James A. Bill

John Alden Williams

This timely work explores two influential religious traditions that might seem to have little in common: Twelver Shi'i Islam and Roman Catholicism. With the worldwide rise of religious fundamentalism, it is imperative that religious movements such as Chri

Prayer, Passion, and Politics

Roman Catholics and Shi'i Muslims

A leading scholar of Iran relates the reasons that helped to destroy the American-Iranian relationship and outlines measures to improve future foreign policy-making

The Tragedy of American-Iranian Relations

The Eagle and the Lion

i" --> This timely work explores two influential religious traditions that might seem to have little in common: Twelver Shi'i Islam and Roman Catholicism. With the worldwide rise of religious fundamentalism, it is imperative that religious movements such as Christianity and Islam begin working harder to understand one another's history and beliefs. Myths and misunderstandings continue to prevail, and observers tend to focus on the differences between the two faith systems. Without denying these differences, the authors of this book reveal a number of interesting linkages between Roman Catholicism and Twelver Shi'ism. They compare the histories of the two faiths, consider parallels between important figures in each, and highlight the doctrinal, structural, and sociopolitical similarities they share. Balanced in tone and carefully researched, the book helps explain the essence of both traditions while enriching our understanding of each. There are an estimated 140 million Twelver Shi'is in the world today. The highest percentages live in Persian Gulf countries, including Iran and Iraq, and in Azerbaijan, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. Sizable numbers also inhabit Pakistan, India, and Turkey. The largest Christian denomination, Roman Catholicism is present across the globe, though its population of more than one billion people is concentrated in North and South America and in Europe.

Diplomat and "wise man" George Ball wielded enormous influence in American foreign policy for more than 40 years. Drawing on Ball's personal archive as well as extensive interviews with Ball and dozens of his associates, Bill traces Ball's involvement with foreign policy, from the 1940s to Ball's death in 1994. 19 illustrations.

Behind the Scenes in U.S. Foreign Policy

George Ball

Robert Springborg

This work examines the issues, problems and processes found in the politics of the region in an analytical framework. It looks at particular events which have cut across the region both chronologically and geographically. It also focuses on a number of changes in ideologies, patterns of authority and political economies of Middle-Eastern states. democracy and human rights, expanding Islamic activism; responses by governments to both these trends, substandard economic growth and the region's high-level militarization.

James A. Bill

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