Islamophobia in fiction!
Ho-gannnn!!! The former Nixon aide and convert to Islam Bob Crane (whose lackluster commitment to truth and accuracy I discussed here and here) reviews Brad Thor's blockbuster novel The Last Patriot, and finds it (gasp) worse than Spencer's books!
"BOOK REVIEW: The Last Patriot: Islamophobia Triumphant in an Islamic da Vinci Code," by Robert D. Crane in The American Muslim, July 6:
A best-selling new book, The Last Patriot, by Brad Thor, perfects a sophisticated art form surpassing Robert Spencer’s books in the emotional demonization of Islam and Muslims. It cites Spencer but goes beyond his accomplishments to the next level by launching a subliminal mimetic crusade to demonize the true scholars of Islam as dangerous “apologist enablers” of terrorism because they insist that traditionalist Islam is not inherently terroristic.
Wow! A crusade, and a "subliminal mimetic" one, no less! Pity poor Bob: the Crusaders were tough enough when they came with swords and clubs, but when they come in a subliminal mimetic way, what's a garrulous old dissembler like him to do? Why, engage in his usual mudslinging and defamation, of course. In this case, he says that Brad Thor is trying to "demonize the true scholars of Islam as dangerous 'apologist enablers' of terrorism because they insist that traditionalist Islam is not inherently terroristic."
Of course, I don't think, and have never said, that traditionalist Islam is "inherently terroristic." I have said, and can prove, that traditional Islam contains violent and supremacist elements, and that its various schools unanimously teach warfare against and the subjugation of unbelievers. Does that involve terrorism? Not necessarily. But anyway, it is noteworthy that Crane doesn't mention the names of any of those he regards as "true scholars of Islam." Why not? Could it be because he couldn't come up with any who reject not just terrorism but jihad violence and Islamic supremacism? Could it be because, as I have shown here, the rejections of terrorism that we have seen from Islamic leaders are so vaguely worded as to allow for contemporary jihad activity?
The latest twist in Islamophobia is to demonize those who counter the Islamophobic demonizers by accusing them of downplaying the growing movement of extremism among Muslims all over the world and for highlighting the gathering movement against it by the awakening Muslim silent majority.
Whew. Bob's not going to win any awards for clarity of prose for that sentence. But I think he means that it's "Islamophobic" to point out that Muslims like him are spending more time attacking people like Brad Thor and me than actually countering the influence and spread of the jihad ideology in Muslim communities. But they are, of course: the very existence of this review, and the time it took for Bob Crane to write it instead of spending that time formulating a genuine counterjihad plan for Muslim communities, is an indication of that.
Scholars of Islam are accused of being dupes of Al Qa’ida because they oppose the Islamophobes’ perversion of the Qur’an and decry their fear-mongering and political exploitation of the threat, and because Muslims increasingly are calling for foreign policies based on justice, both economic and political, as the best means to counter the threat. The logic of the demonization is irrefutable, but its premises are just as false as its inevitable conclusions. [...]
Which scholars again, Bob? Names, please? But anyway, here Bob speaks about "the Islamophobes’ perversion of the Qur’an" -- as if it weren't Muslims who were using the Qur'an to justify violence and supremacism. Note also that he says that adjustment of American foreign policies will solve everything -- in other words, once we get out of Iraq and Afghanistan and throw Israel overboard, everything will be all right. He doesn't explain how this will affect the jihads in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Nigeria, etc. I expect some foreign policy adjustments will be required of the infidels there, also.
Bob concludes:
Psychologists might have something to say about the appeal of this book to people who know they are being manipulated by fear mongering but can’t resist it, sort of like acrophobics who can’t resist jumping off a cliff. This book and the movement behind it would seem to provide evidence of the natural law that the primordial cause of civilizational clash and collapse is the denial of one’s own injustices, fear of the consequences, and a drive to stamp out opposition by abandoning the civilization’s founding values.
Psychologists might also have something to say about a man who, confronted with daily evidence of violence and subversion committed by members of his religion in the name of that religion, puts the blame not on the teachings and teachers of that religion, but on those who report on those teachings and teachers. I expect that a good psychologist would have a great deal to say.
Meanwhile, don't miss The Last Patriot. It's unique in portraying the jihad threat in its fullness, and wonderfully imaginative and superbly paced as a story. Congratulations to Brad Thor, and thanks for having the guts to write this book.
