"Remarkable...breathtaking in its scope and historical precision, this is highly recommended volume for both publivc and academic libraries.—Library Journal.

"The recent Israel-PLO accord is only the most recent surprise in a region whose politics often seem complex to the point of mysteriousness. How can Americans decipher the latest diplomatic tilt, rumor of war, or threat to oil supplies? Where will the Middle East's centuries-old quest for self-determination lead?" "An Oxford professor of international relations finds answers in a historical context that is often overlooked. With a special focus on the last half-century, he illuminates the four phases of external involvement - the Ottoman, the European, the Superpower, and the American - that have molded the political evolution of the Middle East. He assesses the past roles of Britain, France, and the former Soviet Union, clarifies how power and influence have shifted in the aftermath of the Cold War, and appraises both the recurrent myopia of the United States and its essential function as a mediator." "Shrewd, witty, and highly readable, War and Peace in the Middle East offers invaluable insights, for the student and the general reader, into one of the most volatile subsystems of international politics."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Arab-Israeli Wars is former President of Israel Chaim Herzog’s acclaimed history of Israel’s fight since 1947 to preserve her existence against repeated attacks. Revised after his death by friend and colleague General Shomo Gazit, this new edition also covers the events of the past twenty years, including the pullout from Lebanon, both intifadas, the first Gulf War, the Oslo Process, and beyond. Riveting, informative, and comprehensive, this authoritative account tells the story of Israel’s struggle to survive but gives a clear picture of the people and politics that continue to shape the destiny of this crucial region.

"Israel was born in battle. No sooner had independence been declared than seven Arab armies invaded the tiny, nascent state, bent on its destruction. The tragedy of the Middle East had begun. In the critically acclaimed Arab-Israeli Wars, Chaim Herzog, the former President of Israel, details the epic story of Israel's struggle to exist. He provides a balanced blow-by-blow account of one of history's most bitter and enduring conflicts - Arab versus Jew." "As well as describing every campaign in absorbing and incisive detail, Herzog - who had the advantage of personally knowing the generals and politicians who have worked to ensure the state's survival - highlights the personal and political struggles that have determined the Middle East conflict." "This prize-winning account has been fully updated to the ongoing intifada by General Shlomo Gazit, who served as the Israeli Head of Military Intelligence and was personally involved in negotiations with Egypt and the Palestinians."--BOOK JACKET.

The Hodder 20th Century History series covers a range of topics for GCSE. All of these titles are carefully structured to reflect the results of recent research and historical interpretations. They are also a practical and accessible resource for teaching and learning.

"... this volume is a highly valuable contribution to our understanding of the relation between democracy and peace in the Middle East, as well as in international politics in general.... this book will continue to be of value and interest for some time to come." --The Historian "This book is a useful collection of essays on Middle East politics and international relations presented in a reader-friendly interdisciplinary fashion." --Israel Studies Bulletin "... this is an important collection of challenging papers." --Studies in Contemporary Jewry "... one of the first books that specifically focuses on the possible links between democracy and peace in the region. It is entertaining and highly useful." --MESA Bulletin What are the prospects for continued movement toward democracy in the Arab world, and what form is democracy likely to take? What impact will democratization have on war and peace in the Middle East? Scholars explore these issues in this timely book.

The use of religion in inflaming the Palestinian/Israeli conflict represents one understanding of the Abrahamic traditions. Marc Goplin argues for a greater integration of the Middle East peace process with the region's religious groups.