Mythologies Without End

Brief Summary Below

“Mythologies Without End: The US, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, 1917–2020” by Jerome Slater is a comprehensive analysis of the complex and often misunderstood relationship between the United States, Israel, and the Arab world. The book delves into the historical context of the conflict, the role of the US in shaping it, and the myths and misconceptions that have perpetuated the ongoing strife. Here are five central points from the book:

1. The Balfour Declaration and its consequences: Slater begins by examining the Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which the British government pledged support for establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This declaration set the stage for the eventual creation of the state of Israel and the subsequent Arab-Israeli conflict. The author argues that the British government’s decision to support Zionist aspirations without considering the rights and aspirations of the indigenous Palestinian population laid the groundwork for decades of violence and unrest.
2. US involvement in the Arab-Israeli conflict: Throughout the book, Slater highlights the United States’s significant role in the Arab-Israeli conflict. From the early days of Israel’s establishment to the present day, the US has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing military, economic, and diplomatic support. Slater contends that this unwavering support has often come at the expense of the Palestinian people and has contributed to the perpetuation of the conflict.
3. The myth of Israel’s insecurity: One of the central myths that Slater seeks to debunk is the notion that Israel is a vulnerable state surrounded by hostile neighbors bent on its destruction. The author argues that this narrative has been used to justify Israel’s aggressive policies and actions, such as its occupation of Palestinian territories and its frequent military incursions into neighboring countries. In reality, Slater asserts, Israel is a powerful military force with a significant advantage over its adversaries, and its actions have often been driven by a desire for territorial expansion rather than legitimate security concerns.
4. The role of the Israel lobby in shaping US policy: Slater also examines the influence of the Israel lobby on US foreign policy. He argues that powerful pro-Israel interest groups, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), have played a significant role in shaping US policy towards Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict. These groups have successfully lobbied for increased military aid to Israel, opposed efforts to pressure Israel to make concessions in the peace process, and worked to silence critics of Israeli policies.
5. The failure of the peace process: In the final chapters of the book, Slater evaluates the various attempts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict through diplomatic means, including the Oslo Accords, the Camp David Summit, and the Roadmap for Peace. He argues that these efforts have largely failed due to a lack of political will on the part of both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as the unwillingness of the US to pressure Israel to make meaningful concessions. Slater contends that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through a fundamental shift in US policy and a commitment to holding both sides accountable for their actions.

“Mythologies Without End” offers a provocative and insightful analysis of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the role of the US in perpetuating it. By challenging long-held myths and misconceptions, Slater provides a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most intractable conflicts and offers a roadmap for achieving a just and lasting peace.