Hope Brad Thor doesn't have to go into hiding.
Here's the email I sent via the contact information on the site. (Don't worry, I'm not holding my breath waiting for a reply.)
***
First of all, let me make clear that this is not a comment on the book itself, as I haven’t read it yet.
What I have read are plenty of books and articles by Robert Spencer. The following quote is at beginning of this review:
”A best-selling new book, The Last Patriot, by Brad Thor, perfects a sophisticated art form surpassing Robert Spencer’s books in the emotional demonization of Islam and Muslims.”
I am not even sure what “emotional demonization” of Muslims means, but I would appreciate seeing examples from Robert Spencer’s writings that show that he is demonizing Muslims in any way. Everything I have ever read by him is taken from Islamic writings and tradition and is documented as such.
Examples of “perversion of the Qur’an” by Islamophobes would be appreciated as well. (Again, whatever Islamophobe even means.)
Of course, isn't that how it always is? Islamic apologists make defensive statements that either by sneaky omission or dodgy vague assertions, trying to make it hard for western opposition to give a definitive response concerning jihad violence..that Islam itself is directly responsible for it.
Gee either these violent Jihadists are Muslims or they are not Muslims. Its so simple to me. This game of disconnecting the terrorism from Islam with no real specific condemnation of who is teaching Jihad in the mosques is getting exposed BADLY.
Today's Bob Crane is an insult to that crafty Col. Hogan from the 60's. In fact, he sounds more like LeBeau :) If only we could update that sitcom for today's war on Islamic extremism -- that would be outstanding! Alas, nobody in Hollywood would have the stones to make it... but still, I wonder who'd play Klink?
Bob Crane has credibility only with fellow Muslims and uninformed dhimmis. He is an enabler of spititual totalitarianism and either a blatantly dishonest man or a complete fool, but he's part of what those who seek the truth about Islam are up against. But kudos to Brad Thor. I'll have to get a copy of his new book.
Bob Crane is a muslim.
A hysterical defender of Islam. Talk about emotional molting. It does not take a 'good ' psychologist to figure him out, a lousy shrink could do it...
This book and the movement behind it would seem to provide evidence of the natural law that the primordial cause of civilizational clash and collapse is the denial of one’s own injustices, fear of the consequences, and a drive to stamp out opposition by abandoning the civilization’s founding values.
What a wise man. (What'd he say?)
What? "This book" wasn't the Koran?
Oh well. Never mind.
This book is a tremendous public service, in addition to being so well done: It provides a means of reaching a broad audience, including those who may not have previously known much about Islamic law and jihad.
One of my relatives who has long been a fan of geopolitical thrillers (including an ample existing stock of Thor's previous books) read it and learned a great deal. We've been discussing those points here and there over the holiday weekend. That's been tremendously gratifying.
Isn't a book review supposed to, you know, review the book?
As far as it being made into a movie? On what planet?
Don't forget the jihad in Greenland.
Wow! I'll be getting Thor's book for me and for others!
Thanks, Bob, you convert-to-Barbarism, for letting me know about this fabulous new book!
I got the book the day it came out and just finished it. I hope Brad Thor goes it one better next time and actually makes the Islamic jihadist a middle eastern person instead of a westerner CIA type gone bad. We need to get into the mind of the muslim. Other than that, it was alot of truth exposed.
Well I can't wait to get the book! I've seen Brad on Glenn Beck and find him so interesting. Bad "review" or not, I'm a buyer.
That's a good enough recommendation for me! Just ordered it.
Thanks
"... for highlighting the gathering movement against it by the awakening Muslim silent majority."
What gathering movement by the awakening Muslim silent majority? This is the first I've heard of such a movement. How can a "silent majority" have a movement? After all they are "silent." Who would be their spokesperson? Does anyone know who Crane might be referring to?
"This could become a blockbuster movie."
One can only hope against all odds that an honest look at Islam and Muslims would ever come out of Hollywood. Fat chance. What planet does Crane live on?
Of course when one even mentions the religion of peace, comes the obligatory death threats..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgXMiKYvHgA
Can't wait for the movie....
Isn't this book like, you know, a work of fiction? Novelists write for the satisfaction of writing. They're story tellers, and that's what they do, for love or money, and in Brad Thor's case, both.
