Customer Reviews

Turning Water Into Politics: The Water Issue in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

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

 

 

Turning Water into Politics is an excellent general survey of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict with particular emphasis on the fundamental problems of water allocation in an area with a limited supply of water. It includes a review of the factors leading to the creation of the state of Israel, the 1967 war and the resulting continuing tensions in the Middle East.

I was impressed by the author's objectivity in presenting a detailed review of the economical, technical and political positions of both sides of a very intractable situation. I was encouraged by the concluding chapter, which provides an detailed analysis of possible strategies for resolving the fundamental problems dealing with water use in the Middle East. This book provides a timely, comprehensive and well-written basis for understanding the almost daily news reports of the ongoing negotiations involving this explosive situation.

The result of several trips to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, more than 70 interviews with Israelis and Palestinians, meticulous and careful research, this book is "must" reading for those interested in the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. It examines just one point of contention, water, but makes it clear that this resource is in very short supply for both peoples, and is inequitably distributed between them. It also lays out in considerable detail the water crisis of catastrophic proportions which both peoples face.

The book is accurate and informed, clear and well-written, scrupulously documented, and always fair to both sides. It reads easily, eschews jargon, and has just enough technical information to substantiate the arguments of the author. Whether one is interested in water and environmental issues, the domestic politics of Israel, or the struggle and negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, this book can be read in order to get a broad understanding of facts and issues.

The author's argument is that politics has caused the conflict between the two peoples, not water, and politics will resolve the conflict, but in order for this to take place there must be enough water for all, and it must be equitably distributed.