Rating: 
Summary: Mostly weak, light reading
Review: I was excited about this book but in the end it disappointed me. It purports itself to be a jurnalistic account of the Lebanese Civil war and the Israeli situation in Jerusalem. Unfortunatly the book consists of half and half reporting and cute little stories. We learn about the bombing of the jurnalists own house and we learn about the newsrooms of Beirut. While we should celebrate the authors guts in covering these viscious times it seems to me the reading was light and weak. More a travel jurnal then what I expected. The book, like everything on Lebanon, is biased, it takes the side of the palistinians brushing over their savagry in ruining a nice country while critisizing the christians for daring to defend themselves. It critisizes the Israelis for 'indiscriminate' shelling and says nothing fo the palistinians indiscriminate shalling that also ruines lives. The chapters on Israel are insteresting as an American Jews critique of the Jewish state, but most of the observations are repugnant. This idea that israel is some vast memorial to the holocaust, some remnant, is a revulting notion and it seems one elucidated by the author, he does not seem to understand the greatness of israel as the only country where free speech and free religion exist in the middle east, as well as democracy.
Rating: 
Summary: Friedman's Journalistic Style Makes for Informative Read
Review: As a student of current events and a follower of the omnipresent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, this book was on my summer reading list. I had already acquainted myself with Friedman after reading The Lexus and the Olive Tree. To me, this work was more a stellar and comprehensive compilation of observations from a keen eye and rather unbiased perspectives on both the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Civil War in Lebanon. Friedman makes quick work of blending the two story lines and their inherent similarities. What this book does best is bring clarity to the reasons why the different fighting groups in the Middle East cannot live together in harmony. It is about basic human emotions and the desire to feel safe, secure, and at home on a piece of land. This keen comprehension and spin on the myriad roots of these conflicts is something that is integral to understanding of the problems that anyone would find on the road "From Beirut to Jerusalem."
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Summary: a fantastic look at Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East
Review: I had this book on my "to read" list for about a year, and then it sat on my shelf for five months after buying it before I finally got around to reading it. Now that I have finished the book I have to wonder what took me so long. The book is exceptional. From Beirut to Jerusalem is the story of Thomas Friedman and his analysis of the Palestine/Israel conflict. Friedman is a three time Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and this book presents and even handed and fair look at both the Palestinians and the Israelis. The book is broken up into three sections: Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington. Beirut is the story of the Palestinians. When Friedman was a young reporter, he was assigned a beat in Beirut (the newspaper made a point to assign a Jewish reporter to cover Beirut). Friedman does a good job showing exactly how the PLO came to power and the importance (and the flaw) of Yasir Arafat in the Palestinian movement. Despite being Jewish himself, Friedman does not present much of a bias against the Palestinians in his reporting. Friedman shows how there truly is no central authority for the Palestinians and how amazing it is the Arafat was able to unify the PLO into any sort of centralized body. The one thing that surprised me was how the Palestinians (and Beirut as a whole) was essential tribal politics. Beirut was an example of what can go right in having a disparate group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in a Middle Eastern city. Beirut also ended up being a disaster of what can go wrong: everything. When push came to shove, the different groups split apart, formed militias and held fast to tribal lines. It was in Beirut that the PLO found a temporary home (at least until Israel pushed north). Jerusalem is the story of the Jews. We all know the story of how after World War II the Jews were given a state in the Middle East and it was on their traditional homeland of Israel. This displaced the Arabs (Palestinians) that were living on the land at the time. Friedman discusses the Utopian vision that Israel is because of the religious context for the Jews. The interesting thing is that Israel was very nearly formed as a secular state for the diaspora Jews, and it was only the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews that initially held onto their religion (rather than their culture). American Jews viewed Israel truly as the Promised Land, and the Christian world saw Israel through the tinted glasses of the Old Testament. Surrounded on all sides by Arabs who do not want the Jews in Israel, the nation has never truly been at peace and it is in this section of the book that Friedman shows just how difficult peace in the region is. Washington is the end of the book and Friedman ties several things together. There was a very clear progression from Beirut to Jerusalem as Friedman was transferred over to Jerusalem, but at the same time I felt that Friedman presented enough material that I could begin to understand the context of Jerusalem. Thomas Friedman presents his thoughts on how diplomacy could possibly work for the Israelis and the Palestinians (using the Egypt/Israel peace as a model), and also further explains just how complex the relationships are in the Middle East. We get to see the attempts of the United States to broker peace deals, and how these succeeded and failed, and in some cases, why. Friedman discusses the role the United States does play, and perhaps should play in the region (at least as it affects Israel and Palestine). This is an absolutely fascinating book. Obviously, this should be used as a primer on the subject and if one feels interested, should lead into further research into the region, but this was a very informative and interesting book and while I was confused at times by the complexity of the situation and shocked at the enormity of the problem, I also felt that I read a valuable book on the region. I thought this was an excellent book and it should belong on any "must read" list for books on the Middle East.
