Thank you for ordering!

---

Publication Information

- Title: Illusions of Palestinian Political Action - Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh - Published in: 2022 - Paperback: 52 pages. - ISBN: 978-614-494-031-0

---

There are widespread literatures and concepts in the Palestinian political, media, scientific and cultural realms that promote visions and perceptions whose implementation seems to be an illusion that has no experimental or systematic scientific reading bases. This book is intended to expose these illusions and their impact in terms of misconceptions, miscalculations, loss of direction, dilemmas in paths and outcomes, failure in decision-making, and waste of time, efforts and capabilities.

These illusions were concisely discussed, identifying their main ideas and critiquing their concepts, terms and paths. The aim is to reach the widest possible audience interested in the Palestine issue, with plain and simple language, devoid of prolonged discussions. Although what’s written is based on scientific, methodological and objective foundations, and on documented information, however, since this book is more of an essay-like book, there is no referencing. At the same time, this book includes summaries based on hundreds of studies and books, and on tens of years of research and preoccupation with the Palestine issue.

---

Publication Information – Title: The Palestine Issue: Historical Background and Contemporary Developments - Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh – Published in: 2022 – Paperback: 290 pages. – ISBN 978-614-494-020-4

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations has issued the updated edition of its book: The Palestine Issue: Historical Background and Contemporary Developments by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh, with additions and amendments, covering the Palestine issue until 2021.

This is one of the most popular books related to the Palestine issue, both in paper and electronic format. It has been printed in numerous editions, and was translated into many languages.

This 290-page book presents a general overview (with photos and maps) of the Palestine issue, by tracing its historical junctures and its current developments. For the reader, this will facilitate his comprehension of its overall picture, the intertwined factors connected to it, at any stage and in a logical sequence, up to 2021.

This book was written through a vision that believes in the right of the people of Palestine to their land, and that Palestine is an Arab and Islamic land. It is of special importance to the group of readers who wish to get a general idea of the Palestinian issue, or those who do not find time for detailed specialized studies. The book is written in a smooth English language, and is full of information updated until 2021; all the while retaining a scientific, academic and documented wording, far from emotional structural discourse. However, recent history and contemporary events, were discussed in some detail, so that the reader can find an answer to many of the events, changes and complications that are currently taking place.

This book is an updated and revised version of a number of Arabic editions issued since 2002, the last of which was al-Zaytouna Centre edition in 2012, which was printed in Beirut. A seventh chapter has been added to this new edition covering the period 2012–2021. This book was translated and also printed in English, Malay, Indonesian, Urdu, Persian, Albanian, Tatar and Turkish, where it was very popular.

In its first chapter, the book deals with the background of the Palestine issue until 1918. It reviews Palestine’s history through the ages, its geography, its Islamic standing, and the Jews’ religious and historical claims in Palestine, up to the emergence of the Palestine issue in modern history, in addition to its political developments up to the end of World War I in 1918.

The second chapter highlights the period of the British occupation of Palestine during 1918–1948. It discusses the development of the Zionist project, the emergence of the Palestinian National Movement and the 1936 Palestinian Revolt, as well as the political events that followed, up to the 1948 war and its repercussions.

The third chapter reviews the issue’s developments during the period 1949–1967, focusing on the development of the Palestinian national movement, the birth of Fatah movement, the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and the war of June 1967 and its repercussions.

As for the fourth chapter, it addresses the period 1967–1987 up to the outbreak of the first Intifadah in 1987, shedding light on the emergence of the Palestinian national identity, the development of the Palestinian armed struggle, the Arab countries’ role in the Palestinian issue, and the emergence of the Palestinian Islamic Movement.

The fifth chapter deals with the period starting with the outbreak of the 1987 Intifadah until the failure of the Camp David negotiations in 2000, going through the inception of Hamas, the transition of the PLO from armed struggle to peaceful settlement, the formation of the Palestinian National Authority, and the developments that Israel had witnessed during the same period.

Chapter six reviews the developments that occurred following the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifadah in September 2000 and until 2011. It is divided into subjects that include the aggression and Palestinian resistance 2000–2011, the Palestinian internal situation, the peace process, the Separation Wall, and the Israeli scene.

As for the added seventh chapter, it discusses the developments of the Palestine issue during the period 2012–2021, including the latest number of Palestinians in the world, the estimated number of Palestinians and Jews in historic Palestine 2020–2027, the developments of aggression and resistance during the period 2012–2021, the internal Palestinian situation, the peace process, the current status of Jerusalem, and the Israeli scene. The book has also an index of names, places and institutions.

---

Publication Information - Title: The Palestine Strategic Report 2018-2019 - Edited by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh - Published in: 2021 - Hard Cover: 487 pages. - ISBN: 978-9953-572-99-4

---

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations in Beirut has published the English version of the Palestine Strategic Report 2018-2019 (PSR). It discusses the Palestine issue during those years, offering a wealth of data, up-to-date statistics and analyses, in addition to an outlook of future events.

The 487-page PSR was edited by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh, written by 14 specialized researchers, and reviewed by four consultants. It consists of eight chapters, the most prominent projections for 2020-2021, and an index.

The first chapter discusses the internal Palestinian scene, which includes the national consensus government and the Fatah government, the weakness, deterioration and inefficiency of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the deterioration of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and the dissolution of the Palestine Legislative Council (PLC). It also discusses the Palestinian schism, the status of the Palestinian factions and their popularity, in addition to the popularity indicators and the Palestinian-Israeli security coordination.

The second chapter displayed the Palestinian demographic and economic indicators, which include the Palestinian population worldwide, the demographic characteristics of Palestinians, the demographic growth trends, and Palestinians outside Palestine and the right of return. The chapter discussed also the economic indicators in the West Bank (WB) and the Gaza Strip (GS); Gross domestic product (GDP); GDP per capita, public debt and general budget; Employment, unemployment and poverty; Industrial and agricultural activities and trade; Foreign aid and its effects; in addition to the economic repercussions of the GS siege. It also discussed the outlook for PA economic performance 2020-2021.

The third chapter is about the Land and the holy sites. It discusses the latest developments concerning Jerusalem, holy sites and settlement expansion, Israeli targeting of Islamic and Christian holy sites, the population in Jerusalem under occupation, Judaization and settlements, Israeli settlement expansion in WB, the Separation Wall and Barriers in WB, demolition of houses and structures, confiscation of lands, and the Israeli exploitation of water resources in WB.

The fourth chapter is about the aggression, resistance and the peace process. It discusses Israeli aggression and Palestinian resistance, Marches of Return and breaking the siege, in addition to Israeli escalation and calm in GS. It reports on the Israeli killed and wounded, the Palestinian killed and wounded in WB and GS, the suffering of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and the Israeli GS siege. It also discusses the peace process, the Trump administration closure of the PLO office in Washington, the dismantling of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the redefinition of the Palestinian refugee, in addition to Trump’s announcement of the peace plan “deal of the century,” and the Palestinian President demand to hold a new “peace” conference.

