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The Way of the Strangers

Encounters with the Islamic State

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The Way of the Strangers

By: Graeme Wood
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
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About this listen

From Graeme Wood, author of the explosive Atlantic cover story 'What ISIS Really Wants', comes the definitive book on the history, psychology, character and aims of the Islamic State. Based on Wood's unprecedented access to supporters, recruiters and high-ranking members of the most infamous jihadist group in the world, The Way of the Strangers is a riveting, fast-paced deep dive into the apocalyptic dogma that informs the group's worldview, from the ideas that motivate it to the 'fatwa factory' that produces its laws to its very specific plans for the future. By accepting that ISIS truly believes the end is nigh, we can understand its strategy - and predict what it will do next.

©2016 Graeme Wood (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Freedom & Security Islam Middle East Politics & Government Religious Studies War & Crisis World Iran War Middle Ages Africa Imperialism Royalty Crusade

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Critic reviews

"Wood is a fearless, relentlessly curious and magnetically interesting writer who takes us on an intellectual and theological journey to the darkest places on the planet, and yet he manages to do this without despairing for our collective future. This book is a triumph of journalism." (Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief, The Atlantic)
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This is an exploration of Islamist movement by engaging with the radicalizers, the converts, and explain some of the whys of their twisted logic. It explains some of the theology as they perceive it and as it is explained to those they want to convert, it is very well researched and explored deeply; the commentary is minimal as this is more of a reportage in the form of a book.
Like all religions Islam is full of illogical ideas and cultural references that have little to do with logic or reality, belief is a form acceptance of the irrational to attain salvation. The apocalyptic references are as interesting and as crazy as exorcism is in the Catholic church.
Very informative an eye opener that will explain the thought proses and the subjugation of the mind one must endure to become a believer.
I do not understand how we give religions such a powerful positions within our societies; religions must serve greatly those in power for it to be permissible, to protect so much stupidity.
A very good read that will explain a lot about the irrational mindset of Islamist.

Up close and personal with Islamist.

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This book has helped me approach the threat of so called Islamic State. I am grateful for its in depth analysis of the group's why and wherefore. Its detailed description of the historical development and the personal development of some of its key members.

Enlightening

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Brilliant book. Wood provides the reader with a window into the mindset of jihadism. An essential listen for those interested in radical Islam, current affairs and geopolitics.

Essential listening for understanding Jihadism

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The author expands greatly on his famous essay in The Atlantic with this deep-dive into the mentality of people, often converts to Islam, who advocate for the Islamic State while not daring to move there.

Fascinating insight into apocalyptic religion.

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The book is fascinating. If you want to know how IS members think, it is perfect. It's truly mind-opening to try to understand these rational lunatics. It explains why few clerics manage to efficiently counter their theology. Also, books like these are perhaps the only way we can approximate an understanding of the medieval mindset. Let's hope it perishes quickly!

Woods writing is very entertaining and witty.

The narration is also good.

Understanding the Islamic State

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Ends noting the failed repentant ideologues cannot undo the harm: a warning of future ideoluges.

As much a warning as a record

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Everyone, Muslim or non-Muslim needs to read this. it may change how you view Islam and the middle east forever

A must read

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