The World A Brief History

This is an updated look at Israel's tumultuous history.The complex tale of Israel's people and their modern state, established thousands of years after the destruction of the old one, is narrated against the backdrop of exile, anti-Semitism, Zionism, and the Holocaust."A Brief History of Israel, Second Edition" explores Israel's history with an emphasis on the period since its independence in 1948. The chronological narration begins with the time of Abraham and the period of the Israelite kingdoms and continues to World War II and the United Nations Partition Plan. This comprehensive reference then examines the independent country of Israel, including the Arab - Israeli conflict, domestic politics, Knesset election results, the economy, and international relations. Completely up-to-date, this second edition features a new preface, a revised introduction, a revised glossary of political parties, a new final chapter, and updated appendixes.Coverage includes: the period since Israel's independence in 1948; the Middle East peace process; economic and political challenges; Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip; the creation of the new Kadima Party and the election of 2006; and, Hamas' election victory and its effect on Israel.

The close geographical proximity of Great Britain has had a profound impact on Irish history. The interaction and confrontation between the two peoples and cultures culminated in 1801 with the absorption of Ireland into Great Britain.

Think of the construction of the great pyramids of Egypt, or the development of democratic rule in ancient Greece. Recall the innovations of the European Renaissance and Enlightenment—the remarkable flowering of drama and the arts, and revolutionary breakthroughs in science and philosophy. These are intriguing and important episodes, familiar to students of history. But haven't you also wondered: What else was going on in the world?