Arsenal


An initial review by an east coast analyst:  "Tammy, it is a really bad novel."  

He missed the point. It is a cryptograph - deliberately written with a bit of a deceptive genre;  but certainly understood by Muslims who read it.  The novel - opened doors for me.


Long before "we" suddenly decided the Muslim Brotherhood was problematic, I was deeply involved in journalism networking within this geopolitical gestalt.  I developed a decent understanding of the terrain of the mind.

The primary Muslim male characters within "Arsenal" represent personal friendships which I have sustained over the years; and individuals to whom I remain indebted for their insight.

The review by "Samuel Adams" is actually a review done by a Cabinet member of one of our American presidents.  He and I were good friends.  The last time we met was over heaping plates of fried chicken. "Samuel"  died a few years ago.


                 


Islam cannot be fully understood residing within our analytical cubicle "cities". But it can be understood, when it is experienced first hand:  Under the roof, eating from the communal plate of food, seated within a Shura council, or for that matter, in the back of a Hookah lounge late at night.  I have experienced Islam for two decades.

I remain - an oath keeper, and a Christian.

Tammy Swofford


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