The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine
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Average rating4
15
Ratings2
Average rating4
The century-old conflict between Israel and Palestine is one of the most bitter struggles in history, with profound consequences around the globe. In this accessible history, Michael Scott-Baumann succinctly describes its causes and charts its history from civil war to the present day. Adopting a distinct approach, each chapter starts with a lucid explanation of the politics and ends with personal testimony from interviews and memoirs of Palestinians and Israelis whose lives have been marked by conflict. By presenting competing interpretations from both sides, Scott-Baumann examines the key flashpoints of the twentieth century, including the early role of the British, the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, and the dramatic impact of the Six-Day War of 1967. The latter part of the book focuses on the nature of Israeli control of the Palestinian territories, and Palestinian resistance to it—which goes to the heart of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in recent decades. The result is an indispensable historical account, including analysis of why efforts to restore peace have continually failed. Peace, Scott-Baumann concludes, will be contingent on both sides having a right to self-determination.
Reviews with the most likes.
An informative and rather quick way to get up to speed on the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict and even covers up to 'The Deal of the Century'. There are a string of 'The Shortest History...' books and would like to dive into those as well.
An incredibly valuable resource for those who have no background in the historic conflict, up to modern day. Very clear in laying out events chronologically, does not shy away from identifying unjust actions. Attempts to identify a path to peace, even while acknowledging how far away it may be given the most recent events at time of publication.
The last thing the current situation needs is another now slightly less clueless Westerner weighing in on the discourse, but having absorbed all that was detailed in this book, at least up to October 2023, the evidence of violence on both sides, the overwhelming evidence of colonialism and oppression suffered by Palestinians under Israeli military rule, even as a portion of Israeli journalists, academics, activists, fight for Palestinian rights, possibility of their own state. I am grateful to hear recent news of Canada halting the sale of arms to Israel, and simultaneously understand why activists see it as a watered-down statement of support. Per the author: pressure from the international community is key. 🇵🇸
