Stephen Schwartz – författare

In 2005, two then-officials of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee were indicted for handing over classified information to a foreign power. That the power in question was assumed to be Israel brought fresh credibility to a conspiracy theory that had been floating around Washington for years: that a powerful “Jewish lobby” controls U.S. policy in the Middle East. The run-up to the Iraq war had provided new grist for this theory. A group of largely Jewish neoconservatives were among the architects of the war, and their motivations for removing Saddam Hussein were alternately ascribed to oil interests and the need to protect Israel. The allegations against these neoconservatives—especially former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz—echoed the case of the notorious Jonathan Pollard who pled guilty of spying for Israel in 1986. In this biting and incisive polemic, journalist and author Stephen Schwartz confronts the myth of a Jewish lobby head on, asking questions that no one else has dared to pose. What is the “Jewish lobby”? How powerful is it? What was its involvement in the preparations for war in Iraq? Was there really a “cabal” of neoconservative Jews in the administration of George W. Bush? How did AIPAC officials come to be accused, in 2004, of espionage? Above all, what is good for the Jews, and who decides it? Many of us forget that in the 1930s, a genuine home-grown fascist movement arose in America. At that time, Schwartz reminds us, it was not the official representatives of the Jewish community that stood up to the fascist goons of New York City, but Jewish socialists—the antecedents of today’s neoconservatives. Likewise, today, it has not been the meek and timid leaders of the supposedly all-powerful Jewish Lobby that have defended the Jews but the reviled “neocons” in the Bush Administration. Their strategic vision projects a foreign policy that is both good for America and good for the Jews. As a result, Schwartz predicts an increasing turn for Jewish voters away from their dysfunctional marriage with the Democratic Party and toward the Republicans. Ultimately Schwartz concludes that in today''s America, a “Jewish lobby” may no longer be necessary. In the face of the threatened collapse of the Lobby, he argues, American Jews should openly and proudly assume their proper role as moral and religious exemplars for their fellow Americans and cease acting like a frightened minority.

This eye-opening, insightful exploration of Sufism, the spiritual tradition that has supported Islam for more than a thousand years, shows why it offers a promising foundation for reconciliation between the Western and Muslim worlds. Many Americans today identify Islam with maniacal hatred of the West. The Other Islam transforms this image and opens the way to finding common ground in our troubled times. Sufism, a blend of the mystical and rational tendencies within Islam, emerged soon after the revelation of Muhammad. A reforming movement against the increasing worldliness of Muslim society, it focuses on Islam’s spiritual dimension. Described as “Islam of the Heart,” Sufism has attracted adherents among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, as well as Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.In The Other Islam, Stephen Schwartz traces the origins and history of Sufism, elucidates its teachings, and illustrates its links to the other religions. He comments on such celebrated Sufi poets and philosophers as Rumi and Al-Ghazali, and narrates their influence on the Kabbalah, on the descendants of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides, and on Christian mystics like Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Ávila as well as the American transcendentalists. Furthermore, Schwartz presents a fresh survey of Sufism in today’s Islamic world, anticipating an intellectual renaissance of the faith and alternatives to fundamentalism and tyranny in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.

Since its formation in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been ruled by two interdependent families. The Al Sa’uds control politics and the descendants of Ibn Abd al-Wahhab impose Wahhabism—a violent, fanatical perversion of the pluralistic Islam practiced by most Muslims. Stephen Schwartz argues that Wahhabism, vigorously exported with the help of Saudi oil money, is what incites Palestinian suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, and other Islamic terrorists throughout the world.Schwartz reveals the hypocrisy of the Saudi regime, whose moderate facade conceals state-sponsored repression and terrorism. He also raises troubling questions about Wahhabi infiltration of America’s Islamic community and about U.S. oil companies sanitizing Saudi Arabia’s image for the West. This sharp analysis and eye-opening expose illuminates the background to the September 11th terrorist attacks and offers new approaches for U.S. policy toward its closest ally in the Middle East.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Relive Elphaba and Glinda’s journey through the showstopping songs “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” with this lovingly crafted set perfect for any fan of the films. Through every touching moment and iconic line, readers will return to Oz as they flip through pages of breathtaking illustrations that bring the story to life in a whole new way. Combining both books in a spectacular set, this pairing is the perfect present for celebrating friendship, whether a birthday, graduation, or any day of the year! Readers can continue sharing their favorite stories from childhood with their own kids and grandchildren with Insight Kids’ Illustrated Classics series and pop culture storybooks, including artfully rendered versions of The Goonies and Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow.

The whole family can sing along with Elphaba and Glinda in this beautifully illustrated storybook, featuring official lyrics from Universal Pictures’ Wicked alongside captivating artwork inspired by the iconic song, “Defying Gravity.”Experience Elphaba and Glinda’s show-stopping song “Defying Gravity” in this lavishly illustrated picture book with lyrics! Immerse yourself in the gorgeous artwork, featuring beautifully drawn scenes from the film.HEARTWARMING MOMENTS: Follow Elphaba and Glinda through their entire performance of “Defying Gravity” and experience the song through exquisite illustrations and lyrics.FOR FANS OF ALL AGES: This illustrated storybook is a treat for the entire family, from the youngest children to parents, grandparents, and more!BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Original, full-color illustrations bring the song from the screen to the page in a vibrant new way.COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION: Share your favorite stories from childhood with your own kids and grandchildren with Insight Kids’ Illustrated Classics series and pop culture storybooks, including artfully rendered versions of It’s a Wonderful Life, The Goonies, and Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow.