In a recent letter to the editor ("Get better perspective on radical Islam," Jan. 12), Larry Jarrett discussed reading Karen Armstrong's book The Battle for God: A History of Fundamentalism. I applaud his desire to seek outside reading from the paucity of good information in the mainstream media. However, Karen Armstrong is a well-known advocate of Islam, and hardly impartial.

To further his knowledge and other readers', I would suggest another British author, Melanie Phillips, and her book Londonstan. Another good author, born and raised in Egypt, is Bet Ye'or, author of Islam and Dhimmitude. Also suggested would be Ayann Hirst Ali, born and raised in Somalia and now under a death-threat fatwa for her book Infidel.

Robert Spencer has written prolifically on Western civilization and Islam. His latest book Religion of Peace? is a best-seller. Daniel Pipes has written many articles and books, such as Militant Islam Reaches America. ... All these well-known authors give great insight into the current problems between Western civilization and Islam.

Much information exists on the demographics of the decline in population of native European people and the inevitable rise of Muslims because of the great disparity in birth rates. At the present rate, most of Europe will Regarding Muslim "no-go" areas in major cities, in which non-Muslims put their lives in danger if they venture into those areas: They do exist. Ask residents, police and firefighters in the city of Malmö, in southern Sweden.

Russell Harmon

Aiken, S.C.