Friends had long touted this book to me, as a "must" for understanding the background of the troubled Middle East, with special reference to Israel and her neighbors. All I can say is, I wish I had taken their advice earlier. Friedman, the Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times columnist, has written a readeble (I do not say simple) account of that troubled region. I can quite understand why, in any discussion of modern Isrfael, an early question is: "Have you read From Beirut to Jerusalem"? The book will not please anyone who wants to be conforted by easy answers, whether related to apocalyptic visions, or great power politics. It is down to earth, factual, and when Friedman sgteos back and takes the long view, it is done often with sadness. Readx it and you'll see why.