Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

The Encyclopedia of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Political, Social and Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker and Priscilla Roberts. 4 vols. 1,579p. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. 978-1-85109-841-5; 2008-9358. $395.

Officially, the Arab-Israeli conflict has now lasted more than 60 years since the end of the British Mandate in Palestine. However, tensions between native Arabs and Jewish settlers had flared many times into violence long before the declaration of the state of Israel. Hence this new encyclopedia examines more than a century of regional conflict and tensions going back to the beginnings of organized Zionist movements in the late Nineteenth Century. While particular attention is given to the major Arab-Israeli confrontations, other regional conflicts such as the Gulf War and the Iran-Iraq War also are noted. In addition to battle plans, campaigns, armies and weapons, the scope includes the political and civilian consequences of particular events. Thus discussion of the 1947-1948 wars includes separate articles on battle fronts and security forces as well peace agreements, the expulsion of nearly one million Palestinians, and the establishment of refugee camps. The more than 750 expert written entries also introduce the leading players in military actions, political decisions and peace processes. From Hezbollah to the Likud, these include organizations and individuals from Middle Eastern countries as well as representatives of external powers like Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union. Major nations, cities, settlements and areas of contention also are featured. The impact of the conflict on cultural institutions such as literature, art and film is explored, while the influence of religious, social and political movements in the continuing conflict also is examined. Extensive cross references and suggested readings guide further research, while over 500 maps and illustrations support the text. Appendices include explanations of military ranks, comparisons of military strength, a lengthy chronology and a glossary of terms. A fourth volume of primary source material provides excerpts of 168 related documents, ranging from the Balfour Declaration to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority National Unity Government. From Cold War confrontations to Osama bin Laden’s Letter to the American People, these documents demonstrate the terrific impact this long-running regional conflict has on the rest of the world. This substantial encyclopedia will serve high school, public and academic libraries.
—John R.M. Lawrence