. For those holding neoconservative views, this book will be preaching to the choir.

For those interested in history, if you can keep the above in mind while reading it, go for it. Overall I enjoyed it as a starter to history and summaries of groups and how they view their actions and how it corresponds with historical actions of those before them. But if you're going into this book expecting anything but a persuasive essay seeking to convince the reader that Islam is the mortal evil of the west which must be stamped out, you'll be disappointed.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read. I guess the topic is controversial and some would say that this author is an Islamophobe? To be fair, the writing was probably not as balanced as it could have been, but I think he put his facts together in a way that was easy for the lay person to understand. Gave me quite a broad perspective (especially the historical context) for this issue. I always enjoy learning new things and I think that this book certainly ticked that box. I am keen to read more about this topic (on both sides)- so the motivation has been started.

[Mel Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say anything about this book will offend someone, I am sure. At the risk of that. . .

First, I must say that my rating is somewhat arbitrary here, as the approach and layout are just not my style. I want my nonfiction to be orderly and straightforward in layout. No highlight boxes. No tangential anecdotes in sidebars.
More importantly, I also prefer authors with a slightly more measured tone. I felt that the weakest place in this respect was Spencer's apparent dismissal of contemporary Western occupation of Islamic lands as an actual cause of jihad. This stance seemed mitigated by later chapters, as he did address this issue.

Spencer is doing something important here, which must be recognized. I found his chapters on the history and significance of the caliphates most valuable (for the 'complete infidel', although I am not a completely ignorant infidel regarding Islam), as well as his discussion of the differing motives and agendas for those many names used for the Islamic State--ISIS, ISIL, Daesh, etc. The discussions on naming probably should have been brought together in a separate chapter. Finally, showcasing the irony of western secularist politicians trying to pontificate about what Islam is or isn't was right on the money. It is a truth-telling that we need more of. I'm not sure what makes these pols think they are the adjudicators of what constitutes Islam.

I also found my appreciation of Spencer rising as I saw him highlighting the diversity among Muslims--in the discussion of the caliphate succession, as well as more recent schisms, and especially his exhortation to Western nations that standing up to Sharia Islamism would make them attractive to the secular Muslims with whom they have common cause. I would love to hear more specific discussion of examples there of what to do legally. The main thrust of the "How to Defeat ISIS" chapter seemed to be the need for overwhelming military defeat, but the above remarks seem to imply other important home-front measures.

Spencer is right that we need to take ISIS seriously and understand the implications of the creation of a new Caliphate, not just dismiss it as a handful of terrorists that will soon fizzle out. But will we heed his warning?

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an odd read. It gives a very detailed historical overview of the history of ISIS and the activities carried out in its name. However, Spencer is also pushing a very firm political agenda with this book. His underlying goal is to challenge statements that ISIS is 'not about Islam' (meaning he disputes the idea that ISIS is a bastardisation of Islam) and arguments that social injustices radicalise people. He does this by summarising every reference to Quranic quotes that ISIS radicals have referenced. He also argues that the left wing has taken over the school system, using it to distribute AgitProp about social justice. He argues that teaching students about social justice issues makes them more susceptible to radicalisation. So his argument is problematic but the historic detail is interesting. read with a large pinch of salt and awareness of the political agenda.

[Ted Henkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to post a review of this book on Goodreads for a couple weeks now, especially now that France and other European countries are attempting to round-up the terrorists that launched a "Mumbai-style" attack on Paris this past Friday.

Here's what I posted elsewhere on-line:

I don't read too many non-fiction works because the books I normally read are sci-fi/fantasy and historical novels. Basically, events that take place outside our world or current time. In my job at Washington State Emergency Management, I spend my on-duty days bombarded by news--all of it bad. Despite my interest in international relations and military operations, I get burned out reading/viewing today's sad state of affairs.

So when I'm away from work, I escape into the realm of fiction.
But the real world has a way of intruding on my leisure time.

One of these intruders is the Islamic State. It seems like a day doesn't go by without some Islamic State minion committing some atrocity somewhere; or a "known wolf" dedicating their crime to this terrorist nation. I use the word "nation," because unlike other terrorist groups, this "JV" team as Obama disparagingly called them, has managed to conquer a considerable swath of real estate.

