From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman (1995, Paperback, Updated)

A fantastic firsthand account of the inner workings of both Lebanese and Israeli society and their political systems and ideals. Especially informative given the recent reemergence of this conflict.

I picked this book up a year or two ago. It sat on my bookshelf until a few weeks ago. I decided to pick it up and read it because of the conflict that was occurring in Lebanon. Wanting to understand more about the situation, I reached for this book. Thomas L. Friedman's book From Beirut to Jerusalem has made the situation in Lebanon and the conflict between the PLO and Israel much more clear to me. After reading this book, I understand the history of this conflict and things I have heard on the news, that always seems so mysterious, I now have some comprehension of.

Friedman was an American journalist sent to Lebanon in the early 1980's to cover the Palestinian story there. In his book, he shares personal stories and insights, as well as biographical lines about key figures in the battle for Israel, such as Yasar Arafat and Ariel Sharon. The first half of this book takes place in Beirut. Explanation of how the Palestinian Liberation Organization ended up in Lebanon is clear and precise. Friedman also points to the time when the Hezbollah formed, the how and why of it. Before reading this book, I did not understand that the country of Israel once belonged to the Palestinians. And, to this day the battle has not stopped for control and occupancy of Israel.

The second half of the book takes place in Israel. Friedman expertly, in down-to-earth language, explains the plight of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinians were living in Jewish occupied areas and were treated like lesser-class citizens. It reminds of the black Americans of the deep south and the civil rights movement. Although the Palestinians were much more aggressive in their actions against their oppressors. Friedman also lets the reader enter the world of the Jews of Israel. Before reading this book, I never understood that there are different kinds of Jewish practice. He explains, through interviews with Israelis, the difference between Ultra-Orthodox and Ultra-Secular Jewish beliefs.

My final thoughts on this book are simply this: Read it. It will open your eyes and your understanding of some of the world situation today.

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It was an excellent book for learning about Middle Eastern politics, civil wars, and religious groups. No wonder Friedman won the Pulitzer Prize, he's an excellent author and storyteller!

I saw Thomas Friedman on TV and didn't know who he was...But his knowledge of the Middle East and his ability to explain it has no equal. So I bought the book. As I read it almost non-stop -- couldn't put it down -- I thought George W. Bush should have read this book before deciding to invade Iraq. Either he wouldn't have, or he would have done things quite differently due to the books insights. So powerful is it's ability to explain the cultures of the Middle East.