Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia; FilmWeek
Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia
Journalist Ahmed Rashid joins host Larry Mantle to discuss his book, Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia (Penguin Books). Rashid explains the roots of Muslim fundamentalism in Central Asia by tracing groups who fund their activities through the drug trade. He outlines the threat that they pose to the rest of the world if left unchecked. Rashid contends that the existing repressive regimes in Central Asia have fuelled the rise of these groups who call for jihad and wish to impose Islamic rule on the nations of Central Asia. Without diplomatic and economic intervention, he says, the fundamentalist movements will spill onto the global stage in violent and terrible ways.
FilmWeek
Larry Mantle and critics Andy Klein of New Times and Peter Rainer of New York Magazine discuss this week's new film releases, including Shanghai Knights, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Confession of a Florist.
The critics also share their thoughts on two recent articles in the Los Angeles Times and Variety questioning the relevance of film critics, as well as this week's videos.