What is a Palestinian State Worth?

Sari Nusseibeh begins his study of the “Palestinian problem” with the comment “this is not an academic study” (18). Maybe that is why this particular study is so good. When asked to write this review my first response was not very positive. Most studies of this region lack clarity or are so ideological as to not be very useful. Many of these studies often also claim to be “academic.” Nusseibeh’s study is, unlike many reviews, a masterful academic study. His study succinctly and accurately portrays the tangled and tortured history of the region from a view that is both sympathetic to the Palestinian (Arab) position but at the same time is an accurate and revealing presentation which recounts history that answers basic issues instead of clouding them. In his discussion of Balfour he illustrates why Balfour was not helpful in settling regional disputes between its inhabitants and how Balfour actually creates more problems that it resolves