John W. Kiser

Fascinating book on the kidnapping and murder of 7 Trappist monks in Algeria in 1996 by a terrorist group, the GIA. This group wanted all foreigners to leave Algeria; the monks felt their calling was among Muslims, not for converting them, but for dialogue and living among them, to point up the similarities between Islam and Christianity. Twice a year the monks would have what they called a "Ribat-es-Salaam" [Bond of Peace]: a Muslim-Christian dialogue. Prior Christian's life had been saved by a Muslim and after that, seeing the piety of the common people, he felt there was much in common between the two faiths.

An extensive, turgid section covered the social and political history of Algeria. The book explained how different radical groups arose and why people felt attracted to their ideology and terrorism. I enjoyed reading about founding of the Community, the lives of the monks, why they felt the call to be there so far from home, and also about Emir Abdelkader, an Algerian statesman, warrior and religious leader; the author uses the analogy of a cross between George Washington and Khalil Gibran. There's even a small town in the U.S. named after him: Elkader, Iowa. The prior's sermon on p. 218-220 is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read--the "five pillars that must be practiced each day to have peace": Patience, poverty; presence of God; ridding oneself of hatred in one's heart; prayer, and forgiveness. Forgiveness [ar-Rahman] is the first name of God among the 99 Names, and the last is Patience [Es Sabur].… (altro)

4850. Commander of the Faithful The Life and Times of Emir Abd El -Kader, by John W. Kiser (read 12 Aug 2011) This book is well-researched and tells of the life and thoughts of Abd El-Kader. who strove mightily against the French when in 1830 and the years thereafter they set out to conquer Algeria. When Abd El-Kader saw further resistance was futile he surrendered upon being promised he could live in the Middle East. Instead, France broke its word and held him prisoner in France for years, until Napoleon III allowed him to leave France. He lived a life of tolerance and was in opposition to Islamic intolerance. The town of Elkader, Iowa, is named for him--the only town in the U.S. named for him. The town sponsors an essay contest each year for high school students and a student of my daughter won that contest this year. Anyone interested in Algeria and its history will appreciate this book.… (altro)