My Israel Question

Book excerpt: Antony’s Loewenstein’s My Israel Question was a bestseller when first published and generated a storm of controversy, critical praise and robust public debate. Loewenstein’s forensic discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues here in a fully updated and expanded new edition, examining the prospects of the Middle East peace process in the new geo-political context. The election of Barack Obama brought hope to millions around the world and has seen renewed diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Yet the Israel–Palestine conflict remains mired in brutality and occupation. The election of a far-right Israeli government, the indiscriminate war on Gaza and the illegal expansion of West Bank colonies suggest a bleak future for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, public debate about the issue, in the USA, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, is suggesting alternative ways of tackling the crisis. Now, Antony Loewenstein maps the way in which the conflict is ferociously discussed and where the hope lies for resolution to the brutal impasse.