Creating the Palestinian State: A Strategy for Peace

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Segal, a philosopher at the University of Maryland and a founder of the Jewish Committee for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, is being touted by the New York Times as ``the Jewish father for a Palestinian state'' because of his bold proposal that the Palestinians should declare a state in the West Bank and Gaza, establish a provisional government, ban terrorism and launch a peace initiative. His concise, illuminating book offers a blueprint covering everything from coinage of the realm to the establishment of democratic process. Along the way, Segal also contemplates the meaning of statehood, the impact of the Palestinian uprising and the roles of the U.S. government and the American Jewish community in encouraging peace. Segal will be labeled a political naif by some, a visionary by others. But his work cannot be dismissed out of hand. Having perused Segal's previous writings, the PLO has indeed declared an independent state and taken further steps with the purported goal of facilitating the peace process. Segal's thoughtful plan may well have additional consequences. (Feb.)

Library Journal

Segal, a Jewish philosopher based at the University of Maryland, outlines basic strategies to construct a viable peace in the Middle East. His eminently logical plan is based upon the concept of Israeli and Palestinian mutual recognition of common goals, needs for security, and rights for economic and social self-determinism. What Segal brings to the table are his ideas for arranging all the necessary elements for settlement and the balance between his Jewishness, his academic standing, and his willingness to recognize Palestine as an autonomous state. Segal has met with Yassir Arafat, and his writings have been considered the inspiration behind the declaration of independence drafted by Palestinian intellectuals late last year.-- Ed. Recommended for libraries with collections in this area; smaller libraries with limited budgets should especially consider this for purchase.-- David P. Snider, Casa Grande P.L., Ariz.