Chapter five discusses the Israeli scene, including the most prominent Israeli political, demographic, economic and military developments. In addition, it discusses the internal political situation including corruption and Netanyahu’s political future, the rise of the Israeli right, racist laws, Israeli parliamentary Knesset elections, and the conditions of the Palestinians of 1948.

This chapter also explores the Israeli demographic indicators, such as the population of Israel, Jewish immigrants to Israel, world Jewish population, Israeli economic indicators such as Israeli GDP, GDP per Capita, trade, Israel exports and imports, and US aid to Israel. As for the Israeli military indicators, they include appointments and structural changes, manpower, military plans and directions, military maneuvers, arms and arms trade, and the military budget. At the end of the chapter, the Israeli position on the internal Palestinian situation is discussed.

Chapter six discusses the Palestine issue and the Arab world. It explores positions of the League of Arab States concerning the Palestine issue and the schism, the Palestinian reconciliation, the position on the peace process, positions and roles of some key states, such as Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, and others. It also discusses developments concerning political and economic normalization of some Arab countries with Israel, in addition to the popular Arab position and its trends.

As for chapter seven, it is about the Palestine issue and the Muslim world. It discusses the policy of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Muslim countries towards the Palestine issue. The Turkish interest in Palestine besides its tension and interests with Israel, in addition to the Turkish political and economic relations with Israeli and Palestinian parties. Iran’s position on the “deal of the century,” Iranian fundamentals concerning the Palestine issue and its relations with Palestinian resistance factions are also discussed, in addition to the responsiveness of the Muslim public to the Palestine issue, and the normalization and Israeli relations with various Muslim Countries.

The eighth chapter, which is the last one, discusses the Palestine issue and the International scene. It studies the stances of the Quartet, UN and international organizations, in addition to positions of the US, EU, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Japan and other countries towards the Palestine issue. It displays the most important future changes, which may be opportunities or challenges to Israel’s international relations, and finally the chapter offers some recommendations on international support of the Palestine issue.

The PSR is one of al-Zaytouna’s most important academic studies, published periodically in both English and Arabic. Today, it can be surely asserted that PSR is a must reference for every researcher and academic who are interested in the contemporary developments of the Palestine issue. The PSR reviews biennially the various developments concerning the Palestinian question in a comprehensive, objective and academic manner. It offers a wealth of data, up-to-date statistics, and analyzes and offers an outlook of future events with strategic visions.

---

Publication Information – Title: Basic Facts on the Palestine Issue – Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh – Published in: 2021 (Updated and Revised edition) – Paperback: 41 pages – ISBN: 978-9953-572-98-7

---

An updated and revised edition of the book, “Basic Facts on the Palestine Issue,” by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh. This book has two editions, one with pictures and illustrations, and the other without them, .

The first edition of this book was published in 2001. It has widely spread, hundreds of thousands of Arabic copies were printed, and was translated into thirteen different languages.

This book provides the reader with a brief, comprehensive, and easy introduction to the Palestine issue. It presents information, facts, fundamentals and concepts that are indispensable when dealing with this issue, in addition to providing an extensive and concise database that is considered the basis for an Islamic understanding of the Palestine issue.

This book provides readers with basic information based on scientific sources about the land of Palestine and its people, and presents the most prominent milestones of its ancient and contemporary history. It explains the emergence of the Zionist movement and its objectives, the British occupation of Palestine, the establishment of Israel, the displacement of the Palestinian people and the Judaization of the land, the man and the holy sites. It also draws attention to Israel’s strength and its weaknesses.

The book speaks about the Palestinian resistance and the Palestinian people’s uprisings since the British occupation until now, and the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its shift towards the peace process. The author discusses the political jostling between the settlement and resistance trends, and sheds light on the role of the Christians of Palestine, in addition to explaining the position on Jews and the humanitarian dimension of the Palestine issue.

The late Prof. Dr. Muhammad ‘Amara, wrote the introduction of the first edition of this book, in which he says, “This booklet succeeded in extracting the basic facts of this central issue, and presenting them in the frame of the exceptional political, intellectual and civilizational concepts… Its pages have become the “Text” that must be memorized and understood by every Arab and every Muslim, rather by every honest human being who seeks truth, justice and fairness… It can be considered the Skeleton that carries all the details of this raging conflict on the land of Palestine.” ‘Amara considered the book the Record of the prime cause of Muslims.

---

Publication Information – Title: Basic Facts on the Palestine Issue – Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh – Published in: 2021 (Updated and Revised edition) – Paperback: 56 pages – ISBN: 978-9953-572-98-7

---

An updated and revised edition of the book, “Basic Facts on the Palestine Issue,” by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh. This book has two editions, one with pictures and illustrations, and the other without them, .

The first edition of this book was published in 2001. It has widely spread, hundreds of thousands of Arabic copies were printed, and was translated into thirteen different languages.

This book provides the reader with a brief, comprehensive, and easy introduction to the Palestine issue. It presents information, facts, fundamentals and concepts that are indispensable when dealing with this issue, in addition to providing an extensive and concise database that is considered the basis for an Islamic understanding of the Palestine issue.

This book provides readers with basic information based on scientific sources about the land of Palestine and its people, and presents the most prominent milestones of its ancient and contemporary history. It explains the emergence of the Zionist movement and its objectives, the British occupation of Palestine, the establishment of Israel, the displacement of the Palestinian people and the Judaization of the land, the man and the holy sites. It also draws attention to Israel’s strength and its weaknesses.

The book speaks about the Palestinian resistance and the Palestinian people’s uprisings since the British occupation until now, and the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its shift towards the peace process. The author discusses the political jostling between the settlement and resistance trends, and sheds light on the role of the Christians of Palestine, in addition to explaining the position on Jews and the humanitarian dimension of the Palestine issue.

The late Prof. Dr. Muhammad ‘Amara, wrote the introduction of the first edition of this book, in which he says, “This booklet succeeded in extracting the basic facts of this central issue, and presenting them in the frame of the exceptional political, intellectual and civilizational concepts… Its pages have become the “Text” that must be memorized and understood by every Arab and every Muslim, rather by every honest human being who seeks truth, justice and fairness… It can be considered the Skeleton that carries all the details of this raging conflict on the land of Palestine.” ‘Amara considered the book the Record of the prime cause of Muslims.

---

Almost twenty years after the Oslo Accords and the formation of the Palestinian National Authority (PA), there is a need to examine this experience in all its aspects, especially since it has not achieved its main goal: the transition from an autonomous authority to an independent state with full sovereignty over the 1967 occupied Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza Strip).

This book "The Palestinian National Authority: Studies of the Experience and Performance 1994-2013" is a comprehensive study of the PA and its experience. The 15 chapters analyze the aspects of the PA establishment and its legislative, judicial and presidential institutions, as well as the performance of successive governments. The book deals with the internal Palestinian situation, the security forces, the PA position towards the resistance forces, and economic, demographic, educational and health conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It also tackles the corruption in the PA, the relationship between the PA and the media, as well as its foreign policy.

