Customer Reviews

The Arab-Israeli Conflict (Cambridge History Programme Key Stage 4)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book distorts history by omitting crucial information. In its first two pages it gives an overview of the Arab-Israeli conflict without mentioning either a) the decision by the UN to divide mandatory Palestine into two states, b) the acceptance by the Jews and the rejection by the Arabs of this decision, c) the invasion of Israel by the armies of five Arab countries, d) the expulsion from Arab countries of hundreds of thousands of Jews, or e) the occupation of the lands designated for the Palestinian state by Egypt and Jordan.

Without these facts, it is impossible to understand the subsequent history.

This book carefully selects its facts to paint Israel as the aggressor and the Palestinians as the blameless oppressed people.

It does not belong in the classroom.

Though its intended audience is "young adult", even for adults this book serves as an excellent and balanced introduction to the difficult and complex events which have filled the 20th century in Israel/Palestine. Photos, maps, and a coherent narrative make this a must-read for anyone trying to grasp the roots of the current conflict, especially for those just beginning to go beyond the headlines to attempt a fuller understanding of the region and its peoples.
I rated it "five stars" for its conciseness, completeness, and even-handedness. Note that it was designed for classroom use, is only 64 pages, but nonetheless is packed with information.