I'm also an admirer of Robert Spencer and his Jihad Watch.

Since I want to support Mr. Spencer's work and be better versed on ISIS, I decided to buy his latest work, The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS.

The book is divided into the following 10 chapters, along with an ISIS Timeline, Author's Note, Introduction, Acknowledgements, Notes and Index:

One--Born of Blood and Slaughter, ISIS's founding.

Two--ISIS Comes to America, terrorist activities within the Ramparts of Civilization.

Three--Irresistible ISIS, westerners answering the call to jihad.

Four--How They Did It--and Who's Trying to Stop Them, how ISIS rose to power, and the world's response.

Five--Inside the Islamic State, a glimpse at "life behind the veil," from survivors/escapees.

Six--The Caliphate: What It Means and Why It Matters, the impact of ISIS declaring itself The Caliphate.

Seven--The Caliphate's Bloody History, a brief look at the Muslim Conquests.

Eight--Is the Islamic State Islamic (Is the Pope Catholic?), an examination of ISIS's sole motivation--expanding Islam.

Nine--On the Islamic To-Do List, a look at what ISIS would love to do, if given half a chance.

Ten--How to Defeat ISIS--and Why We Must, a brief look at our current failed policies and attitudes, along with a general recommendation on changing both.

There are two recurring side-bars in each chapter: Ostrich Alert and Not That This Has Anything To Do With Islam.

The Ostrich Alerts are select, politically correct (PC)-addled quotes from various leaders explaining how the latest ISIS atrocity has nothing to do with Islam. While the Not That This Has Anything To Do With Islam, are select quotes from various terrorists explaining how there actions are completely in keeping with Islam.

Like Mr. Spencer's earlier works and on-line content, The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS is well-written, well researched (with 40 pages of footnotes), informative and I'd say "pleasant to read," if it were possible to use the word "pleasant" when reading about terrorist atrocities and their justifications for committing them.

Overall, I liked the book and had only a few quibbles about it. First, is Mr. Spencer often repeats the same quotes. True, this helps to reinforce a point, but it can get, well, repetitive.

The second is that Chapter Nine contains extensive passages from ISIS's various e-books, such as Black Flags from Rome, along with four other e-books. Each book is an outline on how ISIS would like to conquer various sections of the world, first by reconquering lands they use to rule over.

It's not that I have a problem reading terrorists wish lists, no matter how fanciful they appear to be, it's just that the passages Mr. Spencer uses are quite long.

Finally, Chapter Ten provides general guideline defeating ISIS. True, we have to acknowledge the religious-political ideology that's motivating ISIS followers--and that is Islam. This is something our political rulers and news media refuse to do. As to how to go about defeating ISIS once and for all, the only recommendation the author gives is to stick to our "cultural guns," so to speak.

To be honest, I don't have anything profound recommendations on how to defeat an entire terrorist state either. Since no one in position of authority is willing to confront the religious-political ideology of ISIS and their ilk, as the author recommends, I'm resigned to the idea that we're in for a multi-generational conflict with our jihadist enemies.

Now that my quibbles are out of the way, what I learned most from reading this book is how much of a big deal it is among jihadists to have a bona fide caliphate. By declaring a caliphate--and holding territory to back up the claim--is an inspiration to jihadists world-wide. As long as a caliphate exists in the hearts and minds of jihadi-wannabees and their supporters, they'll never pledge their allegiance to any other nation, no matter how many benefits are lavished on them.

The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS is a solid 4-star book. And unlike the sci-fi and fantasy books I've read, then handed off to someone else, I'll be keeping this Infidel's Guide for future reference.

I'm afraid I'm going to need it.

[Edward Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice synopsis of the inner workings and genesis of Muslim extremism groups like ISIS.

It was hard to put this book down once I started. Amazingly well annotated and researched. I am truly amazed at how easily misled and brainwashed people can be by religious zealots preying on social outcasts in society, who then turn them to evil in the name of their "god". I definitely recommend this book.