This book is a systematic, scientific study that forensically documents the PA experience. It has undergone the usual procedures of scientific editing, including the reviewing of texts and references.

---

Publication Information – Title: Introduction to the Issue of Palestinian Refugees – Author: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh – Published in: 2019

---

The 72-page book discusses the historical backgrounds of the Palestine issue and the emergence of the Palestinian refugee issue. It is mainly based on two lectures delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh at The Academy of Refugee Studies, providing rich material for scholars and activists interested in the Palestine issue.

This book offers a clear definition of the land and people of Palestine, and refutes the Jews alleged historical claims to Palestine. It discusses the emergence of Zionism, the role of Britain in consolidating the Zionist project, the partition of Palestine, the emergence of the Palestinian National Movement, and Palestine’s war of 1948. It responds to the allegations that the Palestinians left their homeland willingly.

The Introduction to the Issue of Palestinian Refugees offers facts and statistics of the number of Palestinian refugees, and a map of their residence worldwide. It is noted here that half of the Palestinian people live abroad, more than third have a refugee status, and more than two million refugees from the 1948 occupied territories live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It studies the international resolutions that tackled the Palestinian refugees issue and sheds light on the peace process.

This book adheres to scientific and professional standards. It includes rich information and updated statistics, and provides the readers with many tables and charts.

---

---

Publication Information

- Title: The Process of Israeli Decision Making: Mechanisms, Forces and Influences - Author: Karim El-Gendy - Published in: 2019 (2nd Edition) - Paperback: 274 pages

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre has published the second edition of The Process of Israeli Decision Making by Karim El-Gendy. The 272-page book is an attempt to understand the Israeli decision-making process, and to bridge the literature gap by relating domestic factors with decision-making and foreign policy. El-Gendy aims to discuss the Israeli decision making process from three different viewpoints. The decision makers and the formal relationship between them, the structural forces and influences inherent in the decision making mechanism, and the external factors that influence the decision making process. The author explains how elements and forces within the labyrinth of the Israeli society exert influence on the decision-making mechanism and on how foreign policy and national security decisions are made. He expands on a number of external forces, or forces external to the decision-making process that are powerful enough to influence it. El-Gendy discusses the influence of five forces; the military, the advisors, two religious groups, the relationship with the United States, and the relationship with the Jewish Diaspora. This book attempts to take holistic approach to the decision-making process and avoid focusing its attention solely on decision-making in crisis situations.

---

Publication Info Title: American Foreign Policy & the Muslim World Editors: Dr. Ishtiaq Hossain & Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2009 (1st edition) Physical details: 422 pages, 17*28 cm, hardcover    

---

This is a 422 pages edited volume, prepared by a group of prominent scholars from US, UK, Malaysia, UAE and Lebanon. It discusses the domestic settings of American foreign policy and analyzes its impact on issues considered vital to the Muslim world; adhering to the strict academic standards and measures.

The first part of this book explains the complex foreign policy making system in the United states and assesses the role of Christian evangelicalism, neoconservatism, the media the pro- Israel lobby and the role of Muslim groups.

The second part of the book discusses the characteristics of the American foreign policy. It presents a historical analysis of the most important issues that had an immense impact on the American foreign policy. It also analyses the impact of the US political economy on its foreign policy; and asserts the need for a paradigm shift in American foreign policy.

The third part of the book provides an in-depth analysis of American policy towards the most sensitive issues in the Islamic World: the Palestinian cause, Iraq invasion and occupation, Iran's nuclear issue and Afghanistan. It also discusses the president Obama's foreign policy.

The importance of this study is that it analyzes American foreign policy from the view of scholars who are mostly from the Islamic world, yet they well know the US closely through their academic background, or by living and studying and teaching there. Thus they present their objective view as they see it rather than presenting the views of American think tanks. It is a must read book for those interested in understanding American foreign policy toward the Muslim world, and specialists, and students of Political Science, and International Relations.

---

---

English Title:  The Suffering of Jerusalem and the Holy Sites under the Israeli Occupation Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2012 (1st Edition) Physical details: 142 pages, 17*21 cm, paperback

---

---

"The Suffering of Jerusalem and Holy Sites under the Israeli Occupation" is the seventh in Am I Not a Human? series. The previous books include book #1 on the Israeli racism, #2 on the suffering of the Palestinian Children, #3 on women, #4 on prisoners, #5 on massacres, #6 on refugees, #7 on Jerusalem, #8 on the separation wall, #10 on the worker and #11 on the patient, with remaining three issues in preparation.

The book falls in 142 pages and is written by Dr. Mohsen Moh'd Saleh. It documents the suffering of the holy city, holy in Islam, Christianity and Judaism, and its population under the Israeli Occupation; in addition to the Occupation's infringements on other Muslim and Christian holy sites in Palestine generally.

The book presents a historic and legal background on the issue of Jerusalem, since its occupation, including documented narratives of the occupation of the city and the continuous forced displacement of its population, in addition to documents that prove the illegality and de-legitimacy of the Occupation.

The book also considers the Israeli infringements on Al-Aqsa Mosque, including excavations beneath and near the Mosque that threaten its infrastructure, the breakings into the Mosque, the expropriation of its areas and of neighbouring homes and neighborhoods, and the continuous attempts of the occupation to transform it into an open site for Jews and tourists, thus depriving its religious sanctity to Muslims.

Additionally, the book describes the Israeli Occupation's practices in the issue of Judaizing Jerusalem and imposing a Jewish façade on the city instead of its currently Muslim-Christian dominant Arab identity; and works in constructing a parallel "holy" Jewish city in the project named "Jerusalem first".

The Occupation's settlement expansion in Jerusalem is also among the major issues considered by the book, not to mention the various planning schemes that aim at isolating Jerusalem from its Palestinian neighboring villages and from the West Bank more generally, and the expropriation of vast lands around Jerusalem to annex them to its municipal borders.

---

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2012–2013 Edited by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2015 (1st edition) Hardcover: 400 pp

---

Al-Zaytouna Center for Studies and Consultations in Beirut has published the Palestinian Strategic Report 2012-2013 (PSR).

The Palestinian Strategic Report (PSR) is one of al-Zaytouna’s most important academic studies, published periodically in both English and Arabic. Today, it can be surely asserted that PSR is a must reference for every researcher and academic who are interested in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. The PSR reviews biennially the various developments concerning the Palestinian question in a comprehensive, objective and academic manner. It offers a wealth of data, up-to-date statistics, and analyzes and offers an outlook of future events.

The PSR 2012–2013 falls in 400 pages and seven chapters. Edited by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh, PSR 2012–2013 was written by 13 specialized researchers, and reviewed by three consultants. The seven chapters cover the internal Palestinian scene, the Israeli-Palestinian scene, the Palestinian issue and the Arab world, the Palestinian issue and the Muslim world, the Palestinian issue and the international situation, the land and the holy sites, and the demographic, economic and educational Indicators.

