Books Like...
'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.
If you liked Beware of Small States: Lebanon, Battleground of the Middle East, here are the top 7 books to read next:
'The Six Day War: The Breaking of the Middle East' by Guy Laron is a comprehensive exploration of the key diplomatic, economic, and financial events that unfolded in the years leading up to the Six Day War in June 1967. It delves into the intricate relationships between political and military leaders in countries like Egypt, Syria, Israel, the United States, and the Soviet Union, providing insights into the decisions and tensions that ultimately led to the conflict. Laron's writing style is described as balanced, offering a nuanced perspective on the political infighting, military strategies, and historical backdrop that shaped the prelude to the war.
Laron's book is not a traditional military history of the Six Day War, but rather a detailed examination of the factors that culminated in the conflict. By focusing on the political, social, and economic histories of the involved nations, including Israel, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, along with the roles of major global powers, the author sheds light on the complex web of events that set the stage for one of the most significant post-World War II wars in the Middle East. Readers praise the book for providing a fresh perspective on the origins of the war and for highlighting the internal dynamics and decision-making processes that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the time.
IUSED TO HATE books that started with the writer’s admission that he wrote the book by accident. I could never understand how someone would complete “by accident” a project that demanded single-minded...'Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East' by Michael B. Oren provides a comprehensive and well-balanced account of the Six Day War, covering the political aspects, military strategies, and diplomatic efforts leading up to and during the conflict. Oren's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering a detailed narrative that includes perspectives from various sources involved in the war. delves into the complexities of the war, exploring the motivations and decisions of key players while presenting a thorough examination of the events that shaped the modern Middle East.
NIGHTTIME, DECEMBER 31, 1964—A squad of Palestinian guerrillas crosses from Lebanon into northern Israel. Armed with Soviet-made explosives, their uniforms supplied by the Syrians, they advance toward...- #3
'O Jerusalem' by Larry Collins is a captivating account of the formation of the state of Israel in 1948. Written by two journalists, the book reads like a novel, detailing the history of Israel's independence and the intense events that unfolded during that time. The authors provide unbiased insights into the dedication and commitment of Israel's people, showcasing the political maneuvering between Zionists, Arabs, and other factions in the quest to establish the Jewish homeland.
The narrative in 'O Jerusalem' is engaging, well-researched, and objective. The authors present a comprehensive view of the events leading up to the UN partition vote and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, highlighting the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both sides. Through impressive research and firsthand accounts, the book offers a compelling retelling of the conflicts surrounding Israel's independence, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of the Middle East situation.
IN THE AFTERNOON of Saturday, November 29, 1947, in a cavernous gray building that had once housed an ice-skating rink, in Flushing Meadow, New York, the delegates of fifty-six of the fifty-seven memb... "My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel" by Ari Shavit is a book that delves into the complexities of Israel's history, exploring both the triumphs and tragedies that have marked its existence. Shavit's writing style is described as open, emotionally challenging, and soulful. He presents a nuanced perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, addressing difficult questions and moral dilemmas faced by Israel while capturing the discordant realities of the country.
ON THE NIGHT OF APRIL 15, 1897, A SMALL, ELEGANT STEAMER IS EN route from Egypt’s Port Said to Jaffa. Thirty passengers are on board, twenty-one of them Zionist pilgrims who have come from London via ...'Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1998' by Benny Morris is a comprehensive and detailed account of the history of the Middle East conflict, delving deep into the archives to uncover the ups and downs of Israel's history. The book presents a pro-Israel perspective, addressing the complexities of the conflict and the actions taken by both Israelis and Palestinians. It discusses the challenges faced by Israel in dealing with security concerns and the difficult compromises it was willing to make for resolution, contrasting them with what is perceived as Palestinian refusals and preferences for terrorism.
The writing style of the book is described as lengthy, highly detailed, and well-balanced, providing a wealth of facts and data for readers interested in learning about the conflict. The author, Benny Morris, is praised for his thorough research and academic approach, making this book a valuable resource for those new to the subject as well as seasoned learners of the conflict. The book is noted for its focus on presenting historical facts and events that shape the ongoing conflict, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.
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"The Ethnic Cleansing Of Palestine" by Ilan Pappe is a powerful and eye-opening account that challenges the traditional narrative of Israel's creation as a refuge for persecuted people. Through well-documented research, Pappe delves into the historical background of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, shedding light on the ethnic cleansing carried out by European and Russian Asian Jews against the native Palestinian population. exposes the atrocities committed during the establishment of the state of Israel, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinians and the impact of these events on the region.
It is the present writer’s view that ethnic cleansing is a well-defined policy of a particular group of persons to systematically eliminate another group from a given territory on the basis of religio... 'The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler-Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017' by Rashid Khalidi is a concise and informative account of the Palestinian history, detailing the struggles and injustices faced by the Palestinian people over the past century. Khalidi presents a thorough examination of the 100-year campaign to displace Palestinians from their land, starting in 1917, while also offering a balanced perspective that includes personal anecdotes and historical context. The author skillfully weaves together personal accounts, credible sources, and historical events to shed light on the impact of Zionism on Palestine and the ongoing conflict in the region.
At the turn of the twentieth century, before Zionist colonization had much appreciable effect on Palestine, new ideas were spreading, modern education and literacy had begun to expand, and the integra...