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Summary: Excellent background history on the Middle East issues.
Review: First published in 1989, this book provides you a strong foundation in understanding the Middle East current issues. The author explains how the French and the British in the 1920s created a set of countries after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire that represented no more than lines in the sand. Often these lines contradicted the ethnicity, and religious affiliations of the affected populations. The French created Syria, and Lebanon. Syria was predominantly Muslim. And, so was Lebanon. But, the French installed a Christian minority in power in Lebanon who had a stronger affiliation with the French than the other groups. The majority of the Lebanese population were Muslims split between Sunnis and Shiites. Both the Sunnis and the Shiites would have preferred joining the Muslims in neighboring Syria, but had no say in the matter. The much faster demographic growth of the Muslims caused rising tension and ongoing violence with the Christian minority lead government. Additionally, the Sunnis and the Shiites were often at war with each other. So, it is not like Islam is one unified monotheist religion at peace with itself. Instead, it is a very fragmented religion. It is undergoing the equivalent of the Reformation era that Christianity suffered 400 years ago when Catholics and Protestants were killing each other over minute difference in interpretation of the same religion. As we know, the story of Israel is even more explosive than Lebanon. In 1921, the British carved out the former Palestine division of the Ottoman Empire into two. The Eastern half became Jordan, and the Western half became a contested territory between Palestinian Arabs and Zionist Jews. An ongoing migration of European Jews until and after the end of WWII caused a rising tension between the two groups. This turned into ongoing violent civilian unrest that the British could not control anymore. The Brits left, and the UN took over. In 1947, the UN declared a formal partition of the territory into a Palestinian State (West Bank, Gaza) and a Jewish State. The Zionist Jews declared Israel statehood in 1948. A day later all neighboring countries immediately attacked Israel. But, Israel held its own. While Egypt took over the Gaza District, and Jordan annexed the West Bank. In 1967, a second war erupted and Israel expanded its territory and occupied West Bank and Gaza District. The tension between Arabs and Jews has not abated since. The tension between Israelis and Palestinians has lasted over 80 years. After reading this book, you realize how difficult a sustainable peace resolution is. Tribal politics are prevalent throughout the region, and lead to a winner take all mentality. Negotiations and diplomacy are skills that are not utilized much in this region. Thomas Friedman gives you a sense that the "Land for Peace" motto so promoted in the West is actually utopic. There has been many "Land for Peace" deals offered to the Palestinians during the past couple of decades, but they were always immediately turned down by Arafat and the PLO, and quickly accompanied by a rise in terrorism and suicide bombing. The Muslim Arab World just does not recognize Israel statehood. The Palestinians and their Arab brothers have little interest in sharing land peacefully with Israel in an official Palestinian state. What they really want, is for Israel to get out. Given that this outcome is even more utopic than the "Land for Peace" proposals, this conflict may last much longer.
