Naipaul.

This is coolbert:

For those that wish to "understand" the current world-wide war between the jihadi and the western world, perhaps one of the most important authors to read is V.S. Naipaul.

An author described as a novelist, non-fiction and travel writer.

Talented in the extreme. Won the Nobel Prize in 2001 for his body of work.

Has written about Islamic fanaticism and fundamentalism, most importantly in his book, "Among the Believers"

A Hindu, from Trinidad, a man whose writings are prolific and profound.

Naipaul writes as both an insider and outsider at one and the same time. From this standpoint, he is perhaps unique. Provides an insight that others cannot.

A man who has adopted the "universalism" of western culture [an insider], but is from by birth and by heritage from a "third world" nation and non-western culture [outsider].

Can travel with ease among those that HATE the west, and can speak to them and interview the fevered minded ones without being the object of hate himself. As a conventional "westerner" cannot.

Keep in mind that Naipaul comes from a heritage and culture whose ancient "high civilization" was destroyed by the Islamic invader. Ancient Hindu India was a target of conquest by the Muslim. A successful conquest. Europe had a Charles Martel, India did not!!

"Among the Believers" was written in 1981. Some would considered this to be dated. Rather, Naipaul seems to be most prescient in his appreciation of the threat, even well before 9/11.

coolbert.