The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, love and terror in Algeria by John Kiser

What if the most effective way to fight terrorism is not to fight at all?  John Kiser explores this question in his book about the monks who chose to stay and continue their work in Algeria during the country's civil war.  The French Trappist monks lived in Tibhirine for many years leading a life of prayer and service to the local people.  They provided free medical care to those in need and strove to understand Islam, the religion of their neighbors and host country.  In the early 1990s however, the civil war in Algeria turned deadly for foreigners living in Algeria. Assassination, kidnapping, and murder became commonplace. In late March 1996, seven of the monks were kidnapped and their heads were found two months later.  Their deaths inspired ordinary Algerian Muslims to rise up in protest.  I read this book after seeing the film "Of Gods and Men" and recommend it for anyone interested in the clash of values between fundamentalist Islam and the western world. 352 pages.