Customer Reviews

This Side of Peace: A Personal Account

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Dr. Ashrawi's account of her childhood experiences and events that are sprinkled throughout the book brought tears to my eyes. Her descriptions of the beautiful Palestinian countryside and land paint vivid images. The narrative is incredibly eloquent and the touching style brings a human element to the sufferings and tragedies of the Palestinian people during the occupation.
Her fact-based accounts of the peace negotiations with the Israeli and American governments are presented with a straight-forward attitude that defy contradiction. This is a book that demands a sequel, especially in light of the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000 and the recent tragic events and conditions suffered by the brave and courageous Palestinian people. It is a book that provides the reader with an insider's experience of history making. It is an invitation by Dr. Ashrawi to walk with her through the corridors of Middle East diplomacy. She is an incredible role model to women everywhere and in the Middle East in particular. She is a well-educated mother, wife, policy maker and creator of history, and above all, the love she has in her heart for her land and countrymen outshines everything else.

An amazing book for anyone, especially eye opening for those who are unfamiliar with the Palestinian struggle. It is a clear picture of the remarkable struggles the Palestinian people have had to endure under occupation. It is incredibly painful to read some of the harsh brutality the Palestinians have had to live through, but extremely accurate. I applaud Hanan's efforts in writing a book that must have dredged up so many painful memories. Highly recommend it!

I found this book to be excellent because it provides a good overview the Palestinian-Israeli problem from the point of view of a person living there.

It is disappointing that Ms. Ashrawi does not replace Arafat.

I read this book after a recent visit to Israel and I found it to be a very accurate account of the real happenings in Israel. Hanan's book is accurate, moving, and inspiring. I recommend it to anyone who wants to hear the other side of the story.

An amazing book for anyone, especially eye opening for those who are unfamiliar with the Palestinian struggle. It is a clear picture of the remarkable struggles the Palestinian people have had to endure under occupation. It is incredibly painful to read some of the harsh brutality the Palestinians have had to live through, but extremely accurate. I applaud Hanan's efforts in writing a book that must have dredged up so many painful memories. Highly recommend it!

While the Arab-Israeli conflict remains one of the most difficult and controversial issues in history, This side of Peace sucessfully portrays an oft forgotten part of the conflict: human rights. Due to the fact the reading was part of a school assignment, I was required to do some background checks to insure the accuracy of the work. Here,particularily upon human rights, This side of Peace exels,producing excellent support for her arguements. If one looks up B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization's websight, their statistics support Ashrawi's evidence. If you want to read a compelling, well written book which provides a fresh perspective on the Arab-Israeli conflict,This Side of Peace provides excellent insight to Human Rights issues in the occupied territories. The main flaw to the book is the uncompromising, partisan stance to territorial issues, particularily regarding Jerusalem, and very little achknoledgement of Palestinian instigated violence in the

occupied territories. Overall, the book is a well written, compelling arguement for Palestinian Human Rights.

I truly enjoyed Ashrawi's account of an amazing story that shows how close we were to peace during a seminal moment in time. I enjoyed getting to know her through her account of the story and the candid and pragmatic views she brought to the negotiating table. I only wish the world had more leaders like her...

I read the book and find it truly inspiring, written with objectivity and accuracy. A very moving and inspiring account of a people in search of peace and what is left of their homeland. I could not but feel the love and pride she cares around of her people, the Palestinians. I am proud of her and her struggle.

Ms. Ashrawi's work is a vital read for two reasons: 1) it sweepingly brings to life the human side of the Palestinian tragedy; and 2) it is a first-hand account of the internecine international tug-of-war surrounding the many, and unsuccessful attempts to resolve this core element for any peaceful and long-lasting resolution of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict.
To state the obvious, Hanan Ashrawi is a Palestinian. She is erudite, accurate and humane in her discussions about her people, her land and the dreams and hopes she has for Palestine.
It is indeed unfortunate that there are not more Palestinians, writing about Palestine, who emulate her intellectual stature and integrity.

Anyone who is familiar with Hanan Ashrawi knows that she fights for human rights - some people may not like the type of humans she stands up for (Palestinians), but they are human none the less. She is a role model as a strong, articulate, out-spoken woman in the Middle East. This is an engrossing read coming from a voice that needs to be heard.