Review by Choice Review
Klein (Bar-Ian Univ., Israel) was a leading participant in the Geneva Initiative, a two track citizen's project to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Although labeled the "Geneva Initiative," the final lengthy model for a peace settlement was negotiated over many months in Europe and the Middle East. The result was a model treaty covering the most controversial issues--borders, Jerusalem, refugees, and Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory. Participants were Israeli parliament members, generals, academics--and prominent Palestinians. Klein asserts that the agreement was not a mere "media bubble" but a "political fact" that influenced public opinion as well as government policy. Negotiations were protracted because initially each side was "cognizant only of its own interests." However, after months of meetings and discussions Palestinians and Israelis often became friends and were able to reach accommodation on many issues. The Swiss, Japanese, Swedish, and British served as hosts for meetings and provided funding; however, negotiations were concluded without their mediation. Even though a private initiative, the result was an appeal to Israeli and Palestinian public opinion, demonstrating that a permanent agreement is achievable. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers and upper-division undergraduates through practitioners. D. Peretz emeritus, SUNY at Binghamton
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
