Israelis and Palestinians: Why Do They Fight? Can They Stop?

by Bernard Wasserstein

In this startling new interpretation of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, Bernard Wasserstein focuses on largely neglected forces—demographic, economic, and social—that have shaped the politics of the region but have also made the two societies so interdependent that they must make peace in order to survive.

"Readers who care about the [Israeli-Palestinian] conflict should not overlook Bernard Wasserstein’s lucid attempt to look at it from some unusual angles. . . . A helpful and original introduction to the conflict."—Warren Bass, Washington Post Book World

"Reasoned and balanced, [this book] makes a compelling case that demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and territorial imperatives must eventually bring Israelis and Palestinians to a peaceful resolution."—Eric Silver, Jewish Chronicle
"In this short and elegant essay, [Wasserstein] slips in a good deal of history. . . . The rationality of the arguments is impressive."—David Pryce-Jones, Sunday Times (London)

"Wasserstein’s readable text is a solid primer on Israelis and Palestinians for experts and neophytes, characterized by a hardheaded realism that is fair to both sides."—Foreign Affairs

Genres: Middle East, History, Politics, Nonfiction, Religion, Islam, War

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Bernard Wasserstein is Allianz Visiting Professor of Modern Jewish History at the Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Munich. He previously held positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Glasgow, Brandeis University, Oxford University, and the University of Sheffield. He is a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy.

Reviews

[Beth Knights · Rating 3 out of 5]

After deciding to educate myself on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I chose this book as an entry guide, a move that was ambitious, as the writing is long-winded and dry. I have taken from it a general idea of the situation, but found that it wasn't really interesting enough to stop me skipping huge sections, which probably means I have a hugely distorted idea of Israel-Palestinian politics. Still a sound book for the dedicated reader though.

[Jaqui Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book in my bookshelf for years.
Having just worked my way through Fauda on Netflix I thought it was way passed time
I read it.
It's a well-researched, unemotional book about this intractable conflict and while it's written in 2003 and the statistics and information is clearly out of date, it still make thoroughly interesting reading. Wasserstein covers 5 keys areas: people, society, environment, territory and the dynamics of political change. This in itself is worthwhile as so much of what we see and read is only about the political aspects of this situation.
I am now looking for more current information from Wasserstein and others can provide an 'update'.
Whatever side you are on and even if you're not on a side, it's worth reading.

[Juju · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geht sehr ins Detail. Außerdem etwas trocken.

[Saphir Bühler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es war ziemlich zäh, aber es war auch nicht wirklich mein Thema, also kann ich dass wahrscheinlich auch nicht so gut beurteilen.

[Sebastian Cosgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books on the topic.

[Lindsay Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit heavy going but very informative.