Description
Book SynopsisNewly updated, this accessible history explores the origins and development of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Why has it proved so intractable, and what are the implications of escalating tensions for both the Middle East and the world? The ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians is one of the most bitter conflicts of modern times, with profound global consequences. In this comprehensive and stimulating overview, Middle East expert Michael Scott-Baumann charts its history from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Each chapter offers a lucid explanation of the politics and includes personal testimony of Israelis and Palestinians whose lives have been marked by conflict. By presenting competing interpretations from both sides, Scott-Baumann examines key flashpoints of the twentieth century, bringing this new edition up to date with a consideration of the war ignited by Hamas's surprise attacks on Israel in 2023. He delineates both the nature of Israeli control over the Palestinian territories and Palestinian resistance – going to the heart of recent clashes. The result is an indispensable account for anyone seeking to understand the context behind today’s headlines, including analysis of why international efforts to restore peace have continually failed.
Trade ReviewThis book is both necessary and accessible. So many people are mystified by this never-ending Middle East conflict. Here at last is a concise and readable account of a fundamental international issue of our time, one that has implications far beyond the region where it is set
-- Jon Snow, presenter of
Channel 4 NewsMichael Scott-Baumann makes the complexities of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict easy to understand in this clear, straightforward and unemotional history
-- John McHugo, author of
A Concise History of the ArabsMichael Scott-Baumann’s excellent book is the ideal introduction to the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. A masterpiece of clarity, concision and balance, and written in a lively and accessible style, it provides a lucid overview of all key aspects of this complex and extremely important story. Scott-Baumann writes with great sensitivity and insight, enabling his readers to understand the perspectives of different historical actors, and to grasp the essence of competing interpretations of key events. His judicious interpretations are carefully grounded on factual evidence, and his inclusion of many first-person testimonies, each succinctly contextualised and excellently edited, brings the complexities and costs of the conflict to life. This book should be thrust into the hands of all those in need of a brief, clear and approachable account of the historical background to this still unresolved and geopolitically critical conflict
-- Professor Adam Sutcliffe, co-editor of
The Cambridge History of Judaism Volume VIIIt is a high-risk venture to attempt an impartial account of the process, enabled by the British, by which the Jews gained a state in Palestine and the indigenous Palestinian Arabs were denied one. Scott-Baumann has taken that risk and succeeded with as near as it comes to a textbook history that brings us up to date with the injustice and dispossession that inform Israel and Palestine
-- Tim Llewellyn, former BBC Middle East Correspondent
Michael Scott-Baumann set himself the difficult challenge of writing a primer on the now over-a-century-long history of one of the most complex conflicts of modern times. Not only does he rise to the challenge, but he even manages to offer insights that go beyond conventional historical accounts
-- Professor Gilbert Achcar, author of
The Arabs and the HolocaustThe huge library on the conflict and the massive information it contains requires that authors write books that effectively transmit that knowledge to a wide public. Now comes Michael Scott-Baumann, who does just this excellently. His thirty-five years’ experience as a teacher and lecturer in history is felt on each page of his book. . . . a road map to students and an entrance gate to whomever wants to go beyond it. — MENACHEM KLEIN, professor of political science, Bar-Ilan University, and author of Lives in Common
