Review of "Origins and Development of the Arab-Israeli Conflict" by Ann M. Lesch and Dan Tschirgi

The Arab-Israeli Conflict

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book "Origins and Development of the Arab-Israeli Conflict" by Ann M. Lesch and Dan Tschirgi. This book, one of a series of historical examinations, covers the reasons the Arab-Israeli Conflict began and kept escalating. It contains a variety of essays and historical discussions from several well-respected historians and experts. In fact, a panel of expert advisors oversees production of each book in the series to ensure quality and objectivity.
Throughout this book, the editors and authors attempt to get at the root of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, discuss internal and external factors in the conflict, and some ideological and realistic differences between the two opponents. This book presents an historical overview of events that all combined to lead up to the conflict. These events actually began centuries ago when Muslim Arabs moved into the area and created powerful empires that soon began to rule the Middle East and other areas of the world. It also shows how Europe entered the picture in the 18th century and indicates a gradual decline in the power of the Arab empires. The authors maintain that European intervention provoked the Muslim world in the late 1700s, and they have established a long-standing tradition of fighting to hold on to their land and their way of life. This has led to almost steady conflict in the region throughout modern history. The authors also establish why events of the Middle East have dominated world news for over 50 years. Truly, the conflict began eons ago, but escalated after World War II when Israel was created out of Palestinian territory. Some people call this entire disagreement over land and who belongs where the Middle East Conflict. No matter what it is called, it is clearly a contentious issue that has created a new world order of sorts.

Ultimately, the two groups fighting seem to be fighting a no-win war. The text calls this the "zero-sum" approach and notes, "Observers argue that Arabs will never really accept Israel's legitimacy and its permanent presence in the region and that Israelis will never accept the right of the Palestinians to national self-determination and statehood. This view holds that the conflict is zero-sum" (Lesch, and Tschirgi 4). However, others do not hold to this approach and believe that somehow peace can ultimately be achieved in the Middle East. Some cite the American and European involvement in current affairs as adding fuel to the conflict, and others cite how the two nationalist movements are so dissimilar, accord will be extremely difficult to reach and maintain. The authors note, "Because Jewish nationalism focused on Palestine, which was already inhabited by Arabs, the two peoples clashed intensely and severely" (Lesch, and Tschirgi 41). They note the differences between the Jewish and Muslim faiths, and that much of the contention revolves around the creation of Israel from territory the Palestinians did not want to relinquish. Ultimately, many advances have been made in ending the conflict, as recent events indicate. However, the pendulum swings back and forth, and just when it seems the region is going to reach some kind of accord, they seem to erupt into more fighting and terrorist activities. After reading this book, it seems clear why. The area has always been a hotbed of conquest and conflict, and both sides have a great deal to lose if one or the other is victorious. Israel and the Arab world need to work together for peace, but this book makes it clear there may simply be too many barriers in the way of that ever actually occurring.
Each chapter ends with a selection of notes from the contributors, who all did large amounts of research and are experts in their field, too. The research and writing styles of the authors gives the book credibility and offers a balanced view of events, too. Using numerous authors ensures fresh voices throughout the book and makes the book more interesting to read. One or two authors might have had an agenda or an unbalanced view of the entire situation, but using so many authors ensures views from every side and a more balanced presentation of causes and conditions.
There are several things that greatly add to the impact of this book. One is the series of photos in the book that present a short photographic essay of the events leading up to the conflict and some modern views of Palestine and Israel at war. The photos help get across the deeply held beliefs on both sides of the conflict, as well as identify some historic politicians who have influenced the conflict. They help give the reader a greater depth of understanding and add greatly to the book itself. In addition, many of the essays include quotes from key players, such as Anwar Sadat, and even poetry written about the conflict. Rather than simply a dry history text, this book employs many different avenues to portray history and the origins of conflict. Combine these with maps, biographical sketches, and even actual documents that pertain to the conflict and the reader is not left with many unanswered questions about the conflict. The book is comprehensive and interesting at the same time.
In conclusion, this is an enlightening and detailed look into what created the Arab-Israeli Conflict. After reading it, the reader has a better understanding of what has led up to the conflict and why it seems that it will never come to an end. This is an emotional issue for both sides, and reading this book does not give a sense of hope, but it does give a bigger sense of the peoples involved and why their emotions run so deep about the land, the culture, and what belongs to who.

Resources
Lesch, Ann M., and Dan Tschirgi. Origins and Development of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998.