Empire of Fear: Inside the Islamic State

Hosken (Nothing Like a Dame) offers extensive and easily understood historical context to the rise of the self-anointed Islamic State, from the death of the prophet Mohammad to the present day. Since 9/11, Americans have focused on radical Islamist groups as the source of a rise in global terrorism. The ascension of the Islamic State, their accumulation of vast swaths of territory, and the increasing number of atrocities committed by the terrorist group have given rise to fear and anger throughout the world. Hosken presents a fair history of the group and the political climate that allowed it to rise: "What is certain is that the ISIS monster emerged from a poisonous witches' brew of sectarianism, proxy wars and competing national, and international interests." For Hosken, it is clear the Islamic State veils murderous motives behind the auspices of religion. It's a bloody, violent tale, told here with compassion and a quest for understanding. Hosken explores these historical roots with depth and clarity; readers will come to understand a more focused version of what motivates the Islamic State. (Sept.)