Avi Shlaim's Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace is the first major account one of the most important figures in the turbulent history of the Middle East. Peace-broker, statesman, charismatic ruler and master of realpolitik, Hussein of Jordan was one of the dominant figures in Middle Eastern politics, its most continuous presence, and one of the most consistent proponents of peace with Israel. For over forty years he was at the eye of the storm in the region, constantly negotiating between the Arab world and the Israelis, guiding his country through conflict, surviving...

For this newly expanded edition, Avi Shlaim has added four chapters and an epilogue that address the prime ministerships from Barak to Netanyahu in the "one book everyone should read for a concise history of Israel's relations with Arabs" (Independent). What was promulgated as an "iron-wall" strategy--building a position of unassailable strength-- was meant to yield to a further stage where Israel would be strong enough to negotiate a satisfactory peace with its neighbors. The goal still remains elusive, if not even further away. This penetrating study brilliantly illuminates past progress...

Israel's conflict with the Palestinians, and the Arab world at large, casts a long shadow over her history. When 1920s Zionist leaders formulated the 'Iron Wall' strategy - negotiating from a position of unassailable strength - they intended that a stronger Israel would eventually be able to make peace with her Arab neighbours. This has been an elusive hope. Avi Shlaim explores the reasons for Israel's long reliance on military power in the absence of settlement. His analysis will bring scant comfort to partisans on either side, but it is required reading for anyone interested in this...