Thoughtful and innovative in its approach, this textbook provides a balanced overview of one of the most protracted and bitter struggles of modern times: the Arab-Israeli conflict. It sets out to relay basic information on the evolution of the conflict and explore the efforts to resolve it, and then goes on to portray the differing perspectives of each of the important parties. Written by a distinguished team of leading scholars, the book outlines key developments in the history of the conflict without imposing propagandistic ideas. It places the events of the conflict within a regional and international context, making it an invaluable insight into the opposing narratives that have fuelled the conflict for so long.
This is essential reading for students, academics and policy-makers wishing to understand the history and politics of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its pivotal role in the Middle East, and will be sure to enlighten those who are new to what is considered to be a highly contentious subject, as well as encourage critical thinking and discussion."In this volume the three authors have succeeded where many have failed. They have brought their talents together in an exceptional way to give a clear and dispassionate account of a notoriously contentious subject. In doing so, they have provided a lucid analysis of the actions of all the parties involved. But equally importantly, they have gone to the heart of the matter through their sympathetic, yet critical understandings of the opposing narratives that have fuelled this conflict for so long. It is a book that will enlighten those who come fresh to the subject, as well as those who want to study further the inner workings of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the chances of its resolution." - Charles Tripp, SOAS, University of London, UK
"If there is anything more contentious than the Arab-Israel conflict, it is the history of the conflict. Rather than try the impossible task of writing the one true story, the authors give us a fair reading of the accounts that various participants believe. Furthermore, they have related the stories and events to powerful theories of international politics. The result is a signal achievement that deserves a wide readership." – Robert Jervis, Columbia University, USA
"No single author could write this book with its richness of multiple perspectives on a topic of such controversy as the Arab-Israeli conflict. These three distinguished scholars – one from Israel, one from Palestine, and one from Egypt – produce a unique work of scholarship. Particularly for those new to the topic, this is the book to start with. It informs and explains, without the propagandistic overtones that often find their way into such volumes." – William B. Quandt, University of Virginia, USA
"An outstanding book written by some of the best scholars who have immersed their scholarly careers on the subject matter of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This is a must read that carefully contextualizes the nuances of the conflict according to different political dynamics across time and space. Students, policy makers, and academics have much to learn from this very valuable and insightful book." – Amaney A. Jamal, Princeton University, USA
"The major strength of this textbook is its attempt to cover the unfolding events of the conflict from the three perspectives: Jewish/Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab, and by placing these events within a broader regional and international context. It is innovative and will be used by many scholars as a prime textbook because of its refreshing approach." – Asher Kaufman, Notre Dame University, USA
"The competing narratives are a terrific addition … it is a thoughtful and engaging way to present the material, and encourages critical thinking and discussion." – Kimberly Jones, Northeastern University, USA
"This extraordinary work about the Arab–Israeli conflict is both brilliant and unique. The three authors are eye-witnesses. They represent both the Arab and Israeli perspectives. They once even served in armies that opposed each other. But now they have come together to thoughtfully explore the many dimensions-from geo-strategic interests to the human factor-of the world's most volatile region. Arabs and Israelis is an exceptional contribution to understanding a tragic, troubling and costly conflict. It also provides tremendous insights that will help understand how to solve it." – Robin Wright, author of Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion across the Islamic World