The Beirut section is about the Lebanese civil war -- Friedman discusses everything from the history of the war, to the different factions of Lebanese society, to why and how the U.S. became involved. His analyses are generally on-target, and his personal stories about living in Beirut as a correspondent during the war make the section especially engaging.

The Jerusalem section begins with a couple of chapters about Jewish culture and the origins of Israel; then goes with great depth into the history and analysis of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict.

Reading this book sparked in me an interest in the affairs of the Middle East. It also gave me the background necessary to delve further into the topic and understand the history behind the current headlines on the region

Highly reccomended


One of the easiest and most interesting books I have read   September 25, 2001
24 out of 27 found this review helpful

To find some sort of explanation for the recent terrorist attacks on the US, I started with this book hoping for some sort of history of the middle east and an understanding of what makes north american society so different from that in the middle east. The book has been a great introduction. It is perfect for a broad understanding of the type of conflict that has existed in the region. Most interesting, and at times horrific, are the clear explanations of the lengths to which the people of the region, or specifically its leaders, are willing to go to to shelter their beliefs and their way of life. It is eye openning and most importantly, extremely easy to read. Anyone starting this book who hasn't had any previous interest in middle eastern history will find a surprise when they see how difficult it is to put down.


For the student of Middle Eastern affairs: a must read   October 22, 2001
ransome22 (Washington DC area)
28 out of 33 found this review helpful

The term "must read" gets bandied about too easily, but for the student of the Middle East or of international relations in general, this book probably qualifies. I began reading "From Beirut to Jerusalem" as a high school senior, just after returning from overseas as an exchange student during the Persian Gulf crisis. Seeing that I was eager to broaden my understanding of Middle Eastern affairs, a friend recommended this book to me. Thanks to the pains Friedman took in writing the introduction, there is no need to be intimidated by the subject matter. With utmost patience, clarity, and simplicity, he lays out the history of Zionism, the formation of the Jewish state, the Arab-Israeli wars, the roots of the Lebanese civil war, and even the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, Marionite Christians, and the Druse. If a student reads no other part of the book, he or she ought to at least read and re-read the introduction to gain some historical perspective on this ongoing conflict, and to be able to give context to current events in the region. Friedman reports from credentialed experience, having served as the New York Times Bureau chief in both Beirut and Jerusalem during some of the choppiest years of the 1980's. His anecdotes and travel notes are fascinating, and his dry wit and contemplative perspective are never far from his words. His writing style is lucid, thoughtful, and easy to read. While being informative and factual, this book never ceases being interesting. Even as a high school student prone to distraction, this book had me hooked. Years later I still refer back to it and am thankful to have read it.


Need to go there, or read this book   December 29, 2001
Dan Killen (Frankfurt, Germany)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Experience over seas is what Most people lack to really understand the way peoples world wide live and think. It is very difficult to even understand unless you live there for a year in the midst of that culture. This book brings this culture to us in the pages. The writer does inject his opinions but they are as close as I've read. I have lived in the area of Lebanon and Israel for several years. I would say this is the closest account I have seen with the exception of the prophecy. I strongly recommend reading a book that covers this area very well and has predicted the events accurately, in addition more predictions, the terrorism esp. SB 1 or God By Karl Mark Maddox.


If You Want the Most Even-Handed Book on Israel/Palestine   January 3, 2003
Anthony Ian (Chicago, IL United States)
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

I thought I knew a ton about Israel and Palestine prior to reading this--I realized there was so much more to learn.

Nobody knows that subject better than Thomas Friedman, and nobody writes about it more succinctly. His years in Lebanon allow him to describe the absolute insanity of that place, and why we would ultimately fail there as a peacekeeping force.

When he gets to Israel, though, Friedman plunges far beneath the usual Israel/Palestine rhetoric and grievances for both sides and shows what is really driving both peoples. It's not necessarily what you think. Point is, you'll know after reading this, and you'll look at Israel and Palestine differently from that point forward.

Friedman also details in very convincing fashion what has to happen--really--for there ever to be a peace between Israel/Palestine.

Hate to use the cliche, but if you read one book about the Middle East, I'd go with this one (of course there's plenty of others to recommend). Particularly if you're interested in Israel/Palestine.