Rating: 
Summary: Certain to help your understanding of mideast politics
Review: Friedman is certainly as good an authority as any on the subject having won a Pulitzer Prize for international reporting and having lived as part of the chaos for a good while. If you can get past the name dropping and the slight pro-Israeli bent (no, I'm not pro-Palestinian either, I just want the two sides to kiss and makeup b/c there some fault on both sides dating thousands of years), you'll live vicariously through Friedman as an eyewitness to the obstacles to peace that are ingrained in the multitude of "tribes" in the middle east. The book was first published in 1989 with an update in the early 90s I believe and I read it in 2001 - it is eerie and depressing that the players in the conflict are still rehashing the same issues over a decade later (and as they were in 1948, 1967, etc. etc). Like I said, tough to slog your way through the gazillion anecdotes on this world leader telling that joke to Friedman in his presidential office, but there is no chronicle like it.
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Summary: Looking for objectivity?
Review: Then study mathematics. Looking for reality? Then you might be open to studying modern history, politics and culture. I'm convinced at this point that nothing short of a dry run of unexplained facts (such as numbers, geographic maps, etc.) could possibly satisfy all sides; otherwise, everyone's looking for a trumpet to praise their side of the story. Thomas Friedman gives a vivid portrait that goes further than anything I've read to date to present a complete picture of the Israel/Palestine region as he sees it. If you want to understand the region, I'd suggest starting here. If you want to feel better about your own personal inclinations, I'd suggest the official websites of either the Israeli Foreign Ministry or the Palestinian Authority.
Rating:
Summary: Reads Like A Novel!
Review: In FBTJ Friedman delivers an informative, heartfelt overview of the conflicts in Lebanon and Israel. This easy, enjoyable read can be breezed through like an engrosing novel and leaves the reader with a solid base of understanding on the subject from all points of view. At the very least, those confusing daily media-bites about Israel, The Palestinians, Lebanon and the Middle East will become more meaningful news. As well as historical and political content, the work contains personal stories which are revealing, touching, and at times very sad, that shed light upon the scope of this conflict. Particularly thought provoking are the stories of the many young foreign idealists who traveled to Israel to contribute peacefully to the mending of relations by working with the youth of both groups. After giving heart and soul to the effort, their hopes are dashed when many of the kids become engulfed whithin the deep-rooted, empassioned conflict during intifada(1988) and they leave the country jaded and heartbroken. Although no authority on the subject, I believe the critics found here on www.Amazon.com of Friedmans impartiality towards either the Israelis or Palestinians are most likely impartial themselves. Any open-minded reader having not previously taken sides on the many controversial and debatable issues discussed in this book will appreciate and recognize this attempted impartiality. Those with set ideas who do not recieve a reaffirmation of their views will no doubt be disappointed by Friedman and will implore you to read a work which argues their point of view as opposed to one dedicated to impartiality. Don't listen to them. Read this book. The last chapter, which presents some solutions to the crisis, can easily be criticized but Friedman at least can be commended for his brave, honest, and modest attempt at this. I recommend this book. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Awful. Objectivity Has Died.
