David Cook

"First published in 2005, Understanding Jihad unraveled the tangled historical, intellectual, and political meanings of jihad within the context of Islamic life. In this revised and expanded second edition, author David Cook has included new material in light of pivotal events over of the past ten years, such as the revolutionizing events of the Arab Spring, the death of Osama bin Laden, and the rise of new Islamic factions such as ISIL. Jihad is one of the most loaded and misunderstood terms in the news today. Contrary to popular understanding, the term does not mean "holy war." This judiciously balanced, accessibly written, and highly relevant book looks closely at a range of sources from sacred Islamic texts to modern interpretations of the term, opening a critically important perspective on the role of Islam in the contemporary world. As David Cook traces the practical and theoretical meanings of jihad, he cites from scriptural, legal, and newly translated texts to give readers a taste of the often ambiguous information that is used to construct Islamic doctrine. He looks closely at the life and teaching of the Prophet Muhammad and at the ramifications of the great Islamic conquests in 634 to 732 A.D. He sheds light on legal developments relevant to fighting and warfare, and places the internal, spiritual jihad within the larger context of Islamic religion. He describes some of the conflicts that occur in radical groups and shows how the more mainstream supporters of these groups have come to understand and justify violence. He has also included a special appendix of relevant documents including materials related to the September 11 attacks and published manifestos issued by Osama bin Laden and Palestinian suicide-martyrs"--Provided by publisher.

The king is dead, long live the king. Meet Pinch, a man of many titles: scoundrel, thief, criminal extraordinaire,... heir to the throne? Manferic III, Pinch's guardian and the former ruler of Ankhapur, has died without a direct heir. By ancient law, the crown will pass to the relative "chosen by the cup," a family relic, in a ceremony whereby the rightful heir is selected and pretenders and other rejected candidates meet their deaths. Pinch's outlaw days have prepared him for life on the mean streets... but is he ready for the dangers that lurk in courtly hallways, among royal relatives and dagger-bearing shadows?

Screen and Reference Material

"Tyr is free! Tyr is free!" Such is the heady cry that echoes from the darkest warrens to the gleaming chambers of the Council in tat ancient city. Now is your chance to savor life released from the oppressive gloom of the sorcerer-kings — but for how long? New forces threaten the newly-born independence of Tyr, as outside forces march upon the city. King Tithian is determined to resist, but there are others I— V on the Council of Advisors less eager to risk their wealth and lives for the cause of independence. It falls upon you to help mobilize and lead the citizen-army of Tyr on the road to Urik. Designed for four to six characters of 4th to 7th level, Road to Urik is set in and around Tyr, the campaign base for your DARK SUN game. A stand-alone adventure, Road to Urik can also be played as the sequel to Freedom.