Here is a brief, intelligent, even-handed analytical account of the origins of the Arab-Zionist conflict and its development from early in the twentieth century until 1948, focusing particularly on the period when Britain ruled Palestine under mandate from the League of Nations.

Michael J. Cohen is Professor of History at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. His most recent book is Churchill and the Jews.

"[Cohen's] book provides an authoritative and balanced overview of the emergence of the State of Israel in the context of British-Arab-Jewish struggles."—Martin Kolinsky, Times Higher Education Supplement

"Cohen's book is a timely reminder that Israel's conflict with the Palestinians did not begin twenty-one years ago when Arab armies attacked from the now-occupied territories. He offers a concise sketch of the early acts of a complex historical drama that is still unfolding."—Micah Morrison, American Spectator

"A superb, concise guide to the basic concepts, events, documents, historical controversies, and scholarship of the Arab-Israeli struggle for Palestine."—Virginia H. Hein, Choice

"Professor Cohen charts an even-handed course through dangerous waters and his book is both fair and readable. While [it] will be of close interest to those who are already familiar with the subject matter, he has also provided for the newcomer a short and objective introduction to this most controversial of contemporary issues."—Michael Adams, Middle East International