You know, it's funny--I can't recall anyone raising the roof over Tom Clancy's cold-war novels. I guess the former Soviets understand fiction.
It's the American way, Mr. Crane. Get used to it.
You can always sit down and try your hand at fiction. Demonize Westerners to your heart's content. I wish you would--I'd like to see your ignorance recognized by a larger portion of the world.
Thus defines Crane.
Bob Crane needs a brain transplant, cant he read the KKKoran? Can't he read the perpetual violence against women and non muslims? I can see how some ilertate muslim born into this facist cult, but a so called educated Western person? Islam must attrack only those who cannot understand and those blinded by the actions of their fellow islamist terrorists.
I tried to get this book, and about a hundred others but they never have anything in stock, or even listed in the computer. According to South African bookstores, Islam does not exist.
I have one book, "The Truth about Muhammad", ordered specially for me by Exclusive Books, and that cost R320. Amazon have put a premium on books, DVD's etc. sent to South Africa because too many parcels are stolen en route to the buyer.
I just googled Dr. Crane and I just don't get how this American could want America to change to becoming a totalitarian society under islam. I don't get how an educated man could want to subjicate 50% of the population under oppressive sharia laws, which if we became muslims women would have to do. If I couldn't feel the wind on my skin and the sun on my face I would kill myself, personally. Hard to surf in a burqua. Brad Thor has a ready made antagonist for his next book.
Bob Crane you are on the wrong path.
Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure and buy the book today.
.
blues4allah,
.
I'm sure you've seen 'The Sands of Passion"?
if not, check it out it's a pretty funny
.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sands+of+passion&search_type=&aq=5&oq=sands+of+
An Islamic da-Vinci code? What would such an author come up with - Mohammed being monogamous? (snicker) Merciful? (LOL) Abstinent? (ROTFL) Nobody could make up stuff about Mohammed to make him look bad the way the da Vinci code attempted to about Jesus. Any such attempts on his story would end up improving his reputation.
"perfects a sophisticated art form surpassing Robert Spencer’s books in the emotional demonization of Islam and Muslims"
Apparently, Robert, you have set the bar,
I don't know anything about Bob Crane, but I presume he never even attempts to answer this sort of comment? I presume he never remotely admits that a point has been made against him, or that anyone with an ounce of respect for rational discourse would acknowledge that something should be said, or that the point remains made?
But, although asking for that might be asking for the moon, one can at least rejoice in Robert's criticisms: clear as sunlight, and, as his enemies seem to be aware, unanswerable.
Brad Thor meet Geert Wilders! As you know Mr. Wilders is looking for new movie ideas seeing that it is more lucrative and less dangerous than being a political figure in the Netherlands.
Just connecting the dots. Mayby Geert and Brad read JW and this has put an idea into someones minds.
I am currently looking for work and if this did come together would love to be considered in some small way. Oh, and I can do CG if any is needed.
It happens to me a lot that when I read or hear Islam-apologist, I get confused. Thinking sometimes the person is speaking critical about islam. e.g.
'Psychologists might have something to say about the appeal of this book (my review or the Qur'an) to people who know they are being manipulated by fear mongering but can’t resist it, [...]
This book (Qur'an) and the movement (islam) behind it would seem to provide evidence of the natural law that the primordial cause of civilizational clash and collapse is the denial of one’s own injustices, fear of the consequences, and a drive to stamp out opposition by abandoning the civilization’s founding values.
They truely are the masters of triple-paradox.
I have taken to reading "The American Muslim" and I've wondered who Dr Bob Crane is. I find the intellectually dishonesty of the The American Muslim website fascinating.
I somtimes spend energy at other sites debunking some of the lame apologetics which surround the topic of Islam. And though I have NEVER once called for a "holy war" against Islam or the Muslims, it's astounding to see how frequently people accuse me of this for simply pointing out the holy war aspects which suffuse Islam. In a bizarre piece of mental contortion similar to Bob Crane's own, it is somehow we infidels who've energized the Great Jihad. This is, of course, insane.
Muslims who retail this swill are sometimes purposefully deceiving, and probably sometimes simply blaming the messenger for truth about Islam, a truth that challenges their entire filthy edifice of their pathetic beliefs.
