The essays and case studies collected here—featuring some of the best material from Middle East Report over the past decade as well as much original material—challenge the facile generalizations about what Western media and political establishments usually call "Islamic fundamentalism." The authors demonstrate the complexity of these movements and offer complementary and contrasting interpretations of their origins and significance. The material included covers a broad range of themes—including democracy and civil society, gender relations and popular culture—as they have emerged in countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Joel Beinin is Professor of History and Director of the Program in Modern Thought and Literature at Stanford University. He is an editor of Middle East Report. Joe Stork is a founder of the Middle East Research and Information Project and was Editor of Middle East Report for the first twenty-five years of its existence.

"Political Islam is a superb antidote to the public discourse on fundamentalism and should become recommended reading for policymakers, journalists, and college students."—Journal of Palestine Studies



"Not only is it increasingly clear that there are multiple "Islamisms" within and between Muslim states, so that the term "Islamic fundamentalism" covers a spectrum of opinions and activities, but it is also apparent that the movements are developing new forms of synthesis between state and religion rather than restoring a primordial or "original" Islam. Political Islam is an excellent source for this evidence."—Journal of Religion