Rating: 
Summary: Widely commended for being unbiased
Review: Anyone who deems this book to be biased are the same people who think that "the truth shouldn't be out there". This book is a must read for everyone of whatever political persuasion. It is absolutely scrupulous in citing sources for everything written, predominantly (and obviously embarrassing for some reviewers) Israeli and US government documents. When reviewed on release (some of the reviews are on the back cover) it was widely commended by both sides of the fence for its evenhandedness. The most glowing review is by Arthur Goldstein (yes, a Jew) who wrote the standard text on the Middle East used in American universities. If Ron David sounds like an angry Jew, he has every right to be - he's been lied to all his life and only discovered the truth when he decided to find out the whole story for himself. Facts scrupulously backed up with primary and governmental sources are very awkward for some people, but hopefully for those wanting to inform themselves about the Middle East, this book will turn the lights on - big time.
Rating:
Summary: The best book written on the conflict, ever.
Review: Nothing more needs to be said. This is the most concise, the most insightful, the most brilliant book ever written on the entire history of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Ron David has done nothing short of creating a work of immeasureable genius.
Rating:
Summary: Arabs & Israel For Beginners
Review: Like many Americans, I was blinded by ignorance, indifference, and a the ever present and very powerful mis-communication campaign. The Palestinian and Irsaeli conflict didn't effect my daily life, so why should I care? We are taught the Arabs are Bad and the Zionists are good and if we question that reasoning, then we are either anti-semetic or anti-american. Reading this book has changed me profoundly though by opening my eyes with the facts. Ron David presents events and facts in a very easy to follow format. I recommend this mini-history book to anyone interested in the issues involving the Palestinian and Israeli people. You'll learn about the Israeli invoked Apartheid upon the Palestinian people and your heart will ache for justice.
Rating: 
Summary: Sadly flawed
Review: This book could have been so good. An overview of Israel by someone who does not parrot the pro-Israel line. Finally. Sadly, Mr. David has become so hostile to Israel that he sees evil everywhere and is unwilling to give any Israeli the benefit of the doubt. This book is overbalanced in its hostility.
It is also very (surprisingly) weak on the 1945 to 1949 period that created Israel. By weak, I mean he just doesnt give enough pages to this vital period.
That said, the book does offer some information that might lead interested readers to better, less biased sources.
Rating:
Summary: Truth
Review: This book gives the reader the truth about the situation in Israel. The author, who is jewish, gives us no bias, but only the simple facts that shows the world what the media is not showing.
Rating: 
Summary: CONCEPTS CHALLENGED
Review: What is the true source of conflict between the Arabs and Israelites? Should we believe that God gave Jews the land and it is their rightful inheritance? Are the Arabs and Jews forever locked into a conflict that originates thousands of years and is to never end? If any of you had these questions on your mind everything that you have been told or read about the conflict will be blown out the water. Arabs & Israel For Beginners is an opinionated, harsh and no nonsense treatsie in attempting to get at the truth of what is going on in this with these two groups. It spares no one as it debunks the religious myths, political intigues and downright lies told to create the modern state of Israel. The author methodically unravels a web of deceit that is incredulous. In other words the author has rewritten history. Or is he giving us another side of the story never told before? I believe the latter even though Ron David is extremist in his assertions. Without a doubt he believes there never was a source of conflict with the groups until the major western powers refused to give autonomy to the Arab States and allowed Zionists to take over. Such a view is highly controversial but it provides an alternative way of viewing the conflict going on in the Middle East with these two groups. Such a voice needs to be considered and examined because only one side of the story has ever been presented and even then it becomes confusing. Ron David has done us justice in raising us out of our illusions about Israel. He is challenging, humorous and ironic. Read this work with care but as with all works of history move beyond the opinion of one author.
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Summary: I liked this book. Does that make me anti-semitic?
Review: I thought this book was quite informative. It touches upon many important facets of that complex issue. The author tries to demystify the Middle East and he has done a great job at it. I hope that those people who can't read one single word criticizing Zionism or the state of Israel can open up their minds and free their hearts from hatred.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but bizarre and sometimes frustrating book
Review: This is not a good book if you want objective, factual, and clearly explained historical information. Also, the maps leave a lot to be desired. There's an awful lot of the author's opinion in most of the writing. Often, facts are couched in a writing style that expresses the either the author's opinion or an attempt to be humorous or witty. If you want a quick read that will leave you wanting to know more, and don't mind *a lot* of opinion, this book is okay. It should definitely not be someone's only introduction to the history and issues of the Middle East that it attempts to introduce.
Rating:
Summary: logical and easy to read
Review: Remember that the world moves forward because people ask "why?" and they look for the reasons. Not because people ask "why?" and they blindly believe "because". The author does not take sides. He lays down the facts, reasons and important events that brought the mideast situation to where it is now. For all facts, he leads you to where you can get proof that they are indeed facts. A great place to start for anyone (beginner or not). I have read the book twice and I recommend it to anyone who has logic and has an open mind. It is up to reader to have an open mind and interpret the facts as they wish. This book is a gateway to many other books about the mideast situation, depeding on what you wish to know more about. Read the book and judge for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: A Bitter Dose of Reality
Review: David's conversational style of telling the true story, not the Israeli fictionalized version, of the Palestian/Israeli conflict makes it easy to absorb some very complicated history of the Middle East. After reading this thoroughly researched, condensed revelation of the real issues between the Palestinians and Israelis, you'll never again be one of the naive Americans who say: "Oh, the Middle East, they've been fighting for thousands of years, and it will never change!" I recommend, no matter what your views, opinions or lack of opinions on the Palestinian/Israeli issues, you give this book to ten friends to read. If they in turn do the same, and those friends do the same, etc., more Americans might have a chance to open their minds, read the news with a sharper eye, ask more questions and expect truth for answers instead of falling prey to propaganda. Ron David makes you first hear, then question, and finally think--a very timely read for those who seek justice and carry the torch for human rights for all. Buy it!
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