But those infidels who blame others who speak honestly about the numberless rapes of civilization and murderous atrocities which Muslims commit are harder to figure out. They clearly have too much invested in a fantasy guaranteed to cause disaster rather than prevent it. They act as if the critics of Jihad would only be silent, then Muslims would have no cause to attack us. But of course if the critics of Islam were to silence themselves, or worse, be silenced by such infidels, we know the Jihad would simply be that much closer to its goal of domination. It must never happen. We will never be silenced.
>>I hope Brad Thor goes it one better next time and actually makes the Islamic jihadist a middle eastern person instead of a westerner CIA type gone bad. We need to get into the mind of the muslim." --maunalio
So, the protagonist is a Western man? Caucasian or African-American? How does he "go bad?" Coverts to Islam?
LOL, Converts to Islam? But, Covert works, too!
I think I've got Tony Blankley's "Covert Sympathizers" (moderate Muslims) on my mind.
Inch by inch.... The world will get wiser, inch by inch...
I have to strongly disagree with Mr. Spencer's assessment of Islam as not inherently a terroristic "religion".
What else do you call a dogma that decrees death to anyone who dares leave it?
A Candyland creed and fluffy bunny faith?
Mohammad was a warlord. His plagiarized cult is built on terror, grows on terror, and aims at nothing less than universal terror.
Let's not softpedal the rotten core of the Koran.
Am reading "Last Patriot" right now
Very enjoyable
Right off the bat he has an organization called FAIR that is a dead ringer for CAIR
Good action and no straining of credulity
Brad Thor treats Islam accurately enough for Jihad Watch posters
Darcy: So, the protagonist is a Western man? Caucasian or African-American? How does he "go bad?" Coverts to Islam?
He is a rogue CIA operative, convert to Isalm. American and not a Black Muslim
Never said he was black, where did you get that? I actually am married to a black Fijiian man. Nope his name was european. I think he was green.
Never said he was black, where did you get that? I actually am married to a black Fijiian man. Nope his name was european. I think he was green.
Probably pink actually.
Brad Thor treats Islam accurately enough for Jihad Watch posters
Posted by: dennisw
Robert advised Brad Thor on certain aspects of the book.
"Whew. Bob's not going to win any awards for clarity of prose for that sentence." ~RS
This is part of why I read this site every day. Aside from a first class education on self defense and news that will not make it to America through the regular channels, you get some great sarcasm tied in.
Thanks JihadWatch for all your work.
Sam
My library copy is now available. Guess that I'll be doing some reading over the next few days.
BTW, last night I was at my local Barnes & Noble. The book was not present. Perhaps it was sold out? I hope so!
I ordered it last week and, unfortunately, due to being a terribly fast reader, read the whole thing in one evening.
But it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
More praise for Brad Thor's The Last Patriot from Robert D. Crane in "The American Muslim":
A best-selling new book, The Last Patriot, by Brad Thor, perfects a sophisticated art form surpassing Robert Spencer’s books in the emotional demonization of Islam and Muslims. It cites Spencer but goes beyond his accomplishments to the next level by launching a subliminal mimetic crusade to demonize the true scholars of Islam as dangerous “apologist enablers” of terrorism because they insist that traditionalist Islam is not inherently terroristic.
That should be on the book cover. Thanks for the tip Mr. Crane, I just ordered mine.
Re: RalphInfidel
Maybe, but give them more time and maybe they'll crank out a poetic curse like they did for Robert Spencer-- "May Allah rip out his spine from his back and split his brains in two, and then put them both back, and then do it over and over again."
Anyone who would voluntarily convert to Islam has got to be severely mentally ill in the first place, so who gives a hoot what this Bob idiot has to say. He's obviously demented.
We need to boycott the venues that give voice to such demented sociopaths in the first place. In fact, boycott as many businesses you can that could possibly be feeding the Islamic depravity. That means, naturally, that we all need to support alternative energy and stop funding our own demise through Middle Eastern oil money!!!!!
The Truth About Islam
"Today's Bob Crane is an insult to that crafty Col. Hogan from the 60's."
blues4allah,
I was thinking the same thing,and this Crane must have his own handy "Schultz" available to proclaim: "I know nothing!" whenever a conflict arises between the world he once knew,and to an extent thrived in,and the worldwide UMMA which Mr. Crane has voluntarily chosen to champion toward its well know goals.
Got my copy of The Last Patriot today. I don't usually read thrillers, but this one is a doozie.