Customer Reviews

Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics

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This thoughtful, provocative book is a must-read for anyone wanting to know the truth behind the turmoil of the Mid-East. Ali is not a radical, he offers the point of view not seen in American media. As with all conflict there is another side - Ali offers this to us, as well as a more believable reason for the invasion of Iraq. Our current leadership has an agenda - one that does not set well with the rest of the world, and might not set well with the American people if they KNEW what it was. Read this book - it's a real eye opener.

Jaffir Ali takes us on both a very personal journey of what it means to be Palestinian in both the land of plenty and the land of desolation and humiliation and offers succinctly explanations for the conflict, explanations not redily offered in the mainstream media, media that is complicit in the web of obfuscation and silence. This is an eminently easy read, far from the thickly layered writings of Noam Chomsky or the intellectual depth of Edward Said's "Orientalism" , Jaffir Ali's quick fire essays are a perfect introduction to the Middle East/Palestinian crisis for readers who are only now beginning to realise that "there's something wrong with this picture" and is an excellent springboard for any wishing to learn more about the machinations of post WW2 colonial aspirations. Jaffir Ali's "Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics" should be required reading in at least Political Studies 101. Reccomended further readings: "The Fateful Triangle" by Noam Chomsky Black Rose Books...ISBN: 0920057-21-7. "Orientalism" by Edward Said available from this website. For continued updates on the Israel/Palestine situation subscribe to the excellent internet newsletter Viewpoint edited by Jaffir Ali.viewpoint@gophercentral.com

As an American of Palestinian decent Mr. Ali guides the reader through the passion that motivates and inflames the political issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is clearly anti-violence and committed to peace---a peace that is only possible through empathy and accountability. Mr. Ali illuminates the reasoning of desperation without validating it. He demands a worldwide even application of standards concerning occupation, in particular in Israel.

Mr. Ali's essays swing from erudite political treatises to gut-wrenching, emotional, and deeply personal testimonies. Whether he is analytical or impassioned he is always, and consistently, honest to the information and to the reader. After reading "Palestine and the Middle East" you will never be able to hear "the news" without hearing the bias.

Must reading for anyone who wants to understand failures and create the dialogue that will bring peace in the region.

I was born in 1945, so I do not remember the creation of the state of Israel and all that went into that. I do know that I was raised only hearing one side of this issue and I do know this. One side is NEVER the WHOLE story. What the author does is CLEARLY give the other side to this contentious issue. Is there a solution to the problem of the Middle East? It will take someone FAR smarter than I to answer that question - but I will say this. A START to the solution is for the world to see both sides of the issue - presented in a thoughtful intelligent manner. This book does this - who knows? When history looks back on what happens over the next century, this book may be responsible in great part for something we never thought to see. When I was a teenager - and much older than that - we never thought to see the Iron Curtain fall. Maybe Mr. Ali has contributed to a happy solution to a vexing - and world threatening - problem. As a devoted reader - maybe 2000 books at home, most of whom I have read - this is one of the most seminal books I will EVER read

For years I've been listening to news about bombings and shootings in Palestine. But I didn't even know what the difference between Palestine and Israel was. I found this book while surfing around the web, and the reason it caught my interest is that this is a perspective of the whole conflict from the personal viewpoint of a Palestinian-American. It tries to explain where the passion and devotion to Palestine comes from while at the same time painting a clear picture of the conflict, its history, and what the possible solutions are.

I never realized how closely tied America is with the Palestine-Israeli conflict. If you are confused about what's going on over there, or why people over here are so involved with it, I strongly recommend this book.

This book helped me to understand and learn more about the situation by going beyond the headlines and getting down to the truth. If you want to really understand the conflict in the Middle East, then you have to read this book. Highly Recommended.

This book, written by an Arab-American, provides the reader with
insight and understanding into the very complex, passionate and
deeply troubled region of the Middle East. Though not a long book, it nevertheless clearly delineates the historical struggle
of the Palestinian people and their conflict with Israel. If you would like to learn about another point of view of the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, then I would highly recommend this excellent book. As Americans, we need to be informed about both sides of the issues in order to be able to arrive at an honest
evaluation and hopefully, one day to help end this horrendous
slaughter of so many innocent people - both in Israel and Palestine.

A telling set of essays spanning over twenty years. This US native Palestinian-American businessman has captured his fellow Americans' minds.

What has seemed so logical as reported by the mainstream newspapers and media outlets is turned on its head for all readers.

Ali not only gives us an insight into his personal and family awakening to the occupation of his ancestral land, but has the courage to show all of the essays, even when predictions prove wrong.

A must must read for all, but especially those who espouse the ideals of non-discrimination and democracy, worldwide.

Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle.. is an educational eye-opener that shares insight into the longtime conflict between Palestine and Isarael. Filled with illuminating and astonishing facts, Ali makes his points clear without political spin or rhetoric. A must read from a viewpoint not seen and heard from mainstream American media.

I purchased a book after reading some of Mr. Ali's essays in Viewpoint, an online publication. He presents a view that more Americans need to read and think about. I was struck by the overall sense of humanity of the writer and highly recommend this book for anyone even mildly interested in the Middle East.