The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood

In The Iron Cage, Rashid Khalidi, one of the most respected historians and political observers of the Middle East, presents a succinct and insightful history of the Palestinian people and their leadership in the twentieth century. Ranging from the Palestinian struggle against colonial rule and the beginnings of the "Iron Cage", through the eras of the PLO, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, this is an unflinching and sobering critique of the Palestinian failure to achieve statehood, as well as a balanced account of the odds ranged against them. At a time when lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis seems virtually unattainable, understanding the roots of the longest-running conflict in the Middle East is an essential step in restoring hope to the region. Rashid Khalidi s engrossing narrative of this tortuous history is required reading for anyone concerned about peace in the Middle East.