Book claims Islamic history of violence

PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 25 (UPI) -- A Rhode Island author claims in his book that Islamic violence against Jews and Christians has been part of the religion since its origins 1,200 years ago.

Andrew Bostrom, associate professor of medicine at Brown University, wrote in his book, "The Legacy of Islamic Anti-Semitism: from Sacred Texts to Solemn History," that Muslim governments dating back 1,000 years forced Jews and Christians to show deference to Muslims and wear clothing that distinguished them from followers of the official state religion, IsraelNN.com reported Friday.

Bostrom claimed the Koran itself is anti-Semitic, with references to the prophet Mohammed's poisoning death at the hands of a Jewish conspiracy.

He wrote the post-World War II establishment of Israel in 1948 was "an unbearable affront to the Islamic order" and sparked calls from within the Muslim world for the destruction of the Jews.

Bostrom also claimed the growing Muslim population in Europe is part of a plan to assert Islamic superiority on the continent.

"They still believe Spain is theirs," he wrote.