The Palestinian Delusion: The Catastrophic History of the Middle East Peace Process

Robert Spencer has proved himself time and time again that he is the go-to scholar regarding Islam, Islamic terrorism, and now the Palestinian problem. This book should be read by every curious person if they want to wake up from intellectual and moral coma.

This is the book that should be taught in the universities. A book of truth and facts without the made-up history that is being touted by the uninformed and misguided. I give these books as gifts. Robert Spencer has scarificed greatly for his accurate research with attempts on his life. He is a factrual historian and a voice of truth-telling of our tiime.

Mr. Spencer traces the history of the development of modern Israel and the development of the “Palestinian People” and in so doing debunks the commonly held notions of our day. The book both covers and extends the work of Joan Peters in “From Time Immemorial” (a title selected to mock the use of the term by “Palestinians” that they are the descendants of the ancient Canaanites and therefore the indigenous people of the land who have been present there “from time immemorial”). The reality (well documented in both the work of Peters and Spencer) is that the backwater of the Ottoman empire called “Palestine” was an area of desolation and had a minimal population. Both authors demonstrate that Arab populations were drawn to the area once Zionist Jews began reclaiming the land and needed workers at a time when Jewish immigration to the area was actively thwarted by the British despite a mandate to facilitate such immigration (and the fact that what is now Jordan was originally supposed to be part of the new Israel per the mandate). The conscious decision by Arab leaders in league with Russian supporters in the early 1960's to create a people that would see themselves as “Palestinian” instead of Arab or Syrian or Egyptian for the purpose of eliminating Israel is discussed and documented in detail. Peters published in 1984 and so her history ends at that point. Spencer continues the story to the present day and documents the actualization via “negotiations for peace” of Muhammad's dictum that “war is deceit” ( see Bukhari Volume 4, Book52, Number 269). He clearly shows that all motions towards “peace” by the Arab side have simply been war by other means with the ultimate goal of destroying Israel (copious first person statements to this by Arab leaders are provided). Spencer also debunks the notion that this is a conflict over real estate and property lines. He brings to the fore (unlike Peters) that this is a fundamentally religious conflict in that per the teachings of Islam there can be no Jewish state in a land that at any time was ever controlled in any way by Muslims. Copious quotations from the foundational materials of Islam and the statements of Islamic leaders are presented to support this conclusion. Spencer concludes with an ugly truth: That there can be no “negotiated peace” and that Israel is dealing with a foe that only respects force. Western and Israeli leaders need to come to the same conclusion and not continue to exist in a state of wishing and willful denial.

This was a fascinating and easy read. Robert has a masterly grasp of prose which makes reading the complex and winding history of the creation of Israel and the world wide Muslim community's obstinate opposition to it very digestible. When researching some of Robert's references to the Muslim imams, sheiks, politicians etc who spewed fourth much anti-Semitic vitriol I found not only that Robert never misquoted them but depressingly enough he could have made an entire book itself just quoting the vast array of Muslim imams, academics, politicians giving anti-Jew diatribes. There is contention as to how much this is based on the Koran and Hadith traditions of Muhammad. I find there is none. The Quran and Hadith are copiously quoted by Muslim scholars in their speeches and lectures when discussing the supposed evils of Israel. The hatred for the Jew from the Palestinians which comes through strong in the book makes for quite a melancholy experience. How can the Israelis ever make true peace with a people who only think their domination over the Jew makes for true peace? I finished the book in two days. Robert does a fantastic job honestly depicting the views and personalities of the key players at the various peace process negotiations whether it be Jimmy Carter, Anwar Sadat or Yasser Arafat. Seeing the dynamic engagement of these statesmen interacting makes for exciting reading indeed. The strange thing is President Trump comes out as the President most sympathetic, innovative, and courageous when dealing with the Israelis, kudos to Trump for that, whatever people say of him at least no one can say he wasn't the best friend as American President that Israel has ever had. If the Palestinians could put aside the chronic hate for the Jew that is so pervasive in their religion and culture then they would start to lead happier lives, and strike a peaceful prosperous deal the Israelis so desperately want to have with them.

Lots of essential information regarding this very difficult topic. Hats off to Mr. Spencer.

Robert Spencer brings to light the plight of Israel and the Jewish people against a relentless enemy. His stance on the need for Israel to become stronger militarily and socially highlights the reality of it being surrounded by enemies that will never give up their religious mandate to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. Excellent work, Mr. Spencer.

One would think the truths in this magnificent book are obvious. History is history. Right? Not if opponents have a vested interest in rewriting it. But how is this possible in such a time when information is so easily accessible? No doubt, there are some who prefer darkness. But there are others who simply don’t know any better. They hear the common lies of revisionists and mainstream media parrot on behalf of militant Islam and haters of Jews and Israel and think it must be true by its sheer volume. What is needed is for information such as is found in this wonderful book to be spread far and wide with the same energy as those who hate Israel. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for the truth.

Excellent read & great source of reference. With good commentary on a long & complex story this book provides clarity and at times shocking detail. Fascinating. A book I’ve re-read and often have to hand.

It's a very interesting book full of useful information. I suggest it.

I found this book reasonable on a topic that usually reflects unenlightened enthusiasm on the one hand, and ignorance fuelled hatred and pure unadulterated bias, on the other. Spencer lays out the history and facts so that the reader can make their own conclusions. An excellent, well-informed read from an author who has done their homework and clearly understands the history behind his subject. I highly recommend this book.

Das erste Kapitel arbeitet erst einmal altbekanntes auf, das Forschungsstandard ist: Den Mythos um die "Indigenität" der arabischen Palästinenser und die Autochthonie des "alten Yishuv" (Old Yishuv), der jüdischen Ureinwohner*innen. Danach geht es solide recherchiert weiter mit der Beschreibung der Landkäufe durch fliehende russische und europäische Juden, die Einwanderung arabischer Bevölkerung im Zuge des zionistischen Wirtschaftsaufschwungs und der guten Infrastruktur. Das Buch hält den Identitätsdiebstahl durch die muslimischen Araber*innen im ehemaligen Mandatsgebiet gut fest. Das Posieren als die eigentlichen "Ureinwohner" bis hin zum Namensdiebstahl ("Palästinenser" war die Bezeichnung für Jüdinnen und Juden) schadet den muslimischen Araber*innen bis heute auf dem Weg zu einer friedlichen Gesellschaft.

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