Bard, Mitchell. Middle East Conflict: the Complete Idiot's Guide to…. Alpha Books, 1999.

Date: 21 December 2002

A more accurate title would have been: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Arab-Israeli Conflict.

This book provides an well-organized overview of the history, players, and relationships relating to what has become the modern Arab-Israeli conflict. The author focuses on the inhabitants of what is now the modern state is Israel, and portrays the influence of ancient civilizations, the migration of empires, the rise of Islam, pan-Arabism, the cold war, and the United Nations. The text is supported by various asides to define key phrases, and to describe events and cultural norms. Bard describes the history, cultures, and leaders of various Arab states, but generally in the context of how these states interact with Israel.

Although this book portrays a factual and informative history, it seems to be clearly written with a Zionist slant. Bard provides aptly critical commentary regarding the motives and character of certain Arab leaders (such as Nassar and Arafat), but he seems to contradict himself but trying to justify equally unscrupulous acts but Israelis (such as terrorist-like attacks against British occupiers). Bard seems to put individuals, governments, and actions in a better light when they support Israel.

I believe that democratic principles are not confined to western thought, but rather a long-term equilibrium for human societies. Thus, I have always been inclined to support Israel's right to exist among monarchy, theocracies, and religious adversaries. However, due to this seeming bias, I am inclined to classify this book as a commentary, rather than a reference. I suspect there might be more objective introductory texts available on these topics. I will therefore withhold several judgments of the players in the Arab-Israeli conflict until I am better read.

J. Sprigg