While Thomas Friedman does inject his bias, his book is very well written, and an excellent accounting of some of Israel's modern day history. ( )

This was a really good book. The first section, about Lebanon and Israel's involvement in Beirut, is really excellent. The second half, about Jerusalem, is ok, but Friedman seemed to lose some of his steam there. It's as if the subject of the Israel-Palestinian conflict doesn't interest him as much as Beirut. After reading the first part, you get a pretty good understanding of the issues in Beirut, at least as Friedman experienced them, but the second half is more vague. It's more about opinion than history or events. That's my impression anyway. This book will probably be best enjoyed if you have some knowledge about the history of the conflict before diving in. ( )

A good cover of the 70s & 80's in Syria and Israel. A bit long-winded. ( )

Quite insightful. Best part that Friedman offers practically implementable options for initiating a process that in the long run ensures never-ending peace in the Middle East. I wish such a solution makes way into Indo-Pakistan dispute as well. ( )

The section on Beirut I found fascinating. The section on Jerusalem less so. Perhaps just because we've heard so much about Jerusalem for so many years. ( )