From Beirut to Jerusalem, by Thomas L. Freidman.
Probably best book on the subject. Written in 1990, but nothing has really changed since then. It details the history and cultural dynamics well.
When I contrast this book to Clinton's actions (from geting Netanyahu ousted, some of the compromises, the attempted accelerations etc.), it enhances the proposition that Slick is more interested in his legacy than solving the problem.
Review:
There have been any number of books that have worked hard at interpreting the melange called the Middle East. This one, however, makes
a difference because it's so well written and captures the psychological mannerisms of the people of Lebanon and Israel--the first step to
understanding some of the mysterious ``why'' that seems to elude the American public and government. Friedman's credentials are
impressive: he spent six years of journalistic service for the New York Times in Beirut and Jerusalem, has won two Pulitzer prizes, and is
now the Times 's chief diplomatic correspondent. His writing is vastly descriptive, incredibly illuminating, very educational, and marvelously
persuasive. His advice to U.S. diplomats is that since ``Middle East diplomacy is a contact sport,'' they must bargain as grocers, or, in other
words, realize that everything has a price and the sale can always be made with enough hard work. This title is highly recommended for all
libraries. |