This annual referential report, has become an essential classic in the academic realm of Palestinian Studies. It includes the latest and most recent statistical and analytic data on the various developments related to the Palestinian issue.

---

English

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2006

Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh

Published in: 2010 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 340 pages, 18.5*26 cm, hardcover

---

2006 Year Highlights: Legislative Elections, Hamas’s victory, Arab and international reactions & the imposed siege and the war on Lebanon (July 2006 war).

---

The Palestinian Strategic Report is a highly academic annual report that assesses the Palestinian situation. It  rigorously studies the developments of various aspects of the Palestinian issue, i.e., internal political affairs, economic development, demographic indicators, the Arab, Islamic and international stands and the Israeli attitudes and policies, all within an academic, well-documented context that is supported with the most recent statistical data.

This report is the product of a massive team-work exerted by a group of affiliated researchers and specialists; editors, and consultants. It is published both in Arabic and English.

The first Report covered the year 2005. As later reports were released annually, the report was well-received and highly acclaimed, especially within academics.  Today, it can be surely asserted that this report is a must reference for every researcher or academic interests in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, its English version is among the few highly academic and objective writings in this field by an Arab research centre.

---

English Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2011/12 Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2013 (1st Edition) Physical details: 415, pp, 17 *24 cm, hardback.

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies & Consultations has just released the Palestinian Strategic Report 2011/12 (PSR 2011/12).

It reviews the various developments concerning the Palestinian question in a comprehensive, objective and academic manner, covering the period up until the end of 2011/12, as well as some developments in 2012.

PSR 2011/12, which is being published for the seventh consecutive year, is one of the most important studies published on an annual basis by al-Zaytouna.

It has become a staple reference for specialists and those interested in Palestinian affairs, owing to its comprehensive coverage of the developments related to the Palestinian question throughout the whole year.

PSR 2011/12 observes strict professional and academic standards, and offers a wealth of data, up-to-date statistics, and tables and charts. It also contains strategic assessments and offers an outlook of future events.

This 415-page book was co-authored by 12 researchers specializing in Palestinian affairs, and was revised by four advisers, and edited by Associate Professor Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh.

This year’s PSR contains seven chapters instead of eight, with demographic and economic indicators having been merged into one chapter, and added to educational indicators in the West Bank (WB) and Gaza Strip (GS) – distinguishing this year’s report from its predecessors. PSR 2011/12 concludes that the Palestinian political arena is still experiencing the same problems and obstacles seen in previous years, most notably the failure to bring together the various factions and constituents of the Palestinian people under one umbrella (the Palestine Liberation Organization—PLO); the lack of a unified strategic vision; the failure to agree on the priorities for national action in the current stage; and the continuing conflict between the strategies of resistance and negotiated peace.

 This is in addition to the fact that Palestinian decision-making centers remain in disarray, coming under pressure from the Israeli occupation in the WB, and Israeli blockade in GS.

As regards reconciliation, PSR 2011/12 argues that steps towards achieving it will continue to stumble, expressing little optimism regarding the legislative and presidential elections, and the elections for the Palestinian National Council (PNC).

Furthermore, there remain significant hurdles before the reformation of the PLO and the security forces, where the insistence of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah on maintaining a high level of security coordination with the Israel remains the biggest obstacle to achieving real Palestinian reconciliation.

As concerns Israel, the PSR states that 2011/12 did not witness any significant changes in relation to its internal political landscape, except the fact that the Israeli society has continued to lurch to the extreme right in general, in tandem with increased racist manifestations targeting the Palestinians of 1948.

The PSR discounted the possibility of the negotiations making any serious breakthroughs in the remainder of 2012, especially as the causes and factors leading to the failure of the efforts to resume negotiations remain extant, chiefly as a result of Israeli ongoing settlement activities; reduced American interest in the Palestinian issue in light of the preoccupation with the presidential elections; and continuing changes unfolding in many Arab countries, most notably Egypt.

At the Arab level, PSR 2011/12 indicates that the Palestinian cause was not absent from the agendas of the Arab uprisings of 2011/12, albeit it was not prominently present in them either.

The emergence of democratic systems that reflect the will of the populaces, and with the rise of political factions that are faithful to the Palestinian cause and are not subservient to foreign agendas, hope remains that the Palestinian question will receive more attention from these new regimes.

With respect to international affairs, the report concludes that international diplomatic efforts concerning the Palestinian question declined further in 2011/12, as a result of several factors and developments.

These include the uprisings and transformations in several Arab countries; the resurging tension surrounding the Iranian nuclear program and the prospects of a military confrontation; and the repercussions of the global financial crisis which has particularly hit countries in the European Union.

PSR 2011/12 points out that 2012 marks the year of the US presidential elections, during which American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East traditionally wane, while the stances of both the Democratic and Republican parties converge towards the Israeli position, with a view to win over the Jewish vote.

The report also collates many statistics concerning Israeli violations at various levels, including the fact that 118 Palestinians had been killed by the Israeli forces and settlers in GS and the WB (including Jerusalem) in 2011/12, while 554 Palestinians and international solidarity activists were wounded.

On the other hand, Israel Security Agency (ISA) recorded 21 Israeli deaths in the same year as a result of attacks carried out by Palestinians, while 122 Israelis were wounded.

On the subject of settlement building, the PA Information Center Concerning Colonization and Annexation Wall Affairs in the Ministry of State recorded the existence of 474 settlement sites in the WB until the end of 2011, including 184 settlements, 171 unauthorized outposts, 26 other settlement sites and 93 buildings which were partially or fully appropriated by the settlers in East Jerusalem.

In addition, PSR 2011/12 draws attention to the fact that the pace of attacks in Jerusalem has been surging year after year, to stress that the battle for the Judaization of the Holy City remains Israel’s first priority, in conjunction with a trend of growing obsession with the Jewishness of the state dominating public thinking in the state of Israel.

The report also adds that 2011 saw a marked upsurge in attacks against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine by Jewish extremists and Israel, mostly as part of the ‘price tag’ wave of attacks by settlers in the WB.

As for demographic indicators, the number of Palestinians in the world stood at the end of 2011 at about 11.22 million people, with half of whom, i.e., 5.63 million (50.1%), living in the Diaspora. The other half, i.e., 5.6 million people (49.9%) live in historic Palestine, including around 1.37 million in the territories occupied in 1948, and 4.23 million people in the WB and GS.

According to PSR 2011/12, if current population growth levels of both Palestinians and Jews remain the same, the populations of Palestinians and Jews in historic Palestine will equalize in 2016, when the number of both Jews and Palestinians will be approximately 6.4 million. In 2020, the Jewish population will be 6.9 million and will represent about 48.9 percent of the total population, compared to 7.2 million Palestinians.

Concerning economic indicators in the WB and GS, the report states that 2011 did not see any new developments concerning the direct dependency of the Palestinian economy in the WB and GS on the Israeli economy, or the fact that this economy is isolated from the Arab world and the rest of the world owing to Israel’s control of all international ports and Palestinian border crossings. This is in addition to the fact that Palestinian foreign trade is mostly done with Israel.

