The Intifada

The Palestinian uprising, or Intifada, erupted in December 1987. Since then, successive Israeli governments, the Arab world, and the superpowers have reacted to the complex events in the Middle East in distinct - and discordant - ways. This wide-ranging volume analyzes the Intifada in three ways. It defines the nature of the Intifada and its relationship both to previous Palestinian resistance movements and to the current PLO leadership. It examines the impact of the Intifada on intra-Arab affairs and on the United States and the Soviet Union. Finally, it deals with the effect of the Intifada on Israel's two major political parties, Likud and Labor, on Israeli society, and on Israel's Arab minority and its economy. The authors present a variety of viewpoints. Helena Cobban, a specialist on the PLO who has frequent contacts with its top leadership, describes the PLO's connection with the Intifada. David Pollock, Middle East specialist in the United States Information Agency, examines US policy towards the Intifada. George Gruen, director of Israel and Middle East affairs at the American Jewish Committee, writes about the American Jewish reaction to the Intifada. Five scholars who have lived in Israel describe the impact of the Intifada on that country. This comprehensive book should be of value to policy-makers, journalists, political scientists and all students of Middle East affairs.