Struggle for the Holy Land

the long version

In this sweeping, historical saga of the Middle East, William Hare presents a narrative that begins with biblical times and traces the history of the region through World War II, the Holocaust, and the creation of Israel to the Persian Gulf War. Hare traces the roots of Zionism to the Jews' "burning psychological need for identity" on a soil of their own. Recognizing Palestinian Arabs' yearnings and aspirations as well, Hare examines the conflicts that have shaped this region for centuries and concludes with a look at the recent Middle East peace talks.