The Third Choice: Islam, Dhimmitude and Freedom is a book written by Mark Durie, with a Foreword by Bat Ye'or. It deals with the status of non-Muslim populations after the conquest of their lands by Muslims. The Third Choice was short-listed for Australian Christian Book of the Year, 2010. Mervyn Bendle, writing in the News Weekly, reports that The Third Choice "provides essential information about the basic beliefs and practices of Islam, the life and role of Muhammad, the relevant history of Islam, the origins and history of the doctrine of the dhimma, how dhimmitude operates in the everyday life of non-Muslims in Muslim societies, its resurgence in contemporary times, and possible ways through which Christians and other non-Muslims may seek to overcome it and heal the damage that it has done..."
Quote from the author
The author claims that: "One of the most profound and least-understood manifestations of rejection in human history is the Islamic institution of the dhimma, the theologically-driven political, social, and legal system, imposed by Islamic law upon non-Muslims as an alternative to Islam or the sword. The dhimma is the ‘third choice’ offered to non-Muslims under jihad conditions, and those who have accepted it are known as dhimmis. Their condition, dhimmitude, forms the subject of this book, which describes the challenge posed by Islam’s treatment of non-Muslims, exposes the spiritual roots of this challenge, and offers a solution..."
Commentary and criticism
According to the book review by Mervyn Bendle from James Cook University, Durie contends that instead of a "hardening of resolve", Western attitudes in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks consisted of "widespread capitulation to Muslim demands" to the detriment of public policy, human rights, and free speech. Among other things, Durie cites various statements praising Islam by politicians such as Barack Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy and Mary Robinson; statements by Western politicians in support of Sharia law; and other statements of "humility" by Christian leaders as evidence of dhimmitude. Adam A.J. DeVille from University of St. Francis describes the book as mix of scholarly and high journalism work. He says that although the book contains some flaws it would be unjust to dismiss it as most of it will be accepted in the court of law as proof of Islam intolerance.