PSR 2011/12 also highlights the enormous disparity between the economic conditions of the Palestinians in the WB and GS on one hand, and those of the Israelis on the other. Indeed, the per capita income in 2011 was $1614 in the WB and GS (around $1981 in the WB and $1073 in GS), compared to $31,291 in Israel. The GDP in the WB and GS reached around $6.34 billion in 2011, while the Israeli GDP totaled $242.92 bill

---

English Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2010/11  . Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2012 (1st Edition) Physical details: 444 pp, 17 *24 cm, hardback.  

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations issued its Palestinian Strategic Report 2010/11 (PSR 2010/11) which addresses the developments of the Palestinian issue in 2010/11.

The PSR is considered one of the most important scientific studies published annually by Al-Zaytouna Centre.

The Report is rich with information, analyses, tables and charts besides strategic visions and future outlooks.

It is published for the sixth year in a row and it has become one of the major sources for experts and those interested in the Palestinian issue.

It provides a comprehensive coverage of the developments of the Palestinian issue that happened over a year while abiding by strict scientific and professional standards.

  The Report is 444 medium-sized pages. It is co-authored by 15 researchers specialized in the Palestinian issue, reviewed by four consultants and edited by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh.

  The PSR 2010/11 stresses that the uprisings witnessed in the Arab world since early 2011, especially in Egypt, will have a direct impact on the Palestinian issue. The impact will most likely be positive if the uprisings achieved their goals and yielded political regimes which express the real will of the Arab peoples. However, the Report notes that the internal affairs would most probably be the primary concern during the coming period.

  Regarding the inter-Palestinian reconciliation, PSR 2010/11 asserts that the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo last May still needs more serious steps to end the division and achieve real reconciliation on the ground. It needs to resolve many obstacles through cooperation between the different parties, away from external interventions and pressures.

  On the Israeli level, the Report mentions that 2010 has continuously witnessed the inclination of the Israeli society towards the extreme right. It further notes the absence of  any breakthroughs in 2011 especially in the light of Israel’s rejection for the negotiations with President Mahmud ‘Abbas. The agreement signed with Hamas and the PA’s attempts to obtain international recognition of the Palestinian State in September 2011 hindered such negotiations.

  On the international level, the PSR says that the international diplomatic efforts towards the Palestinian issue have failed again in 2010. They could not achieve any significant progress regarding the peace settlement track or the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Moreover, PSR 2010/11 includes a large number of figures and statistics on Israeli violations on different levels. During 2010, 98 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (including Jerusalem) by Israeli forces and settlers while 967 Palestinians and international solidarity activists were wounded. On the other hand, Israel’s internal security service mentioned that during 2010, 9 Israelis were killed and 28 were wounded in operations carried out by the Palestinians.

Concerning settlement building, the Report shows that despite the 10-month Israeli moratorium on settlement building, Israel established 1819 buildings/apartments in 133 settlements all over the West Bank, including Jerusalem; in addition to 1433 mobile homes (caravans).  PSR 2010/11 also discusses the increased Israeli attacks on the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and historic Palestine, during 2010. It further shows that the developments during that year revealed that the Judaization of Jerusalem has become the primary battle for Israel due to the obsession with the “Jewishness of the state” dominating the Israeli mind.

Concerning demographic indicators, PSR 2010/11 mentions that at the end of 2010 the number of Palestinians around the world was around 11.14 million people. More than half of them, i.e., 5.75 million (51.6%) live in Diaspora, while the rest, i.e., 5.39 million (48.4%) live in historic Palestine. The latter are distributed by 1.28 million people in the territories occupied in 1948 and 4.11 million in the ’67 territories.

The Report mentions that if the current growth rates of the Palestinians and the Jews persist, the number of Palestinians and Jews will become on par by 2017 where each will reach around 6.53 million. Thus, in 2020, around 49.2% of the population will be Jews as their number will reach 6.87 million compared to 7.09 million Palestinians.

  Regarding the economic indicators in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Report shows that events during 2010 has not affected the direct dependence of the Palestinian economy on the Israeli economy. In addition, the isolation of the Palestinian economy from the outside world continued due to the Israeli control of all international exits and Palestinian border crossings besides the Palestinian foreign trade.

PSR 2010/11 also refers to the enormous difference between the Palestinian economy in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on one hand and the Israeli economy on the other. Thus, it shows, for example, that in 2010 the Palestinian GDP per capita was $1500 (around $1925 in the West Bank and $877 in the Strip) compared to $28,500 in Israel. In addition, the GDP amounted to $5.73 billion for the Palestinians compared to $217.13 billion for the Israelis.

---

English

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2009/10

Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh

Published in: 2011 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 488 pages, 17*24 cm, hardcover

---

This annual referential report, has become an essential classic in the academic realm of Palestinian Studies. It includes the latest and most recent statistical and analytic data on the various developments related to the Palestinian issue.

The 2009/10 report falls in 488 pages and 8 chapters: the internal Palestinian scene, the Israeli-Palestinian scene, the Palestinian issue and the Arab world, the Palestinian issue and the Muslim world, the Palestinian issue and the international setting, the land and the holy sites, the Palestinian dempgraphics, and the WB and GS economic indicators.

The report was prepared by 14 experts in the field of Palestinian Studies, inlcuding: Mr. Abdul Hameed al-Kayyali, Mr. 'Abdullah Najjar, Mr. Hani al-Misri,  Dr. Jad Issac, Dr. Johnny Mansour, Prof. Dr. Moein Rajab, Dr. Mohamed Noureddine, Dr. Mohsen Moh'd Saleh, Mr. Suhail Khalilieh, Prof. Dr. Talal 'Atrissi, Mr. Wa'el Sa'd, Mr. Hassan Ibhais, Prof. Dr. Walid 'Abd al-Hay and Mr. Ziad al-Hasan.

---

---

2009 Year Highlights

>> The Judaization and settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem >> The continued imposed Arab and International siege on Gaza >> Iran, Turkey, and the Palestinian issue

---

---

The Palestinian Strategic Report is a highly academic annual report that assesses the Palestinian situation. It  rigorously studies the developments of various aspects of the Palestinian issue, i.e., internal political affairs, economic development, demographic indicators, the Arab, Islamic and international stands and the Israeli attitudes and policies, all within an academic, well-documented context that is supported with the most recent statistical data.

This report is the product of a massive team-work exerted by a group of affiliated researchers and specialists; editors, and consultants. It is published both in Arabic and English.

The first Report covered the year 2005. As later reports were released annually, the report was well-received and highly acclaimed, especially within academics.  Today, it can be surely asserted that this report is a must reference for every researcher or academic interests in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, its English version is among the few highly academic and objective writings in this field by an Arab research centre.

