Haroon K. UllahReseñas

I received this as an ARC. It turned out not to be what I expected. I was hoping for more of a roadmap for individuals hoping to counter hate.

There is a scene in the movie, 'Patriot Games' where Jack Ryan is sifting through piles of intelligence reports on his desk, trying to piece together an IRA terrorist attack in London, in which Ryan kills one of the terrorists. In this scene, it is evident that many intelligence reports are needed to complete the puzzle. And finding the right facts to match other events and with the correct timing is much of what an analyst does.

That's how I felt reading 'Counter Hate'. The authors wrote the book in a way that made me feel as the reader that I was part of piecing together the 'terrorism puzzle' - an assisting analyst, so to speak, and some how helping in reducing the amount of hate in this world.

The book concentrates on hate from within the Islamic terrorist groups - which may have been by design, however, it would have helped to expand the issue to other hate groups - which there are plenty to pick from.

Although the authors should be commended on their efforts in putting together facts and possible solutions to solve the issues of hate, ultimately, there is only One that can solve hate between peoples. Only Divine intervention in man's affairs will totally eliminate hate.

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This book helped me to widen my horizons with understanding hate and how it impacts so many aspects of our world. I have passed it on to some of my professors in my university's education department.

The authors look at how people learn to hate and offer some prescriptions on countering this development. They show how, through silence and apathy, society contributes to this process of looking at "other" people negatively through the lenses of gender, race, or religion, a process that develops during the formative years up to the age of about 25, and how the use of soft-power tools by governments rather than reliance on military responses is the best approach to dealing with the phenomenon.

The authors have provided a thoughtful analysis on hate and technology in the 21st Century. Some of the content seemed cliche to the point of a self help book, but there were real world applications throughout the text. While most of the content is focuded on Islamic terrorism and hate, I found no implicit bias that would slant the context of the book. This book would serve as a good suplimental text in courses on sociology, psychology, and religion.

DNF @ p178. Countering hate is a noble goal but this book isn't going to shed much additional light or blaze any paths I can see. Reads like a vanity book published to raise someone's image or prior to applying for a grant or political position so they can say they've been published. Lots of hand waving about how a database on the internet is gonna solve problems. Let's be real. There is vast underestination of the effort in representing knowledge about real world events like terrorist attacks. The best computer science minds in the world would be needed. That's just to build it. Then to keep it clean and draw any conclusions from it? Coming from a specialist in database management, knowledge representation and artificial intelligence let me say anyone claiming a magic database is going to stop terrorism, or even lead to any new insights, is most likely selling you a bill of goods. The constant interruption with sidebars by guest authors often added nothing and I felt the book was just not moving towards any kind of actionable conclusion other than if you see a hateful message on social media, write back and say "you don't speak for me." Wow revolutionary. But I'm not on the ISIS group so there goes that idea. Did not finish at page 178.

If you are in search of something timely to read, here's an appropriate suggestion. The title of the work by Bob Pearson and Haroon K. Ullah is this: Countering Hate: How, hate and extremism form…and how we can stop it together. These men are of the mindset that something can be done to turn the tide away from the ugliness that has been spawned by the hatred in today’s world. Theirs is a proactive approach that our world leaders would be well advised to listen to and heed.

I like these guys' positive interpretation as to how most people in the world see things. They view a whopping 7.4 billion of the earth’s 7.5 billion people as believing in doing the right thing! Now that is true optimism! One of the most profound statements in the entire book comes within the introduction: “We can change our world if we choose to do it together.” The book is a rallying cry waiting for people who are willing implement action on its recommendations.

In order to know how to counter hate, one must understand how hate works. It is not something we’re born with. It’s instilled. The authors do a good job of describing how hate is cultivated. They give examples of how hate manifests itself around the world. More importantly, they present ideas of how to become part of the movement to counter hate. Social media is an important tool that is beneficial to that movement. Reading this book should give you an excellent understanding of the use of social media as an important worldwide influence.

If you get this, be prepared to take the time to slowly savor and digest the thoughts. That’s the wise way to approach it.

I have some mixed thoughts about this book. There are some really interesting ideas in here from people with diverse expertise, and is widely applicable to all types of extremist hate groups. However, the focus in the text is on countering Muslim extremism. It's presented as a timely example of a much wider problem, and I think the authors were careful and sensitive in their approach here, which I appreciate, but I still find myself wishing that they had taken a broader approach. Statistically speaking, we in the States are at much higher risk of violence from homegrown terrorists (including white supremacists, MRAs, incels, and anti-choice activists) than from religious radicals in the Middle East, and Islamophobic hate crimes have also increased under this administration. I worry that speaking singularly about Muslim violence in this way could have we the unintended effect of legitimizing people's fear and stigmatization of our peaceful Muslim neighbors while white Christian male terrorists continue to operate under too many people's radars. Additionally, the book does not go far enough to analyze the root causes (e.g. Western imperialism) behind Islamic terrorism, in my opinion. This kind of hostility doesn't exist in a void; while I think there are certainly steps that can be taken now to deradicalize some extremists and prevent future acts of terrorism, the solutions in this book can only go so far until we acknowledge and repair the actions behind the reactions.

