Books & more: Islamic State

Islamists, Salafists, IS, ISIS, ISIL, Al-Nusra Front, Free Syrian Army, Al-Qaeda in Iraq and elsewhere… It can get quite complicated when trying to follow and understand the current events in the Middle East and to categorize confusing pieces of news. Organizational confusion is compounded by linguistic and cultural barriers. In what religious context does "Holy War" (Jihad) stand again? Why are some "just" fundamentalists and others "Holy Warriors"? –

Beham T. Said is an Islamic scholar and works at a German intelligence agency. His book is a current summary of the events in Iraq and Syria, at the same time he anchors the emergence of the Islamic State in history, describes the background and important figures, the substantive confusion, the impact on Europe, and the attraction that the "Holy War" exerts on Islamists here. He also explains in a rudimentary way the Salafist scene in Germany, why young people are drawn to the "Holy War." All this rich in facts, easily understandable, and without cheap sensationalism. A very good book, after reading which the reader can better categorize the events surrounding the Islamic State. If you want to learn more about current Islamism: at the German intelligence service, there are also various interesting studies available for free download.

"Islamic State: IS Militia, Al-Qaeda, and the German Brigades" by Behnam T. Said, C.H. Beck Verlag, 2014, 223 pages.