The central theme of this book is that U.S. strategy in the
Middle East is fundamentally flawed but not irreparable. This
may be the result of the inherent mismatch between strategy
and policy and, more significantly, between America's prin-
ciples and interests. In particular, the author argues that the
U.S. approach toward Islam is "beset with ambiguities and
tensions" (p. 3). Furthermore, he stresses that there is a
somewhat dangerous growing gap between the American
people and their representatives in Congress, on the one
hand, and presidential administrations, on the other, when it
comes to dealing with "islamists" (those who espouse greater
religious activism in politics). The former lean toward a
confrontational attitude that is fed by cultural differences,
stereotyping, and negative images of Muslims, whereas the
latter strive to accommodate or tolerate a majority of mod-
erate or pro-West Islamic forces and states.