Countering Hate is a book that has a wider potential use than its initial focus.Bob Pearson and Haroon K. Ullah wrote a book that uses the latest research on how people think, how they are radicalized, and how to market to people to create a technocratic approach to countering violent extremism and terrorism. The primary focus is on Islamist extremist groups such as Isis and al-Qaeda.

First, because so many who write about terrorism are just plain awful, let me assure you that Pearson and Ullah are very careful to distinguish between Muslims, Islamists, and extremists. They make the argument that Islamists can be allies to discourage violent extremism, if we would only be willing to talk to them, for example. They are respectful of Islam and aware that there are very real grievances.

The information they provide is useful and sometimes discouraging. So much of the work of anti-racism is done when people reach adulthood, but those ideas and biases form in elementary and high school. They make clear that to be really effective, we must reach people before they are 25.

They write about how people are radicalized and how that can be interrupted and what is most effective. Guess what, shaking your fist and ranting isn’t on the list.

Muslims are the primary victims of ISIS and al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. A good portion of this book is about what can be done in Muslim countries to interrupt radicalization. There’s plenty of myth-busting. It encourages me that someone with as much good sense is in government, though somehow I don’t think many in the Administration will be receptive to anything in this book.

The advice is good. I think much of it can be applied to combatting white nationalism, misogyny, and racism. Seeing what they wrote about how people are radicalized on the internet, you can see the exact process happening with incels.

I think they are too sanguine about potential abuses of power, with surveillance, profiling (particularly when the condemn stereotyping), and censorship. I think that a chapter or two on how these methods could be adapted to opposing white nationalists would make this a better book, but then, maybe not. They may be trying to get those in power to see sense. I wish them luck with that.

@bobpearson1845 Hi, I am about half way through “Countering Hate” which I think has useful information, but find myself questioning the singular focus on Islamist extremism. There’s many violent extremist movements. Wouldn’t a more universal approach be more effective?

— Tonstant Weader (@TonstantWeader1) May 3, 2018


Yes you are right. It does apply to all. We focused on one type to be consistent on how we wrote.

— Bob Pearson (@bobpearson1845) May 3, 2018

I received a copy of Countering Hate from a LibraryThing drawing for early reviewers.

Countering Hate at W₂0 Group
Bob Pearson at W₂0 Group
Haroon K. Ullah at Broadcasting Board of Governors and author site.

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/9780999662304/

This book had a lot of great theories and thought provoking ideas. I have passed it along to a couple of my friends to see what they think. I will update later.

I stopped reading Countering Hate on page 140. It offered lots of information but I found it almost lifeless, repetitious and disjointed. Needs to be shortened and better organized into categories based perhaps by country, terror groups or by availability of programs countering hate. I also found it confusing which government agencies, NGO's, private companies /organizations were participating in each countering hate program.

I did learn how terrorists were able to spread their messages quickly using social media.But I felt the subject of the West's disrespect and contempt for Muslim countries and their citizens living here significantly contributing to terror actions wasn't sufficiently addressed.

The book felt very corporate, as though I was reading a company manual which included mistakes made and overly broad suggestions for solutions.

The saving grace of Countering Hate are the personal essays and stories; excellent in explaining the what, where, who, when and why of terror much better than the main content. These stories personalize and bring to light the heart and feelings of those who feel the need to find meaningful connections in their lives, who gulliblly trust terror recruiters as people who care about them, and how community support for Muslim immigrants can make all the difference.

This book isn't what I had expected. I have hateful people in my life that spew hate against blacks and immigrants. I thought this book would help me learn how to counter their remarks. I doesn't do that. It is more directed to organizations not the general public.

I received this as an Early Review copy from LibraryThing.

Pearson and Ullah draw their premise on history and theory of human nature, and human behaviors. A lot of great ideas are put out in this book.

What was missing was a connection of the terrorism the world witnesses from the Middle Eastern region as being in retaliation for other hostile acts towards the people and governments in that part of the world. The cause was not taken to its end, leaving it a one sided account of terrorism.

Pearson and Ullah in their new book expertly discuss the topic of “Countering Hate”. Using extensive historical accounts, psychological discussions, and marketing methods and analysis, the authors describe the genesis of extremism caused hatred and propose a multitude of techniques to counter it. This well researched book is a must read for all concerned with countering hate. I give this book five stars.

