For nearly twenty years, Aaron David Miller has played a central role in US efforts to broker Arab-Israeli peace. His position as an advisor to presidents, secretaries of state, and national security advisors has given him a unique perspective on a problem that American leaders have wrestled with for more than half a century: Why has the world’s greatest superpower failed to find a solution for peace in the Middle East?
Here is an insider’s view of the peace process, filled with unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with all the key players, as they disclose the inner thoughts and strategies that motivated them. The result is a book which shatters preconceived notions about tackling the complicated issues of culture, religion, domestic politics, and national security that have defined—and often derailed—a half-century of diplomacy.
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"Probably tied with Thomas Friedman's book as my favorite book on the Middle East. Great overview of the last 20 years of American diplomatic involvement by one of the actors. Balanced and self-critical. Made me want to read more about it - what more can you ask for? "
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
“What is unusual about this memoir when compared with other, similar ones is how lively, even irreverent, it is. Mr. Miller is a fine raconteur who fills his pages with real characters and sly observations.”
— New York Times“Miller’s writing is both approachable and deeply smart; this and his absolute failure to take sides mean that this work will doubtlessly influence and enrage—and certainly inspire.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A book of great significance owing to its breadth, objectivity, and judgment. Readers may come to share the author’s sense of the great importance of peace and the ‘humility and uncertainty’ needed for its realization.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“William Hughes, a professor of political science, narrates with impeccable pronunciation and subdued passion…imparting to his performance a sense of urgency that draws in the listener. The best narrators convey the ‘can’t-put-it-down’ effect that Hughes produces so well here.”
— AudioFile" Found this too boring, too much profanity, didn't finish it. "
— Granny, 12/21/2012" Very good history of American's involvement in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Includes interviews with Henry Kissinger, Jimmy Carter, James Baker, Bill Clinton. Miller also offers prescriptions for what a new President and administration should be focused on. "
— Esther, 8/25/2012" For those interested in the Mid-East, one of the better books of various US peace and diplomatic initiatives from an insider. "
— Andrew, 3/24/2012" If I had to pick one guy to explain the historical American point of view regarding this topic, this would be the guy. "
— Al, 2/7/2012" Probably tied with Thomas Friedman's book as my favorite book on the Middle East. Great overview of the last 20 years of American diplomatic involvement by one of the actors. Balanced and self-critical. Made me want to read more about it - what more can you ask for? "
— John, 9/12/2009" If I had to pick one guy to explain the historical American point of view regarding this topic, this would be the guy. "
— Al, 1/25/2009" Very good history of American's involvement in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Includes interviews with Henry Kissinger, Jimmy Carter, James Baker, Bill Clinton. Miller also offers prescriptions for what a new President and administration should be focused on. "
— Esther, 8/25/2008Aaron David Miller is a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. For the last two decades, he has served as an advisor to six secretaries of state, and he helped formulate U.S. policy on the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli peace process. He lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
William Hughes is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. A professor of political science at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, he received his doctorate in American politics from the University of California at Davis. He has done voice-over work for radio and film and is also an accomplished jazz guitarist.