THE HUNDRED YEARS' WAR ON PALESTINE (B PB) Paperback – 3 September 2020

Author bravery

Beautiful book to know about Palestine.

I bought this book in 2021 but only got to reading it now - in Nov '23 - for obvious reasons. So far, I've had a surface level understanding of this seemingly intractable conflict. This book helps with some detailing - espescially from the Palestinian side (the israeli side has been well covered by media for a while now). Yet, I wouldn't say this is the only book to read on the topic - in fact, the end notes have provided me with more to add to my wishlist. (I would also, for the sake of full clarity, still like to counter-check some Israeli perspective too, no doubt).Despite getting the historical connect of Judaism/Jews with the lands of Palestine/Israel (& a soft corner for it despite being agnostic), I've always also had a sneaking sympathy for the Palestinians' plight - slightly more of late. This book adds to that sentiment. (I'm all for a united democratic state (very tough) or a two state (possible if Israel relents a bit)).In terms of specifics, the description of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon was the one that had me taking particular notice. The parallels with the war happening now as I type is absolutely uncanny (though the provocation seems 'tamer' compared to Oct 7). It remains to be seen if the end is the same i.e. no-significant-movement more or less - hopefully not.The point about the Palestinian political leaders' fumbles in the modern world of diplomacy/lobbying/legalese, makes for sad reading. In the meantime, the Israelis don't update their playbook either with zero compromises.Details of the ineffectual Arab govt response - repeatedly - is an interesting learning. And yet, were they a complete sell out? The psychological support for israel in the west is dealt with and explained but the mid East leaders are all individual nationalism + weaker militaries + beholden to old imperial masters. But surely there had to be the emotional side too. I feel like some mention could've been made of factors like expulsion of Jews from Arab nations (like role of Iraqi govt?) and was this a wise move given that it only increased the israeli demographic game? But i understand that this is mainly abt the suffering of the Palestinian people.The writing is fairly clear. Some aspects of the narrative structuring were a bit confusing and required me to go back to get the chronology of events/motivations right.In short - great for understanding the human palestinian POV; but not the only book to read on this subject.

This was a scholarly work- written first hand and masterfully!Brings together the perspective in the correct focus- of a people done wrong by the powers of an era that beloved it could do it - and then wielding its world hegemony to sustain that wrongs!The book ends just before rte present conflict in Gaza/Israel starts. Waiting to see if this could be the moment of change of this tale of suppression!

An excellent book on the history of Palestine and the origins of Zionism and the resistance of the Palestinians against Zionist settler colonialism. A must read.

Excellent book to read for a thorough knowledge and references. Brilliant page quality! Simply perfect.

Amazon asked me to rewrite my review, and I don't understand why!Anyway, here goes. I am convinced the author has written an excellent book covering the last century of strife in Palestine. After a long time, we have a balanced book that converts the story from a Palestinian perspective. He has been blunt about the failures of the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, etc. However, the story is balanced and well-researched.And yes, it helps us understand the story from a Palestinian perspective without becoming accusatory or emotional.This book is brilliant.

Starts interesting but doesn’t sustain the interest