I received this as an Early Review copy from LibraryThing. "Countering Hate" looks at how ISIS and other terrorist organizations have utilized social media to their benefit. They use it to publicize their victories and recruit new members. From a marketing standpoint, they are using an organized social media network to distribute and promote their message and they are doing it much better than the "counter terrorism" groups. That said, there have been "wins" on platforms like "Reddit" where counterterrorism messages have drowned out some of the ISIS propaganda.
The goal of Mr. Pearson and Mr. Ullah is a data base of organizations working to counter terrorism, what they are doing, what has worked and what has failed. This book covers many, many social networking sites and how they have been used to propagate the terrorist message and how these same sites could be used to provide diversions to possible terrorists. It is made crystal clear that as individuals and as a group ISIS fighters are utilizing these platforms; however, the Authors focus only on the NGO or group response. Organizing these groups and gathering data will take time. I am left wondering why more isn't being done to educate the individual social media user on countering hatred where they find it. The Authors mention several "research studies" but these are not well footnoted and the one I could find was based on 100 people. That isn't a significant study. Mr. Pearson points out that those who live in fear become more insulated and extreme in our views. Would it not help to give the general public the tools to fight back? Would this not be helpful in preventing the domestic terrorism and hate groups that have become more prevalent in the U.S.?
The author encourages people to become proactive and "connected" but when you try to search for information on the data.world it is set up for organizational use only. Try finding them on Facebook as the Authors encourage you to do.
As an academic text or a "how to" for the State Department on countering terrorism, this book fulfills its goal. However, as a member of the general public, I feel more could have been made of this book to encourage the regular users, some of whom could be the needed "positive influencers" to get involved. Many of the hard core social media users have large followings and could make a beneficial difference in preventing future recruitment by terrorist organizations, but this book won't be the book that explains how to do that.

Interesting book, full of ideas on controlling hate/extremists. . Stresses the importance of individuals world wide being able to make a difference by educating, interacting , staying involved. The book is full of ideas/thoughts by many experts on this topic from around the world. My favorite part of this book was The Power Of Hope, by Col. William S. Reeder, jr.

I received an ARC through Goodreads.
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I would give it 3.5 stars.

I just finished this book this morning. All I can say is wow.

The first portion of the book was filled with some background information of the history and politics in Pakistan. They were interesting but a little confusing to try and follow and the transition between this and the Reza family's story was a little abrupt.

The rest of the book was mostly told from the perspectives of the Reza family and quite honestly they are all fascinating in their own way. It's interesting how the events going on in Pakistan influenced each member of the family in different ways. Especially, how 2 turned out to be good citizens and 1 turned into a fanatic. It certainly was interesting to see into the mind frame of those who bring about terror and how they have been able to accomplish so much that they would deem a "success". Also, this story gives us a brief glimpse into the struggle and growth of a teetering nation and it's lack of stability.

Overall, most of the book was an interesting read.

The Bargain in the Bazaar

A highly readable account of the current situation in Pakistan centered on the Reza family whose head Awais is an ex soldier turned merchant espousing a middle class life style from his shop in the bazaar. You follow with anguish the travail of his wife and sons, one of which becomes a suicide bomber. Clearly conveyed are the human elements and attitudes of Pakistani society at both ends of the spectrum from decency and honesty to radical fundamentalism. In the end honesty prevails, a welcome change from the more rabid portrayals of Pakistan offered by the media and others. A must read.

Although not usually a reader of nonfiction, the glowing reviews of this book made me very curious. I can’t say I was disappointed. The author has done an excellent job of painting a picture of Pakistan that helps reveal the complexities of that country. By looking at one family’s experience, the reader can get an impression of the many disparate forces at work in that land. My heart goes out to that family who are caught between a desire for the best for their sons, a love of their country as it has been for them, and the forces that are intent on taking their land back to the dark ages. As a mother of two very different sons, I could relate how brothers raised under the same roof each receiving the same love of parents can go very different ways.

The author gives just enough history of Pakistan before presenting the lives of the Reza family. He doesn’t spend time attempting to explain the political situation and the deep corruption of the government but shows how the politics and corruption affect this one family. Every direction the family turns is filled with uncertainty and danger. I can’t even begin to imagine living life like that.

My only complaint about the book is the style of the dialogue. Ullah is definitely an experienced writer of non-fiction; he is more interested in facts than emotional connection with the reader. While much of the dialogue was very believable, it seemed stilted and “informative” rather than the natural give and take between speakers. Minor concern: it is a book worth reading to help those of us who live in an isolated world walk for just a short time in very unfamiliar shoes.

Amidst the political and economic chaos of Pakistan are people like the Reza family attempting to lead an ordinary life just like the rest of us. The Bargain from the Bazaar does an excellent job of providing a story behind the headlines that Pakistan seems to be in so often these days. This book makes it personal - behind any headlines are so many stories like this one if we but take the time to understand.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/02/the-bargain-from-bazaar.html

*** Reviewed for GoodReads First Reads program ***

Based on the true story of the Reza family of Lahore,Pakistan, The Bargain from the Bazaar offers up a glimpse of life for an ordinary family in the midst of political turmoil, fundamentalist furor, and the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Within the story, one receives somewhat of an abridged history lesson on Pakistan, as well as an understanding of what the Pakistani people feel, believe and yearn for, from many different sides, be it fundamentalist Islamist, Moderate, middle-class merchants, democratic-minded university students, the military and the law makers. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the story, as well as the twists and turns that pop up every so often. I would highly recommend this book to any who are interested in current affairs, politics or history, as well as those who would like to have a better understanding of what the Pakistani people must deal with on a day to day basis. The story jumps quickly from one character and their part in the story to another in rapid pace; I found this enjoyable, as it added to the already chaotic nature of the story. I am interested in reading more from Haroon K. Ullah.