Israelis and Palestinians: Why Do They Fight? Can They Stop?

by Bernard Wasserstein

Book Overview

A provocative and original examination of the conflict in the Middle East

Israelis and Palestinians offersa startlingly new interpretation of the historical and contemporary realities of the conflict in the Middle East. Bernard Wasserstein challenges the conventional view of the struggle as driven primarily by irrational ethnic and religious hatreds. Instead he focuses on largely neglected forces--including population,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300137648
• ISBN13: 9780300137644
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Innovative Treatment of a Divisive Issue

If you read readers' reviews on any book concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict, you'll notice the same names blasting every book that does not come out resolutely in favor of Israel. Not surprisingly, these folks did not like this book by Bernard Wasserstein, either. That's really too bad because this author really has put together an innovative, articulate analysis based on excellent data (taken from all sorts of sources). He is not an ideologue or political pundit, but a real historian. If you are looking to play the blame game, this is not the book for you; no side is without fault in Wasserstein's analysis. (The same is true for his other recent work, DIVIDED JERUSALEM.) Certainly, he leans more to the Avi Shlaim camp than Michael Oren's--both outstanding Israeli historians--but even if you disagree with this more critical take on Israel it is worth reading THIS book because of its original demographic focus. I agree with another reviewer that this book is not for the Middle East novice--it is important to have a good grasp of the history of Israel and Palestine (and many related topics) before you dive into this thematic approach. I particularly liked the optimism of the author's conclusions, which seem to defy all the naysayers--that the two sides are really not all that far apart from a negotiated settlement if in fact moderates can prevail on both sides.

A Great Non-Biased Perspective on the Conflict

This book is wonderful for those looking for a non-biased perspective into the conflict in Israel. It is not a history text, and does not outline the historical events. Instead, this book looks at various issues that most people don't consider when thinking about the conflict. I recommend it to readers who have a grounding in the historical aspects of the conflict but need a non-biased perspective on some modern issues such as imported labour and water contamination. Although these may sound irrelevant to the overall conflict, Wassersten shows their significance in clear and detailed writing.

Excellent book that offers hope

This is not a beginners book. It assumes some knowledge of the origins and major players in the conflict. Wasserstein believes that the Israelis and Palestinians will end their decades long conflict in the near future due to various circumstances. These are population, environment, and the declining impact of Zionism. He does not specify when he believes this may happen, but he gives many reasons why Israel's occupation of the Palestinians is becoming more and more untenable.Population - Israel wants to remain a predominantly Jewish state. The Arab population is growing more rapidly that the Jewish population due to higher birthrates and an exodus of Jews trying to escape the conflict and Israel's troubled economy. In Israel, Arabs make up about a sixth of the population. This precentage is increasing. Due to the recent Intifada Palestinian workers are largely unable to cross into Israel. As a result, Israel is bringing low wage workers from other nations. Many of these workers are either staying illegally or intermarrying with Israelis, further increasing the nonJewish population. Some neighborhoods are being taken over by illegals, which is causing Jewish flight in many areas. Population issues will soon force Israel to accept the creation of a Palestinian state. Israel can swap predominantly Arab towns in exchange for Jewish settlements. This will significantly lower the nonJewish population of Israel. An end to the Intifada would also mean the return of Palestinian workers who can go back to their own country everynight, largely elimating Israel's illegal immigration problem. Environmental - Water shortages and dealing with the area's severe water pollution will require cooperation between both sides, since they share the same water supplies.Declining Impact of Zionism - The early Zionists were Marxists, who wanted to create a agricultural/communal Jewish state. They believed that the ideal Hebrew was a farmer and a soldier. While Marxist beliefs were never widespread in Israel (most people lived in cities and had nonfarming careers) the Marxists did manage to dominate politics and the military. The Israeli business class is now becoming more powerful politically. They have a strong incentive to end this conflict, which is seriously harming Israel's economy.Wasserstein also points out that the few sticking points in negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians were close to being worked out in Taba, Egypt. In fact, Israeli and Palestinian delegations recently signed an unofficial peace agreement called the Geneva Accords that if real would resolve the conflict. This proves that peace is possible. Both Ariel Sharon and Yasser Arafat are obstacles to peace. All that's needed now are leaders who care more about their people than land.

Gives More info about possible solutions to conflict

I've read several books on the Israel Palestine Middle East conflict. This one describes more succintly than most: what the situation was before the major conflicts, what the current sticking points are, and possible solutions. It leaves one more hopeful for peace than many other books. I recommend it highly. Though it explains conscicely the most pertinent historical events the author does not go into great detail about them in this book. In this book I find that helpful as it quickly boils the conflict down to its most basic elements. Greater historical detail can be found in many other books on the Middle East, probably even other ones by this author, as they appear to know the most pertinent details on the subject.