The Absence of Peace : Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Absence of Peace)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent presentation of the Palestinian perspective
Review: A more appropriate title for this book would be: The Absence of Peace: Palestinian Perspectives on the Oslo Peace Accords. This title would make clear that (a) this book presents solely the Palestinian perspective and (b) the scope of the book is relatively recent events. Thus, this book is not a good choice for those who are looking for an overview of the entire Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. However, for those who already have developed a basic historical and political framework for this complex arena, this book is immensely helpful.

In order to understand the repeated failure of the peace process, one must understand the Palestinian perspective. This author crafts an articulate and well referenced description of how Palestinian frustration, anger, and hopelessness have been fueled by Israeli actions. This book asserts that the Oslo Peace accords have exacerbated the on-going problems and presents a view of Palestinian life within the restrictions imposed on building, work, and travel within Israel. As a relatively neutral observer to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I found it very helpful to have the Palestinian perspective described so succinctly and articulately.

The final chapter of this book provides recommendations of possible options for future resolution of the conflict. This chapter was the highlight of the book and will assist me in understanding the success or failure of future efforts.

A note about perspectives and bias. The author is clearly impassioned and highly critical of Israel and its leaders. Nonetheless, I found Absence of Peace to be well referenced and credible. For example, most of the criticisms of Israeli leaders are supported by direct quotes from these leaders that have been published in newspapers. Each chapter concludes with 3-10 pages of footnotes. I also cross-referenced some of the allegations made against the Israeli security forces with Amnesty International reports and found them to be consistent. However, it is clear that this book presents solely the Palestinian perspective. For example, the author is repeatedly critical of the limitations imposed on Palestinian travel, but never acknowledges that Palestinian suicide bombers have at least some causal responsibility in these Israeli actions. It is very likely that this book will enrage readers who hold staunchly Zionist or pro-Israeli perspectives.

Overall, Absence of Peace is a readable and important book. It provides an understanding of Palestinian perspectives on the Oslo Peace Accords that also informs the reader's understanding of the broader issues within Israel and Palestine.

Rating:
Summary: A response to the anonymous reviewer from New Jersey
Review: I don't know what's more appalling: the vitriol that the anonymous reviewer from New Jersey saw fit to spew about Nick Guyatt's terrific book or his/ her claim that the expansionist policies of the Israeli government should be construed as "the legitimate achievements of the Middle East's only democracy".

In my view, the value of Guyatt's analysis of the conflict in the Middle East inheres in its thoughtful exposure of the notable illegitimacy of the Israeli government's actions; the bad faith in which it conducts peace negotiations; and the contribution that international organizations like the United Nations make to the continuing violation of Palestinian human rights under the Israeli regime.

I recommend this book very highly to anyone wanting an honest and illuminating account of the situation in the Middle East since Oslo.

Rating:
Summary: A very informative, well-researched book
Review: Nicholas Guyatt's "The Absence of Peace" is a well-researched, thoughtful book on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Focusing on developments since the 1993 Oslo accords, Guyatt considers the causes of the peace agreement's failure. The author concentrates on the inherent difficulties in the accords themselves: for instance, that Palestine and Israel are inequitable authorities; that the PLO is only one quasi-authoritative body of Palestinian representatives; and that the United States, as permament member of the UN Security Council, is in a position to veto all UN resolutions criticising Israel's actions. I found Guyatt's analysis of Yitzhak Rabin's and Shimon Peres's political lives very helpful: for neither are so "dovish" as journalists have made them out to be, especially in light of Rabin's assasination, an act that made him the martyr for peace he really was not. Guyatt's treatment of Israeli-European relations was also very helpful. On the whole, I consider this book a very balanced criticism of Israeli policies toward the Palestine question. Unlike many other books on this topic, Guyatt's analysis refrains from conspiracist rhetoric while taking critical note of Israel's actions. Heartily recommended.