---

English

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2008

Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh

Published in: 2010 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 384 pages, 18.5*26 cm, hardcover

---

2008 Year Highlights >> The continued imposed Arab and International siege on Gaza >> Dialogue Initiatives >> The rise of the Israeli right >> The Israeli Aggression on Gaza

---

For four consecutive years, Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations has been keen on producing the annual Palestinian Strategic Report. This report, that is prepared by a select of distinguished experts, is considered among the finest references in the field of Palestinian studies, because of its highly academic content that includes the most recent statistical data and is supported with charts and figures.

This report is the product of a massive team-work exerted by a group of affiliated researchers and specialists; editors, and consultants. It is published both in Arabic and English.

The first Report covered the year 2005. As later reports were released annually, the report was well-received and highly acclaimed, especially within academics. Today, it can be surely asserted that this report is a must reference for every researcher or academic interests in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, its English version is among the few highly academic and objective writings in this field by an Arab research centre.

---

English

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2007

Editor: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh

Published in: 2010 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 416 pages, 18.5*26 cm, hardcover

---

2007 Year Highlights: - The continued imposed Arab and International siege; - the Internal Palestinian division between Fatah and Hamas; - Mecca Agreement; - Hamas’s control over Gaza Strip and its consequences; - Dialogue Initiatives; - The perplexed Israeli internal scene.

---

The Palestinian Strategic Report is a highly academic annual report that assesses the Palestinian situation. It rigorously studies the developments of various aspects of the Palestinian issue, i.e., internal political affairs, economic development, demographic indicators, the Arab, Islamic and international stands and the Israeli attitudes and policies, all within an academic, well-documented context that is supported with the most recent statistical data.

This report is the product of a massive team-work exerted by a group of affiliated researchers and specialists; editors, and consultants. It is published both in Arabic and English.

The first Report covered the year 2005. As later reports were released annually, the report was well-received and highly acclaimed, especially within academics.  Today, it can be surely asserted that this report is a must reference for every researcher or academic interests in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, its English version is among the few highly academic and objective writings in this field by an Arab research centre.

---

English

Title: The Palestinian Strategic Report 2005

Editor(s): Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh and Dr. Basheer Nafi

Published in: 2007 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 257 pages, 17*24 cm, available in both paperback and hardcover editions

---

The Palestinian Strategic Report is a highly academic annual report that assesses the Palestinian situation. It rigorously studies the developments of various aspects of the Palestinian issue, i.e., internal political affairs, economic development, demographic indicators, the Arab, Islamic and international stands and the Israeli attitudes and policies, all within an academic, well-documented context that is supported with the most recent statistical data.

This report is the product of a massive team-work exerted by a group of affiliated researchers and specialists; editors, and consultants. It is published both in Arabic and English.

The first Report covered the year 2005, followed by the reports on 2006 and 2007, the report was well-received and highly acclaimed, especially within academics.  Two years later, it can be surely asserted that this report is a must reference for every researcher or academic interests in the contemporary developments of the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, its English version is among the few highly academic and objective writings in this field by an Arab research centre.

---

Publication Info Title: Al-Mi’dhanah al-Hamra’: Sirah Dhatiyah (The Red Minaret: Memoirs of Ibrahim Ghusheh)

Author: Ibrahim Ghusheh Published in: 2008 (1st edition) Physical details: 276 pages, 17*24 cm, hardcover Book Review By Dr. Daud Abdullah

Book Review By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Hossain

 

---

This book is the autobiography of Mr. Ibrahim Ghusheh, the former Hamas speaker. It presents a life testimony of about 50 years of experience among the Palestinian Muslim Brothers. It highlights the work of Hamas outside Palestine. Additionally, the book provides the reader with very rich material and information revealed for the first time, by a man who was in the inner circle of the political decision making of Hamas, especially during the first 12 years of its establishment, i.e., 1988-2000.

The significance of the book stems from the detailed explanation of the author for many controversial points about the period that preceded the second Intifadah..

---

Presented by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh, General Manager of al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations.

For the first time, one of Hamas prominent leaders in Diaspora publishes his autobiography. Indeed, it is a testament to the era, and to the experience of the Muslim Brothers Movement (MB) and Hamas described by an insider.

When Ibrahim Ghusheh himself talks about the experience of the Muslim Brothers in Jordan and Palestine and about Hamas’s experience, doubtless he will attract all specialists and researchers, whether in the Palestinian issue or the Islamic Movement.

These memoirs are rich with information published for the first time by a man who has lived in the Jordanian and Palestinian MB environment for over 50 years, and acted as Hamas’s official spokesperson in 1991–1999. They also reflect the life and vision of one of the most prominent political decision makers, especially in the first 12 years of the movement’s inception.

In fact, the life and experience of the author make the book an indispensable source of information for researchers and scholars of the Palestinian issue, especially the Islamic Palestinian trend. The choice of the title is meant to take the reader to the atmosphere of Jerusalem where the author grew up to see the red minaret of a mosque near his house.

The language Ghusheh uses in this 13-chapter book is simple and explicit, where the social, familial, and humanitarian side intermingles with the ideological, political and resistance side, away from artificiality, and from the ego, which is heavily found in memoirs. Ultimately, the reader is presented with a person who firmly believes in his ideology, loyal to and ready to sacrifice for it.

Birth, Upbringing and al-Nakbah (Catastrophe)

Ibrahim Ghusheh was born in 1936, a month following the first stage of the Palestinian Revolt. In the first chapter, Ghusheh talks about his family and childhood memories, while describing Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque before 1948. In the second chapter, he describes his memories of al-Nakbah of 1948, al-Qastal Battle, the killing of ‘Abdul Qadir al-Husseini, and his family’s need to move to Jericho before going back to Jerusalem once again.

Ghusheh also talks about the growing political interest among the youths, and the attempts to identify the best way for liberating Palestine. He mentions his attraction in Grade Six to the lessons presented by Sheikh Taqiyuddin al-Nabahani in the Muslim Brothers Division, and then his enrollment in the MB in Grade Seven, following the footsteps of his elder brother Musa, and his maternal cousin, Mahmud al-‘Arian.

He then talks about the beginnings of Hizb ut-Tahrir (Liberation Party) in Jerusalem, and how al-Nabahani could attract most MB scholars and intellectuals, while only a limited number were left out, like Zakariyya Qneibi and Ibrahim Abu ‘Arafah. He also describes how the Muslim Brothers regained the lead, benefiting from the growing strength of the MB in Egypt and east Jordan, and from the return of students who were studying in Egypt. He also mentions how the likes of Shehadeh al-Ansari, Salem ‘Ali Salem and Muhammad Nimr Wehbeh participated in the re-organization and enhancement of MB work in Jerusalem. Ghusheh sheds light as well on the activities of the Muslim Brothers in Jerusalem until 1954.

In the third chapter, Ghusheh talks about the rest of the 50s, especially his study of engineering in Egypt, and about underground work of the Palestinian and Jordanian Muslim Brothers due to the difficult security conditions during Nasser’s rule. He mentions the coordination between the Brothers coming from Jordan and those hailing from the Gaza Strip (GS).