[Ailith Twinning · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm kinda interested in googling this guy. . .hold on. . . *dies laughing*

Dude, I'm not even gonna bother with my review. Fuck this stupid shithead. Downside to reading whatever random audiobooks are currently uploaded -- you read a lot of stupid shit. (actually, I've done pretty good picking my books if you check my read books, just judging books by their titles, but still)

[Gaurav Pruthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Robert Spencer, but this book disappointed me for not providing conclusive suggestions. It is easy to point out flaws in the system, but providing solution is what makes an analyst an architect of solution.

[Vladimir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting facts, but rather borring storyline.

[Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that it as anything to do with Islam
This book is somewhat clear in saying that it is just the nature of Islam to do what Isis did and will continue to do so.

[Mike Glaser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent description of ISIL, their rise and their aims. Starting to feel a little dated so it would not hurt for an update from the author.

[Jatin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's decent but reads like propaganda. I originally intended to read this when it was new, but here we go anyway.

[Todd Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer does a great job of demonstrating that ISIS is not a perversion of Islam, but in fact is in line with the historical actions of the religion and is sanctioned by the Qur'an and numerous hadiths.

We buy into the Western leader's assurances that ISIS is an aberration, not representative of Islam and in fact a small percentage of crazed fanatics who are not really Muslims at our own peril.

"Whatever one believes of Christian or Muslim eschatology, that Judgment Day is coming— because the Islamic State is working toward it, and will continue to do so. And because the United States and the European Union, meanwhile, prefer to continue to reassure themselves that this is not a religious war, or even a proper war at all, and that the whole thing will blow over fairly soon, once jihadis have jobs and social standing. But the Islamic State is confident that it will come down to a military showdown. Black Flags from Rome says that the European Union and the United States will fight the Islamic State at Dabiq, while “those who cannot reach Syria go on the offensive elsewhere depending on where they are located.”
(p. 266). Kindle Edition.

"The Islamic State is nothing less than the foremost evil force of our time. It is, as Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said, an “apocalyptic death cult.” In an age when the entire U.S. and European foreign policy establishment is geared toward negotiation, compromise, and accommodation, it is fanatically intransigent. The idea of reaching a negotiated settlement with ISIS is inconceivable." (p. 283)

"In September 2014, the New York Times had reported that Obama “said he envisioned the Free Syrian Army’s providing the ground presence needed to confront ISIS in Syria.” Obama told Chuck Todd of NBC, “We have a Free Syrian Army and a moderate opposition that we have steadily been working with that we have vetted. They have been on the defensive, not just from ISIL, but also from the Assad regime. And what— you know, if you recall, at the West Point speech that I gave, I said, we need to put more resources into the moderate opposition.”
There were at least two problems with Obama’s plan: 1. The Free Syrian Army are allies of the Islamic State, not of the U.S. The “moderate opposition” to which Obama wanted to devote more resources was not actually opposing the Islamic State at all. Two months before Obama stated that he was depending upon the Free Syrian Army to fight against the Islamic State, several Free Syrian Army brigades had already pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. And it was the Dawood Brigade, another group that had been aligned with the Free Syrian Army, that originally captured American journalist James Foley; when the Dawood Brigade pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, Foley fell into the hands of ISIS, and they beheaded him. The day after Obama said that he was depending on the Free Syrian Army to defeat the Islamic State, Bassel Idriss, the commander of an anti-Assad force aligned with the Free Syrian Army, declared, “We are collaborating with the Islamic State and the Nusra Front [al-Qaeda’s representatives in Syria] by attacking the Syrian Army’s gatherings in . . . Qalamoun. . . . Our battle is with the Assad regime, and it is on Syrian lands only.”
In other words, they were not fighting against the Islamic State, either in Syria or Iraq. Harakat Hazm, yet another group that was aligned with the Free Syrian Army and had received training and weapons from the United States, far from welcoming and helping to coordinate the U.S. airstrikes in Syria, denounced them as “an attack on the revolution.” One Free Syrian Army fighter who joined the Islamic State and then labored to get others to follow suit observed in November 2014, “Isis now is like a magnet that attracts large numbers of Muslims.”
2. There are no “moderates”— and fighting the Islamic State is aiding Iran. There is no significant force in either Iraq or Syria that wants to establish a Western-style secular republic. The nation that stands to gain the most from the removal of the Islamic State from Iraq and Syria is Iran, where throngs chant “Death to America” at Tehran rallies as the tanks and rockets roll by. The U.S.-backed government in Baghdad is a weak client government of Iran, as is Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria. Shi’ite militias have gone into action against the Islamic State in Iraq. The Islamic State must be removed, but if it is, the Iranians could end up controlling an arc of territory stretching from Baghdad to Beirut. There is simply no easy solution to this problem."
(pp. 285-286)

