The conflict between Palestine and Israel is one of the most highly
publicized and bitter struggles in history. In this accessible and
stimulating Very Short Introduction, Martin Bunton clearly explains the
history of the problem, reducing it to its very essence - a modern
territorial contest between two nations and one geographical territory.
Adopting a fresh and original approach, each section covers a
twenty-year span, to highlight the historical complexity of the conflict
throughout successive decades. Each chapter starts with an examination
of the relationships among people and events that marked particular
years as historical moments in the evolution of the conflict, including
the 1897 Basle Congress; the 1917 Balfour Declaration and British
occupation of Palestine; and the 1947 UN Partition Plan and the war for
Palestine. Providing a clear and fair exploration of the main issues,
Bunton explores not only the historical basis of the conflict, but also
looks at how and why partition has been so difficult and how efforts to
restore peace continue today.