Important historical turning points often seem to be unpredicted until they are upon us. For most observers (the author included) the Palestinian uprising that erupted in December 1987 was unexpected-not because the depth of Palestinian national aspirations or the growing strength of Palestinian socio-political organization under occupation were u

This book analyses the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) "Lebanese era" and its aftermath, of the changing position of the Palestinian nationalist movement in Lebanon. It presents the PLO's efforts to maintain for itself a secure political and military base of operations in Lebanon.