Review: I had hoped that I would be able to obtain so much from this book, the cover being adorned with so many accolades about the depth and detail of this study, but instead I found it to be extremely frustrating and immeasurably selective. With the author being Jewish, I had anticipated a more learned assessment of Jewish history , especially in relation to the Jewish heritage pertaining to the Land of Israel as outlined in Scripture. I was mistaken on all counts. Much is made in this book about the contentious issues between Arab and Jew over the so called 'West Bank' (Judea and Samaria) and Gaza, with considerable criticism being directed at the Israeli side for it's insistence upon security aspects, it's Jewish claim to the territories and alleged intransigence in face of apparent Arab offers of 'peace'. Yet I feel that there is insufficient recognition of the Arab intent and declarations to eradicate the Jewish presence not only from these territories but from the entire Middle East. I was dismayed at what the book describes as the expulsion of the Jews "from Palestine by the Romans two thousand years ago". Such basic ineptitude in relation to historic facts and terminology as this underlies so much in this work. The Romans changed the name of the Jewish state into Syria Palastina (eventually being 'anglicised' to Palestine) in 135AD when they expelled the Jews from their homeland, at the same time changing the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina. 'Palestine' prior to that time did not even exist. The book also omits any reference to the continued presence of some Jews in the territories even since that time to the present day. In relation to the coverage of the conflict in the Lebanon, there is some very credible and commendable reporting, yet I feel at times as if the reporter only notices the missiles and bullets flying in one direction, omitting those being targeted at his fellow Israelis. I also feel a lack of any reference to the cause of the Israeli presence in the Lebanon in the first place. The intimidation and manipulation of the press during the Lebanon conflict by the PLO and others is illuminating, as is the coverage of the tribal fighting between various factions, yet these are only temporary breaks from the criticism directed at the Israelis. An attitude that even extends to the coverage of the outbreak of the Palestinian intifadas in 1987 where there seems to be an extended, ever present pleasure by the writer of condemning his own people. To describe this book as remotely objective or historically accurate is a distortion of stupendous magnitude, with extensive selective omission and misinformation on so many vital subjects. For those interested in objectivity, might I respectfully recommend Benjamin Netanyahu's book "A Durable Peace; Israel And It's Place Among the Nations" in order that the Israeli side of the story can be obtained. It is certainly not included here. Thank you.
Rating: 
Summary: A minority opinion!
Review: To be succinct, "From Beirut to Jerusalem" is a disappointment. It covers Mr. Freidman's experiences as New York Times and UPI reporter in those fractious Mideast cities. There is no doubt that the author has written a judiciously balanced and fair report. Though a Jew, Freidman is the antithesis of a Zionist. He tries to portray the Arab/Palestinian struggle, though he obviously has a better perspective on the cause of the Israelis. The first half of FBTJ deals with his posting in Beirut and this section is pure gold. Friedman excellently explains the backgrounds of all the fractious religious and political factions that tore Lebanon apart. Beirut was a true combat zone during his stay. Life was dangerous. Danger and death were random. We read in shock as his very apartment house is blown up- by a fellow tenant, no less! He fully and I believe, accurately reports Israel's disastrous excursion into southern Lebanon and the suicide attack on the U.S. Marine compound in 1983. And then? And then the author is transferred to Israel. While the first part of FBTJ is clearly written with a beginning, middle and end, the second half is a hodge podge. The Israel portion jumps around, repeats itself and spins back again with no continuity at all. This reviewer strongly suspects that two different editors worked on FBTJ. The one with talent handled the Beirut half. Moreover, FBTJ is sadly out of date. My version ended ten years ago-a veritable eternity for that part of the world. Hopefully, updated versions available. Finally, this reviewer's pet peeve came home to roost. The MAPS are of negative use! In a region where geography is so vital how can any responsible author or publisher be so careless? The bottom line is that FBTJ is a financial success but an artistic failure. I fear the author is far more talented at short, focussed newspaper columns written under pressure of deadline than the longer fare of FBTJ.
Rating:
Summary: A multi-faceted view of the Middle East
Review: "From Beirut to Jerusalem" ranks as one of the best books I've read pertaining to the Middle East. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it back down. (I know, sounds cliched, but it's true!) I've read a number of other books on Middle Eastern politics and culture, but few have captured the essence of the region more accurately than Friedman's version! The author's personal accounts glaze the book with an authentic and authoritative worldview about the many political and social facets that hold root in both Beirut and Jerusalem. Some of the stories are outright hilarious, and those readers who haven't been to the region (myself included) will find themselves enlightened by a view of the Middle East not found on the evening news. The author's personal stories are the treasure of this book, bringing the reader into a world of polar opposites - war/peace, religious/aetheist, democratic/totalitarian. A great book!
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