In the Middle East Peace at Hand
February 14, 2010
Reasons for optimism are always hard to find in the Middle East. Reasons for pessimism always abound. Constantly, the air is filled with rumors of war and the tendency to expect the worst is strong. Headlines incessantly state that Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda, you name it, have been arming and re-arming, preparing for the next round, scheduled for this summer, or winter or fall. Steadily, if one would believe the media, the Israeli government establishes more settlements in the West Bank, blocks additional roads to Palestinians with barriers and checkpoints, and builds a higher wall. As clash follows clash and each attack is followed by retaliation, a perception of perpetual motion towards disaster sets in, a sense that no good can ever come out of this blighted region.
Is this pessimistic perception realistic or is it a routine, conventional way to draw our surroundings in dark colors?
My next book’s name is: In the Middle East Peace at Hand and in my next posts I’ll try to convince you that it really is. In the meantime any response would be welcomed.
Michael Karpin
February 14, 2010
April 18, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Mr. Karpin: I recently had the opportunity to read “The Bomb in the Basement” and was fascinated by the work.
Much has happened since the final chapter on the Iranian nuclear threat. But the book gave me a better understanding of why Tehran’s hostile intentions and actions are of grave concern to Israel.
I am looking forward to reading your new book on Middle East politics and diplomacy. In the meantime, can you recommend a book about the 1973 war?
The portion of “The Bomb in the Basement” about the Yom Kippur War brought back memories of being in college in October 1973 in Washington, DC. As a Jew, I was very depressed about the losses suffered by the Israeli military and feared the end of the State of Israel. As an American, I was also greatly unsettled about what was going on in the US because, at about the same time, Vice President Agnew resigned and there was the crisis about the Watergate special prosecutor that eventually led to the “Saturday Night Massacre”.
In any event, the 1973 war had many elements, as you explained in the “The Bomb in the Basement”. I would like to read more about that war.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for helping me. Respectfully, BS
April 22, 2010 at 12:02 am
Dear Brian Smith,
Many thanks for the Compliments.
It is interesting that you mention the war of October 1973. It was the first war that I covered as a journalist (for Kol Israel, which is Israel’s NPR). In June 1967, as a reservist, I was part of the paratroopers (division 55) that conquered the east part of Jerusalem. Making war is brutal and ugly, but covering was is extremely interesting. A warrior is a pawn, liable for his country’s triumph and comradeship with his brothers in arms. A war journalist is attached to the field command and has no combat responsibilities. The observer’s position in a classic war is fascinating. Any way, the best book that I know about the October 1973′s war is The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East by the journalist Abraham Rabonovich.
Best regards, Michael Karpin