In this fully revised and updated second edition of his highly respected introductory text, Alan Dowty demystifies the conflict by putting it in broad historical perspective, identifying its roots, and tracing its evolution up to the current impasse. His account offers a clear analytic framework for understanding transformations over time, and in doing so, punctures the myths of an "age-old" conflict with an unbridgeable gap between the two sides.
Rather than simply reciting historical detail, this book presents a clear overview that serves as a road map through the thicket of conflicting claims. This expanded edition also includes a new chapter on the so-called `fourth stage' of the conflict.
In this account the opposed perspectives of the two sides are presented in full, leaving readers to make their own evaluations of the issues. The book thus expresses fairly and objectively the concerns, hopes, fears, and passions of both sides, making it clear why this conflict is waged with such vehemence -- and why, for all that, there are some grounds for optimism.
* Exam copies only available to lecturers for whom the book may be suitable as a course text.
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Acclaim for previous edition:
"Alan Dowty?s book now receives pride of place at the top of my list of concise, illuminating histories of the Israeli?Palestinian conflict to recommend. This will be a leading contender to be the textbook of choice in basic courses on the conflict."
Paul Scham, Middle East Journal
"A superb little gem. It is very well written, makes good use of quotes and sources, and, most of all, is an excellent introduction to the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict."
Steven David, Johns Hopkins University
"An authoritative and extraordinarily valuable text for courses on the Arab/Israeli conflict. Rare for its scrupulous attention to balance and careful examination of the responsibilities of all sides, Dowty not only offers an opportunity to evaluate critically their differences but also suggests the commonalities out of which the conflict could be resolved."
S. Ilan Troen, Brandeis University
Chapter One: Two Worlds Collide.
Chapter Two: The Jewish Story.
Chapter Three: The Arab Story.
Chapter Four: The Emergence of Israel.
Chapter Five: The Re-Emergence of the Palestinians.
Chapter Six: The First Pass at Peace.
Chapter Seven: The Fourth Stage of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
Chapter Eight: The Impasse that Remains.
Chapter Nine: The Perfect Conflict.
Chronology.
Further Reading.
Internet Links.
References.
Index.
