{"title":"Laurence Louer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaurence Louer\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a compelling exploration of historical and political complexities, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern affairs. His works, such as \u003cem\u003eSunnis and Shi'a\u003c\/em\u003e, delve into the intricate dynamics between sectarian identities and their broader impact on history and society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect meticulously researched narratives that illuminate the interplay of religion, politics, and military influence. Louer’s writing balances scholarly insight with accessible prose, making challenging topics engaging and insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sunnis-and-shia-by-laurence-louer-9780691207780","title":"Sunnis and Shi'a","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA compelling history of the ancient schism that continues to divide the Islamic world\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Muhammad died in 632 without a male heir, Sunnis contended that the choice of a successor should fall to his closest companions, but Shi'a believed that God had inspired the Prophet to appoint his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, as leader. So began a schism that is nearly as old as Islam itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLaurence Louer tells the story of this ancient rivalry, taking readers from the last days of Muhammad to the political and doctrinal clashes of Sunnis and Shi'a today. In a sweeping historical narrative spanning the Islamic world, Louer shows how the Sunni-Shi'a divide was never just a dispute over succession—at issue are questions about the very nature of Islamic political authority. She challenges the widespread perception of Sunnis and Shi'a as bitter enemies who are perpetually at war with each other, demonstrating how they have coexisted peacefully at various periods throughout the history of Islam. Louer traces how sectarian tensions have been inflamed or calmed depending on the political contingencies of the moment, whether to consolidate the rule of elites, assert clerical control over the state, or defy the powers that be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTimely and provocative, \u003ci\u003eSunnis and Shi'a\u003c\/i\u003e provides needed perspective on the historical roots of today's conflicts and reveals how both branches of Islam have influenced and emulated each other in unexpected ways. This compelling and accessible book also examines the diverse regional contexts of the Sunni-Shi'a divide, examining how it has shaped societies and politics in countries such as Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47487551766764,"sku":"9780691207780","price":33.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/f1638195fb1a54eb928fe641215df81e.jpg?v=1775774395"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/laurence-louer.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}