Although political culture is not sole explanatory factor in development of US policy toward Israel, it has played a key role in serving to shape and define American approach to foreign affairs. This book explains American commitment to Israel within a framework of political culture.

A team of authorities with varying backgrounds, interests, disciplines, and perspectives gives special attention to the period since the adoption of the Palestine partition plan in November 1947, the first Arab-Israeli War up to the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles and subsequent agreements, as well as the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty and implementation process.

First published in 1976, Howard M. Sachar’s A History of Israel: From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time was regarded one of the most valuable works available detailing the history of this still relatively young country. Decades later, readers can again be immersed in this monumental work. The second edition of this volume covers topics such as the first of the Aliyahs in the 1880s; the rise of Jewish nationalism; the beginning of the political Zionist movement and, later, how the movement changed after Theodor Herzl; the Balfour Declaration; the factors that led to the Arab-Jewish confrontation; Palestine and its role both during the Second World War and after; the war of independence and the many wars that followed it over the next few decades; and the development of the Israeli republic and the many challenges it faced, both domestic and foreign, and still faces today. This is a truly enriching and exhaustive history of a nation that holds claim to one of the most complicated and controversial histories in the world.

The purpose of Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East is to assist the general public to obtain a deeper comprehension of this bewildering region. Middle East issues can become muddled and confusing, particularly since the mainstream news media, editorials, and popular literature on this highly-controversial subject are often plagued by inaccurate information, or even disinformation. They often commit biased omissions-leaving out important information that can help the public comprehend the true entire picture. Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East seeks to counteract these inaccuracies. It will prevent readers from making common and not so common mistakes for lack of adequate knowledge. Additionally, there are 78 maps-a built-in Middle East historical atlas-and numerous tables that enhance the text, which is thoroughly indexed. The author presents this information in a clear, comprehensive, understandable, and insightful manner. Understanding the Volatile and Dangerous Middle East is a Middle East library rolled into one volume. For anyone who seeks the truth based on facts, this definitely is one book to keep handy on your library shelf.