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Beware of Small States: Lebanon, Battleground of the Middle East

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'Beware of Small States: Lebanon, Battleground of the Middle East' by David Hirst delves into the intricate history of Lebanon, particularly its role as a battleground in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The author skillfully outlines the complexities of Lebanese politics and the influence of external powers, especially Israel, on the country's trajectory. Hirst's writing style is described as dispassionate and understated, offering a comprehensive analysis of the region's history with genuine insight and grounded analysis.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style is characterized by clarity, objectivity, and thorough research, presenting complex events without excessive dramatization.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into Lebanon's tumultuous history, particularly its conflicts with Israel, the influences of neighboring countries, and the internal divisions that complicate its politics.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Lebanon, with a historical context that spans various regions and eras, highlighting the impact of ethnicity and religion on the national narrative.

Pacing:

While initially dense, the pacing picks up in the latter sections, particularly during crucial historical events, making for a gripping read.
Lebanon, a mountainous country on the Eastern Mediterranean no bigger than Wales or the American state of Connecticut, has long attracted an international attention disproportionate to its size and, o...

Notes:

David Hirst is a former Middle East correspondent for The Guardian.
This book covers Lebanon's history and its role in the Middle East conflicts.
Hirst's previous book is called 'The Gun and the Olive Branch.'
Lebanon has a complex ethnic, religious, and political landscape.
Hirst discusses the impact of Israeli actions on Lebanon throughout the decades.
Hizbullah, a significant political and military group, emerged during conflicts with Israel.
The book highlights the continual involvement of foreign powers in Lebanon's affairs.
Hirst provides a historical context from the Ottoman Empire to present conflicts.
The book critiques how outside powers, especially Israel, influence Lebanon's political situation.
Hirst was kidnapped twice during his time in Beirut and shares insights from his experiences.
The narrative includes Lebanon's civil war, which lasted from 1976 to 1990.
The book analyzes the role of Arab nationalism and Zionism in shaping Lebanon’s conflicts.
Hirst emphasizes the numerous conflicts Lebanon has faced, including wars with Israel and internal strife.
The author suggests that the future of the Middle East may be defined by a struggle involving Islamic nationalist movements and moderate Arab allies.
Hizbullah was initially a resistance movement against Israeli occupation and has complex ties with Iran and Syria.
The text critiques the political ambitions of both Israel and Hizbullah throughout their histories.
The book is described as a 'must read' for anyone looking to understand Lebanon's historical intricacies.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of war, violence, political conflict, and historical atrocities, which may be intense for some readers.

From The Publisher:

In this magisterial history of Lebanon, from the end of Ottoman rule to the Hezbollah and Hamas wars of today, acclaimed and fiercely independent Middle East journalist and historian David Hirst charts the interplay between a uniquely complex country and the broader struggles of the modern Middle East. Lebanon is the battleground on which the region's greater states pursue their strategic, political, and ideological conflicts-conflicts that sometimes escalate into full-scale proxy wars. Hirst warns that only serious diplomatic action from the Obama administration can prevent the next such action from engulfing the entire region.

 
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