Abdel Monem Said Aly - Arabs and Israelis

In this volume the three authors have succeeded where many have failed. They have brought their talents together in an exceptional way to give a clear and dispassionate account of a notoriously contentious subject. In doing so, they have provided a lucid analysis of the actions of all the parties involved. But equally importantly, they have gone to the heart of the matter through their sympathetic, yet critical understandings of the opposing narratives that have fuelled this conflict for so long. It is a book that will enlighten those who come fresh to the subject, as well as those who want to study further the inner workings of the ArabIsraeli conflict and the chances of its resolution.- Charles Tripp, Professor of Politics, School of African and Oriental Studies, University of London, UK

This extraordinary work about the ArabIsraeli conflict is both brilliant and unique. The three authors are eye-witnesses. They represent both the Arab and Israeli perspectives. They once even served in armies that opposed each other. But now they have come together to thoughtfully explore the many dimensions from geo-strategic interests to the human factor of the worlds most volatile region. Arabs and Israelis is an exceptional contribution to understanding a tragic, troubling and costly conflict. It also provides tremendous insights that will help understand how to solve it. Robin Wright, Author of Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion across the Islamic World

If there is anything more contentious than the Arab-Israel conflict, it is the history of the conflict. Rather than try the impossible task of writing the one true story, the authors give us a fair reading of the accounts that various participants believe. Furthermore, they have related the stories and events to powerful theories of international politics. The result is a signal achievement that deserves a wide readership.- Robert Jervis, Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Politics, Columbia University, USA

No single author could write this book with its richness of multiple perspectives on a topic of such controversy as the Arab-Israeli conflict. These three distinguished scholars one from Israel, one from Palestine, and one from Egypt produce a unique work of scholarship. Particularly for those new to the topic, this is the book to start with. It informs and explains, without the propagandistic overtones that often find their way into such volumes.- William B. Quandt, Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia, USA

An outstanding book written by some of the best scholars who have immersed their scholarly careers on the subject matter of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This is a must read that carefully contextualizes the nuances of the conflict according to different political dynamics across time and space. Students, policy makers, and academics have much to learn from this very valuable and insightful book.- Amaney A. Jamal, Associate Professor of Politics, Princeton University, USA

The major strength of this textbook is its attempt to cover the unfolding events of the conflict from the three perspectives: Jewish/Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab, and by placing these events within a broader regional and international context. It is innovative and will be used by many scholars as a prime textbook because of its refreshing approach.- Asher Kaufman, Associate Professor of History and Peace Studies, Notre Dame University, USA

The competing narratives are a terrific addition it is a thoughtful and engaging way to present the material, and encourages critical thinking and discussion.- Kimberly Jones, Head Advisor, International Affairs and Middle East Studies, Northeastern University, USA

Conflict and Peacemaking
in the Middle East

Abdel Monem Said Aly

Chairman of the Board, CEO and Director, Regional Center for Strategic Studies, Cairo

Shai Feldman

Director, Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Khalil Shikaki

Director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, Ramallah

2013 Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman and Khalil Shikaki

All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with written permission or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, or under the terms of any licence permitting limited copying issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency, Saffron House, 610 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS.

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First published 2013 by
PALGRAVE MACMILLAN

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ISBN: 978-1-137-29083-0 hardback
ISBN: 978-1-137-29082-3 paperback

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The writing and publication of this book comprises the most complex and demanding project ever undertaken by Brandeis Universitys Crown Center for Middle East Studies since its establishment in 2005. It also constitutes one of the most salient expressions of the Centers commitment to pursuing a balanced and dispassionate approach to the study of the contemporary Middle East. While reflecting this broad sustained commitment, however, this book would have never seen the light of day, were it not for the imagination, creativity, generosity and tenacity of one individual: Marcia Riklis of New York.

How did all this come about? In late 2004, one of the three co-authors of this book, Shai Feldman, was asked by the then-President of Brandeis University, Jehuda Reinharz to join Brandeis for the purpose of building a new Crown Center for Middle East Studies. Shai made his consent conditional on the university accepting his philosophy regarding this challenging endeavor: namely, that in its research, writing, and other activities the Crown Center will pursue a balanced and dispassionate approach to the Middle East. As this principle was approved, Shais next step was to ensure its implementation by asking the other two of us, Abdel Monem Said Aly and Khalil Shikaki, to join him as Senior Research Associates of the soon-to-be-created Crown Center.

Once all three of us agreed to join the new Center, we entered into detailed discussions about the possible content of such association. The talks yielded an agreement to teach a new class,