Ghusheh casts light on the Palestinian League where he assures that the student list supported by the MB would always win the elections. The Union was first headed by Yasir ‘Arafat who was close to the Muslim Brothers, then Salah Khalaf (Abu Iyad) who was a member of the MB. Yet, the MB student activity declined in the late 50s because of the security pressure they had to face.

As for the Brothers and their relation with the emergence of Fatah movement, Ghusheh draws the reader’s attention to the fact that Fatah’s early pioneers were MB members such as Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad). He points out to other names including ‘Abdul Fattah al-Hammoud, Riyad al-Za‘nun and Muhammad Yusuf al-Najjar, who became Fatah leaders. Ghusheh illustrates the separation and differentiation between those who established Fatah and the Muslim Brothers, while presenting an assessment of Nasser’s experience.

Kuwait and Jordan Ghusheh then talks about his work experience in the Kuwait Municipality in 1962–1966 and the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the position of Fatah and the Brothers towards it. He talks about the first the General Supervisor of the Palestinian Muslim Brothers, Hani Bsiso, who used to work as a teacher in Iraq, and who was summoned by the Brothers to lead the Palestinian organization in 1963, where he settled in Egypt. Bsiso was then detained, along with Sayyid Qutb, in the blow dealt to the Muslim Brothers in 1965, and he died in prison.

Ghusheh returned to Jordan and worked in the construction of Khalid Ibn al-Walid Dam. He describes the reaction of the Muslim Brothers there to June 1967 war, the Palestinian resistance work, and the Brothers’ participation in “al-Shuyukh camps,” and the Brothers’ vision of the Jordan Army battles against the resistance organizations in 1970–1971. Ghusheh talks about his participation in building the Kuwait Towers in early 1971, then in the construction of King Talal Dam in the late 1972. He also talks about the work of the MB movement with the Jordan Engineers Association where Ghusheh headed the MB trend in the Association in 1973. He points out to the Brothers’ active participation since the ninth Association council in 1974–1975, until they were able to attract Laith Shubeilat and supported him to become the head of the syndicate in 1982–1983.

The Islamic Work for Palestine in Diaspora 

Ghusheh unveils some sides of the Islamic work for Palestine in Diaspora, the most important of which was the formation of Palestine section affiliated with the Muslim Brothers leadership in Jordan, after the Palestinian section in the GS merged with the Jordan Brothers in 1978. He talks about the internal conference, which was held by this section in 1983, in the presence of a number of the Muslim Brothers leaders from the West Bank (WB) and GS, such as ‘Abdul Fattah Dukhan, and from Kuwait, such as Khalid Mish‘al, and others. The meeting was important in the sense that it redefined the track and priorities of the Brothers’ work towards Palestine, and confirmed that there is a new orientation that balances the drive towards an Islamic state in Arab and Islamic countries with popular resistance in Palestine, and a third stage had begun for the Brotherhood to address the Palestinian issue.

Ghusheh also points out to the formation of the Palestine Apparatus, and that it was a decision by the MB International Organization—the apparatus that followed from behind the curtain Hamas’s launching, and its aftermath. Ghusheh talks about his enrollment with Hamas in 1989, at the request of the then General-Guide of the Muslim Brothers Muhammad ‘Abdul Rahman Khalifah. Ghusheh, who was in Kuwait, was entrusted with the mission of forming Hamas’s first political committee.

Hamas’s Relation with Fatah and Jordan In chapter eight, Ghusheh sheds light on Hamas’s relation with Fatah and the PLO, and displays the dialogue meetings with Fatah where the first one was in Yemen on 10-12/8/1990 and the second in August 1991. He also talks about the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and his participation as a Hamas representative with the delegations in attempts to bridge the gap and convince the Iraqi leadership of withdrawal.

He also talks about the development of the Brothers’ political role in Jordan after their huge victory in the parliamentary elections in 1989. He sheds light on the arrival of a number of Hamas leaders from Kuwait to Jordan and their relations with the Jordanian government. He points out to his appointment in late 1991 as an official spokesperson for Hamas, the dialogue with the Popular and the Democratic Fronts for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP and DFLP), and the meeting of the 10 factions, which led to the formation of a front to oppose the Oslo Accords.

In chapter nine, Ghusheh talks about the development of the relation between Hamas and Jordan during 1992–1993, the development of the relation with Fatah and the stance towards Oslo Accords. He reveals the beginnings of Hamas’s external relations in the early 1993 especially concerning returning those displaced to Marj al-Zuhur, where meetings were held in Amman with officials from the embassies of the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Italy and Norway. However, at the end of March 1993, the US State Department issued a decision banning any contact with Hamas.

In chapter 10, Ghusheh focuses on the period 1994–1996, and he mentions a number of Hamas activities and positions such as opposing the Oslo Accords, the self-immolation operations, the killing of Yahya ‘Ayyash. He also talks about Hamas’s relation with Fatah, the renewed tension in the relation with Jordan and the conditions that forced Musa Abu Marzuq and ‘Imad al-‘Alami to leave the country in 1995, in addition to electing Mish‘al as the head of the Political Bureau to succeed Abu Marzuq in late 1995.

In chapter 11, Ghusheh displays the development of relations with Jordan, and he casts light on the assassination attempt that targeted Khalid Mish‘al, and its implications, besides the liberation of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and his foreign tour.

In the following chapter, he exposes the tension in the relations with the Jordan government and Intelligence in 1999. He also talks about the detention of Hamas leaders in Jordan, their life in prison, their political stances, and the expulsion to Qatar of four leaders namely Khalid Mish‘al, Ibrahim Ghusheh, Sami Khatir and ‘Izzat al-Rishq, and the complications that followed.

In chapter 13, Ghusheh talks about the 2000–2001 period, and the development of the relations with Jordan, Damascus, and the Palestinian Authority, in addition to al-Aqsa Intifadah (uprising). He details the story of his return to Jordan in mid June 2000, and his detention in the airport for around two weeks, until the issue was settled according to a new agreement that had him travel to Bangkok then return to Jordan.

Ghusheh never lost his vitality and he continued to follow up on different issues in the following years, while participating in miscellaneous events whenever he could. Yet, his situation in Jordan restricted his movement.

“The Red Minaret” is a book rich with information and stances that any researcher of modern and contemporary history might need in relation to the Palestinian issue. Also, of importance is the index of names, places and institutions at the end of the book, which makes research work easier.

---

Publication Information: Title: The Palestinian Issue: Historical Background and Contemporary Developments Prepared by: Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh Published in: 2014 Physical details: 224 pages, 17*24, paperback      

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations has issued the revised updated English edition of its book: The Palestinian Issue: Historical Background and Contemporary Developments by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh.

This 224 page book presents a general overview of the Palestinian issue, by tracing its historical junctures and its current developments. For the reader, this will facilitate his comprehension of its overall picture, the intertwined factors connected to it, at any stage and in a logical sequence, up to the present stage.

This book is of special importance to the group of readers who wish to get a general idea of the Palestinian issue, or those who do not find time for detailed specialized studies. The book is written in a smooth English language, and is full of information updated till 2013; all the while retaining a scientific, academic and documented wording, far from emotional structural discourse.

