Synopses & Reviews
This is the inside story of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), from its beginnings in 1964 to the signing of the Oslo agreement in 1993.
For over three decades, the main goal of the PLO was to achieve a just peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and to build a democratic state in Palestine for all its citizens. Shafiq Al-Hout, a high ranking PLO official until his resignation in 1993, provides previously unavailable details on the key events in its history such as its recognition by the UN and the Oslo peace negotiations. Taking us right to the heart of the decision making processes, this book explains the personalities and internal politics that shaped the PLO's actions and the Palestinian experience of the twentieth century.
Although he was an insider, Al-Hout's book does not shy from analysing and criticising decisions and individuals, including Yasser Arafat. This book is an essential piece of history that sheds new light on the significance of the PLO in the Palestinian struggle for justice.
Review
"In this refreshingly unconventional chronicle of a half-century of Palestinian nationalism, tough-minded Shafiq al-Hout never flinches from talking truth to power." -- Jonathan Randal, retired Washington Post correspondent
About the Author
Shafiq Al-Hout was one of the leading figures of the PLO, from its foundation through to the Oslo Agreement. He has written numerous articles, essays and books, including The Left and Arab Nationalism (1959), The Palestinian between Diaspora and State (1977) and Moments of History (1986). He lived in Beirut until his death in 2009.
Table of Contents
List of Acronyms
Preface
1 Jaffa, My City
2 From Homeland to Exile
3 From Journalism to Politics
4 The Birth of the Palestine Liberation Organization
5 The Factions Gain Control over the PLO
6 Jordanian-Palestinian Relations
7 Nasser As I Knew Him
8 Fratricidal Wars
9 The PLO at the United Nations
10 Palestine, Around the Globe
11 The Israeli Invasion of Lebanon
12 The Sabra and Shatila Massacre
13 After the Departure
14 The Mysterious Triangle
15 The Second Exodus From Lebanon
16 The Session that changed the Path
17 The Intifada of Stones
18 Return to the Executive Committee
19 No Final Solution without a Single Democratic Palestine
20 The Night of Abu Ammars Plane Crash
21 Resigning in Protest over the Oslo Agreement
22 After the Resignation
23 My Heart Rebels
24 Coming out of a Dark Abyss
Appendix: Photographs?
Index