The conflict between Palestine and Israel is one of the most highly publicized and bitter
struggles in history. In this accessible and stimulating Very Short Introduction Martin Bunton
clearly explains the history of the problem reducing it to its very essence - a modern
territorial contest between two nations and one geographical territory. Adopting a fresh and
original approach each section covers a twenty-year span to highlight the historical
complexity of the conflict throughout successive decades. Each chapter starts with an
examination of the relationships among people and events that marked particular years as
historical moments in the evolution of the conflict including the 1897 Basle Congress the
1917 Balfour Declaration and British occupation of Palestine and the 1947 UN Partition Plan
and the war for Palestine. Providing a clear and fair exploration of the main issues Bunton
explores not only the historical basis of the conflict but also looks at how and why partition
has been so difficult and how efforts to restore peace continue today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The
Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in
almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new
subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas and
enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
