Egypt's Road to Jerusalem

by Boutros Boutros-Ghali

What we have come to call the Arab-Israeli peace process began in 1977, when Egypt's president, Anwar Sadat, decided, with no warning and against fierce resistance, to break with his Arab neighbors, defy the central tenet of their formidable alliance, and travel to Jerusalem with his minister of state for foreign affairs. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was that minister, and this is his astonishing account of the brave and often difficult diplomatic journey that began that cold November night and ended with the landmark Camp David agreement three years later.Egypt's Road to Jerusalem is the first insider's account, from an Arab point of view, of the historic agreement that opened the way to the Arab-Israeli peace process and established the direction of America's relationship with both Israel and its Arab neighbors. Reconstructed from the diaries Boutros Boutros-Ghali kept at the time, this is a faithful record of fascinating conversations--with an elliptical and visionary Sadat; a resilient Ezer Weizman, whose charm forged the first bonds of friendship and respect; a relentless Jimmy Carter; an unpredictable Moshe Dayan.There are surprising snapshots here of Camp David--where members of the Egyptian and Israeli delegations bumped into one another in pajamas and sports clothes and while bicycling on forest paths--and of encounters with stunning figures from the world of high diplomacy, from Tito and Fidel Castro to the poet-president Léopold Senghor and the murderous and peculiar Idi Amin.Egypt's Road to Jerusalem reveals the difficulties faced by Arab negotiators--then and now--as they confront a suspicious and intransigent right-wing government in Israel on the one hand, and dissension at home and throughout the Arab world on the other. You will discover here the real motives behind Egypt's delicate balancing between its national interest and its commitment to the Palestinian people; between its allegiance to pan-Arabism and its decision to part from Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to open the way for peace.Egypt and Israel's breakthrough agreement at Camp David was one of the defining diplomatic moments of our time. Here is how it all began.

Genres: History

Hardcover

First published May 20, 1997

About the author

(Arabic: بطرس بطرس غالي)


Boutros Boutros-Ghali was born into a prominent Egyptian family. His grandfather, just plain Boutros Ghali, had been Prime Minister, and his uncle, Wassif Ghali, was Foreign Minister. Young Boutros was raised a Coptic Christian, and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. He got his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1946, and followed that with a Ph.D. in international law in 1949. Boutros-Ghali also has degrees in political science, economics and public law. As a lawyer he specialized in international law. From 1960 to about 1975, Boutros-Ghali founded, edited, and wrote for Al-Ahram Iqtisadi, where his beat was regional and international law, diplomacy and political science. He was a member of Parliament in Egypt, and helped negotiate the 1978 Camp David accords, bringing peace between Egypt and Israel.

Boutros-Ghali was U.N. Secretary-General from 1992 to 1996. He oversaw a U.N. peacekeeping mission to Somalia that went rather disastrously, and asked for assistance from the U.S. and other nations within just a few months. Also under his watch, war raged in Bosnia and genocide unfolded in Rwanda. Boutros-Ghali served just one term as Secretary-General, when the tradition is two.

Outside diplomatic circles, Boutros Boutros-Ghali remains famous mostly for his silly sounding name. "Boutros" is the Arabic version of Peter, and Ghali in English means precious.

Wife: Leia Maria Nadler

University: Cairo University (1946)
University: PhD International Law, University of Paris
University: Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (1949)
Professor: International Law, Cairo University (1949-77)

http://www.nndb.com/people/356/000022...

Reviews

[Moaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still can’t quite fathom the absurdity of the negotiations that took place for arguably one of the most important “peace” negotiations to take place in the Middle East. I’ve always heard rumors growing up of how unfair this peace treaty was for the Egyptians and reading this book, I get to see a glimpse as of why this is the case. Sadat, being the dictator he is single handedly carried out the negotiations to his likings and his objectives without involving the Egyptian delegations and eventually giving Israel its most important victory yet: Neutralizing Egypt’s threat. Definitely worth reading even though some parts are painful to read as an Egyptian

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful on the process of peace with Israel from a different viewpoint than what I’ve heard in the US. And all the repercussions that went along with that, plus learning more about the Palestine problems. Very technical sometimes but worth reading.

[Anuj Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Egypt's Road to Jerusalem:: A Diplomat's Story of the Struggle for Peace in the Middle East" - Boutros Boutros-Ghali's Insider Account of Diplomatic Efforts for Peace

"Egypt's Road to Jerusalem: A Diplomat's Story of the Struggle for Peace in the Middle East" provides readers with a captivating insider perspective on the arduous journey towards peace in one of the world's most volatile regions. Authored by Ghali, a seasoned diplomat deeply involved in the peace process, the book offers a firsthand account of the challenges, triumphs, and setbacks faced by Egypt and other nations in their quest for stability and reconciliation.

At the heart of the book is Ghali's unwavering commitment to peace and diplomacy as instruments for resolving conflicts. Drawing on his extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the region, Ghali provides valuable insights into the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics, shedding light on the complex web of historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors that have shaped the region's tumultuous landscape.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is Ghali's candid assessment of the key players and events that have shaped the Middle East peace process. From the Camp David Accords to the Oslo Accords, Ghali offers a detailed account of the negotiations, compromises, and breakthroughs that have marked the long and arduous journey towards peace.

But "Egypt's Road to Jerusalem" is more than just a chronicle of diplomatic efforts—it's also a deeply personal story of hope, perseverance, and resilience. Ghali shares his own reflections and observations from the front lines of diplomacy, offering readers a glimpse into the human side of the peace process and the toll it takes on those involved.

In conclusion, "Egypt's Road to Jerusalem: A Diplomat's Story of the Struggle for Peace in the Middle East" is a compelling and enlightening book that offers valuable insights into the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the challenges of peacemaking in a region torn apart by conflict. Ghali's firsthand account is both informative and inspiring, serving as a testament to the power of diplomacy and dialogue in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Whether you're a scholar of international relations or simply someone interested in the pursuit of peace, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.