Chapter 1: Introduction
Enemies and Neighbours is the story of Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the struggle for recognition, self-determination and peace in the Middle East. This book, written by award winning author Ian Black, is a comprehensive account of the region’s troubled history. It includes a historical, political and philosophical overview of the countries and their people, and critically investigates the prospects for peace in the future.
The core of the book is focused on the relations between Israelis and Palestinians, exploring how their fraught and complex relationship contains within it the potential for an eventual settlement of their differences. Through a series of case studies, Black reveals the deep divisions and research events which have shaped the current conflict. He also examines the efforts made by both sides in recent years to reach a compromise solution, with particular attention to the failure of the Oslo Peace Process and the two Intifada (uprisings) in the late 20th century.
The author draws on personal interviews with major figures in Israeli and Palestinian society, as well as exploring the impact of religion on politics in the region. He further delves into the uneven distribution of resources and the highly stratified social structures that underpin much of the regional antagonism and inequality. Black concludes with an overview of recent efforts at peace-building and analyzes the possibility of a prosperous, joint future for both countries.
Chapter 2: Ancient Hostilities
The second chapter of Enemies and Neighbors describes the long and complex history between Israelis and Palestinians in detail. It begins with the split between the Arab and Hebrew peoples thousands of years ago and continues through the subsequent eras of occupation, conquest, and cultural exchange. Black examines the ancient religious texts which have shaped the region’s politics and identity over the centuries, as well as the longstanding land disputes between the two regions.
The author also documents the political and economic factors driving opposition between the groups in the modern era. Examples of events such as the 1917 Balfour Declaration and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War are detailed, as well as the 1967 Six-Day War, which saw Israel claim the disputed territories of Gaza and the West Bank. Black highlights the displacement of Palestinians living in the occupied territories, and how the conflict has driven divisions between various religious and political factions.
The chapter concludes with a discussion of recent diplomatic developments, including the Oslo Accords of 1993 and the 1994 Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty. It examines the impact of these agreements and assesses their impact in terms of regional peace and stability.
Chapter 3: Constructing a Solution
The third chapter of Enemies and Neighbors looks at the progress that has been made since the Oslo Accords in the search for a viable, lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It considers initiatives such as the 2002 Road Map for Peace, the 2005 Gaza disengagement plan and the various failed attempts to reach a two-state solution.
The author focuses on the political, religious and economic realities that complicate long-term efforts at reconciliation. He outlines the numerous obstacles to developing a mutually beneficial, two-state solution, such as the trust deficit that exists between the two sides, the issue of Palestinian refuges and the failure of various peace initiatives throughout history.
Black argues for a pathway to coexistence which would take into account the interests and security concerns of both populations, as well as promoting economic cooperation and development. The chapter concludes with an exploration of recent initiatives, including the summer of 2006 peace talks in Annapolis and the current peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations.
Chapter 4: Looking Ahead
The final chapter of Enemies and Neighbors examines the future of the Middle East peace process. The author reflects on the bleak outlook and lack of hope that has dogged recent efforts, and argues for a fresh approach to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He suggests that accepting the two-state solution as the end goal for the region, whilst simultaneously addressing the grievances of each side is the best way forward.
Black proposes a series of confidence-building measures to create a more amenable environment between the two sides. These include measures to promote economic cooperation, educational and cultural exchange, as well as security measures to reduce violence and terror. He also argues for greater international involvement in the peace process, and advocates for the full exercise of self-determination for the Palestinians.
The book’s conclusion opens with an optimistic vision for the future in which all sides of the conflict can live side-by-side in peace and mutual respect. However, the author offers a realistic assessment of the difficulties faced in that task, acknowledging that the way ahead is both complex and daunting.