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book delves into the history of the group and its rise to power, and examines its religious beliefs and practices. It also looks at the group's strategies and tactics, as well as its impact on the Middle East and the world.

Spencer's writing is clear and well-researched. He presents a wealth of information on the subject, drawing on a variety of sources, including primary documents and interviews with experts. He also provides a thoughtful analysis of the group's ideology and how it differs from traditional Islamic beliefs.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the origins and inner workings of ISIS. It is well-written and well-researched, and provides a comprehensive overview of the group and its impact on the world. The book is informative and is written in a way that is easy to understand even for people who don't have any background knowledge on the subject. Overall, "The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS" is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the group and its ideology.

[Howard Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Islam has to be emasculated

One of the few voices of reason in the West, Robert Spencer fearlessly details how we are losing the war against the lunacy and depravity of Islamic State. In fact, he makes a cogent case for regarding regular, everyday Islam as a degenerate ideology that inspires hatred for all non-Muslims. His solution has been successfully implemented before, when rabid nationalistic Shinto was neutered after the defeat of Japan in 1945. Everyone in the free world needs to read this book.

[Brett Stortroen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Robert Spencer. The origins of ISIS and Al Qaida were very detailed and educational. Many current event citations from 2014-2015 give this work relevancy for today. I especially enjoyed chapter 6 (The Caliphate: What it means and why it matters). Spencer gives many quotes from ISIS leaders depicting their motivations for an Islamic state and plans for world conquest. ISIS based laws are rooted in Islam's own historical roots and plainly laid out, chapter by chapter, with well ordered quotes from the Qur'an, hadith and other source material.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely accessible. The somewhat snarky subheadings (e.g. How to Win Friends and Massacre People) shouldn't fool you; the book is thoroughly documented and the author thoroughly familiar w/ his subject. If you want to know the answers to questions like: Where did ISIS come from? Who are its leaders? Who are its enemies? What are its goals? Is the Islamic State Islamic? Why is it so brutal and bloodthirsty? What does it mean that it calls itself a caliphate? How are we trying to defeat it? Is it working?.... then this is the book to read.

[Larry Koester · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a number of such books. In this one I read only the last chapter about the author's solution to the problem. It is no solution. I think "Inside Islam" is the better solution. This books solution makes us looke like only another form of supremacist hatred. His solution seems to translate to "kill them all." Making it look like the west has the higher moral ground. Atheistic materialist humanism is not proving that point.

[John Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely reading

Spencer's words couldn't be more timely than today ,with over 50 american bodies in. Orlando awaiting identification. Face it, we are all infidels in jihadist eyes, anyone that doesn't subscribe to Islamic jihad. Its an older book but we'll worth the read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book...

This book provides an excellent introduction to the ideology of war and subjugation that drives ISIS. At its core is Islam, which Mr. Spencer makes very clear throughout the book.

[Ciprian Bujor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tb spus de la început ca autorul este desemnat de unii ca fiind islamofob. Însă cartea este bine documentată, are o bibliografie impresionantă si este o lectură instructivă asupra unui subiect incomod și foarte puțin înțeles în Occident. Nu-i împărtășesc toate concluziile, dar merită măcar citite.

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3/4

[Chuckdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting information..,it was a slow read, written at an 8th grade level. I think the book is more of a 3 star, but gave it 5 to off set the islamic apologists that would've given it 1 star.