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Summary: PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI STUDENTS SAY IT'S BALANCED!
Review: It's hard to find a well-researched, balanced book on such a sensitive topic. Well, this is it! As a professor of Middle East History at a major university in California, I can attest to the fact that this is one of the most accurate, and unbiased books on the subject. Even my Palestinian and Israeli students agree that this book tells both sides of the issue with sensitivity and fairness! To me, that speaks volumes about this excellent book.
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Summary: Sorry, But it's a Great book.
Review: Being from the Middle East myself, when some of my muslim friends in the states asked me to write a review of this book which they told me was a biased and one sided whitewash of the Middle East issue, I decided to read it first. Contrary to what I was told about the book, the author is very well informed about the historical as well as current condition of the region. Being personally familiar with the background of the Ottoman occupation of the region, I found that the historical information was very well reseached and objective. Also, since I spend time in Turkey AND Israel, it appears to me that the author has a very good grasp of the mentality of the regions peoples. In general, the text is very easy to read and even enjoyable. In fact I spent a whole night reading different chapters just for fun. Anyone interested in this dramatic part of the world without all the current media hype would do well to familiarize themselves with an objective view of the Middle East as put forth by the author. And to my friends, I say 'sorry, but it's a really good book!' Istanbul, Turkey
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Summary: A Very Comprehensive Review
Review: Kudos to the Author for this complete history made easy to read with humor and wit.
I hope Anyone looking for a good coverage of the Mid-East conflict begins here!
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Summary: informative and unbiased
Review: Kudos to the author for providing a book of such clarity and understanding of this complex subject. Though I have long been a student of the region, I found much to learn from this book. Refreshingly, the author had no particular bones to pick, but provided a factual and objective review of his subject. I recommend this title heartily for its' informative accuracy, fairness, and overall readability.
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Summary: an excellent analysis of a difficult topic
Review: I was given a copy of this book by a friend...and how glad I am that he thought of me. Finally I was able to read a useful, valuable, and informative book that helps all readers understand what is going on in the middle east in a fair, accurate, and thoughtful manner. The facts presented are accurate; the writing enables the reader to understand the history of the area in an easy-to-read format. I thank the publisher for this selection.
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Summary: A Must Read for Anyone Interested in the Middle East
Review: My understanding of the current situation in the Middle East was made so much clearer after reading this book. It is hard to understand the 'big picture' when you see 5 minute stories on the evening news. However, this book gives you the necessary background information that puts today's news in context with the historical perspective. Mr. Bard has done an outstanding job of providing rich details of history while maintaining complete impartiality. I now feel that I can speak, at least somewhat intelligently, about the conflict in the Middle East, a hot topic among my friends, neighbors and co-workers.
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Summary: Deserves space in my bookcase.
Review: Not only Mitchell G. Bard and Mitchell Geoffrey Bard got their facts straight, they also provided an insightful analysis of the events and their causes. I've read number of books on the subject, and yet this book has something that most are missing, absence of bias or passion for any side/cause. The Bard's purpose is to educate, therefore they present the course of event and their analysis in a very even fashion, which is also fun to read. Unlike most authors, who write on this subject, their do not pick a bad guy and build their arguments to make their point. Neither, do they make conclusions for you, rather let you make your make up your own mind. I can see why both camps would agree with some parts of the book and choose to challenge or criticize other parts. In any case, if you are looking for an educational material, this book is for your. If you have already made up your mind and are looking for facts/arguments to make your point stronger, you may still find this book helpful.
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Summary: Objective, Thoughtful Account of Origins of ME Conflict
Review: This is a clear and penetrating analysis of the history of the conflicts in the region. It helped me to understand the historical background and causes for the Palestinian struggle and the dilemma that confronts their people.
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Summary: Finally, an objective look at the Middle East
Review: This precise history of the middle east conflict in a clear and unbiased manner, is what has been needed for some time. Anyone looking for an objective analysis and facts should make this mandatory reading. It informs candidly with factual support, as opposed to placing blame or looking for scapegoats.
If you want an unbiased history of the facts, this is the book for you!
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Summary: Make Way for Accuracy
Review: As someone with some familiarity with Middle East realities, I know how much is written, even by so-called experts, which is not based on reasoned consideration of the facts on the ground. In contrast, Bard's book is enjoyable to read, educational, and above all, accurate and factual. I recommend it highly for those who truly want to know the history and recent realities of the area, and not just to bolster their own biases.
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