In its first chapter, the book deals with the background of the Palestinian issue until 1918. It reviews Palestine’s history through the ages, its geography, its Islamic standing, and the Jews’ religious and historical claims in Palestine, up to the emergence of the Palestinian issue in modern history, in addition to its political developments up to the end of World War I in 1918.

The second chapter highlights the period of the British occupation of Palestine during 1918–1948. It discusses the development of the Zionist project, the emergence of the Palestinian National Movement and the 1936 Palestinian Revolt, as well as the political events that followed, up to the 1948 war and its repercussions.

The third chapter reviews the issue’s developments during the period 1948–1967, focusing on the development of the Palestinian national movement, the birth of Fatah movement, the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and the war of June 1967 and its repercussions.

As for the fourth chapter, it addresses the period 1967–1987 up to the outbreak of the first Intifadah in 1987, shedding light on the emergence of the Palestinian national identity, the development of the Palestinian armed struggle, the Arab countries’ role in the Palestinian issue, and the emergence of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

The fifth chapter deals with the period starting with the outbreak of the 1987 Intifadah until the failure of the Camp David negotiations in 2000, going through the inception of Hamas, the transition of the PLO from armed struggle to peaceful settlement, the formation of the Palestinian National Authority, and the developments that Israel had witnessed during the same period.

The last chapter in the book reviews the developments that occurred following the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifadah in September 2000 and until 2013. It is divided into subjects that include the Palestinian resistance, the Palestinian internal situation, the path of the peaceful negotiations, Jerusalem and the status quo, the Separation Wall, and the Israeli internal situation.

This book is an important source for readers seeking to acquaint themselves with the Palestinian issue, and to become informed of the pertinent facts in a balanced manner. It can also serve as an introduction to further studies of the Palestinian issue.

---

English

 

Title: Religion and Politics in America: The Rise of Christian Evangelists and their Impact

Author: Mohammad Arif Zakaullah

Published in: 2007 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 159 pages, 14*21 cm, paperback

---

---

This study discusses the dimensions and interactions of both, religion and politics, in the United States of America (USA), and with special refer to the strong influential role of Christian Evangelists in determining the US policies.

Though the subject was previously explored by several writers, this book is special distinguished analyzing the historical background and the roots of Christian Evangelism, all the way till their present status and power. Remarkably, the author presents "in perfect doses" a blend of ideology and events, past and present (updated till late 2006), all tied up in a well organized concise academic approach.

---

English Title: The Political Views of the Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon as Reflected in May 2006 Edited by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh and Ziad al-Hasan Published in: 2009 (1st Edition)

Physical details: 36 pages, 17*24 cm, paperback

---

 It pleases al-Zaytouna Centre to make available for free this study that is the outcome of a poll conducted in May 2006, to survey the political views of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. It surveys more than 1000 persons distributed the 12 camps and 9 gatherings of the Palestinians in Lebanon.

Conducted on high academic standards, this study observes issues like the possibility of return, settlement options, weapons, camps’ security and Lebanese authorities, and the popularity and performance of the Palestinian movements and the Palestinian presidency… etc

---

---

Publication information: - Title: Islamic Resistance Movement-Hamas: Studies of Thought and Experience - Edited by: Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh - Published in: 2017 (1st Edition) - Hardcover: 706 pages - Price: $30

---

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations in Beirut has launched the English version of the book “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas: Studies of Thought and Experience,” which was co-written by a group of professors specializing in the Palestinian issue and five senior Hamas leaders. The 704-page book is edited by Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh.

The book examines Hamas’s vision and experience in all its aspects. The work sticks to two main commitments: First, adherence to academic research methods, and the accuracy, objectivity and extensive documentation necessary to them. The second is the attempt to present Hamas as it really is, whether by the contributions of specialized researches, who are well informed of Hamas and its experience; or by the contributions of Hamas leaders, who have addressed a number of issues and presented a more comprehensive picture of the Movement. Particularly so when the available literature is insufficient to clarify all the issues being researched, especially for Western audiences interested in understanding the Palestinian issue, of which Hamas has become a key component in the past decade.

The book falls in two parts. The first is a collection of eleven studies on Hamas and its experience, in which chapter one presents an overview of the movement experience and history. It discusses the background and inception, and considers Hamas a continuation of the work of the Muslim Brothers (MB) movement that began in the form of popular advocacy through a network of branches and offices beginning in 1945. Interestingly, this chapter examines events that reflect the extent of the MB movement’s participation in armed resistance as well as preaching activities, in addition to their links to the establishment of the Fatah movement, which was co-founded by MB figures. This chapter digs deeper in to the stages that Hamas underwent, especially between 1987 and 2005.

The second chapter gives the reader the chance to examine Hamas’s political vision, addressing the wellsprings of Hamas’s political ideology, its approach to religion and state, law, and constitution, and its views on nationalism, secularism, and democracy. Finally, it addresses the rights of minorities in Hamas’s political thought.

The chapter contains a plethora of answers to questions usually raised by those interested to learn about Hamas’s ideas, bearing in mind that it is difficult to find material that expresses Hamas’s intellectual frameworks in such a comprehensive manner, except through some of the interviews, which still are no match for the topics covered by the book.

In the third chapter, we delve into Hamas’ conceptualization of the other, meaning Hamas’s view of Israel, Judaism, Jews, Zionism and Zionists, which is the basis for understanding the background and future of the conflict.

The book, in the fourth and fifth chapters, continues to analyze the relationship between Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and its factions, and Hamas’s position on Islamic Palestinian movements including the Sufis and Salafis, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ), explaining the convergences and divergences with these factions. This is based on analyzing both Hamas’s theoretical framework and policies, drawing from primary sources.

The sixth chapter highlights an important issue, namely, the peace process. Naturally, readers will wonder how Hamas’s actions and visions approach the peace process. In this chapter, the author examines the stages of evolution of Hamas’s political position on the peace process, whether through the movement’s theoretical and intellectual frameworks, or its practices on the ground.

The seventh chapter tackles in detail Hamas’s vision for political and social reform in Palestine, based on the set of principles the group has committed itself to, including its insistence on political freedom for all and the rights of the Palestinian people. Hamas’s political reform project is not confined to internal Palestinian matters, but also cover foreign relations, especially with Arab and Muslim countries. In addition, Hamas’s social reform platform focuses on combatting poverty as the entry point for comprehensive development and reform.

The eighth and ninth chapters overview at length Hamas’s Arab and Islamic relations, by analyzing the determinants, objectives, and dimensions of Hamas’s relations, an explaining its position towards the Arab Spring. They also examine Hamas’s relations with Turkey and Iran and their evolution.

The tenth chapter deals with Hamas’s experience in government, following the 2006 legislative elections. This chapter explores the defects within the Palestinian political system in order to determine the environment and challenges that Hamas faced. Finally, it assesses Hamas performance in governance in the period 2006–2012.

The eleventh chapter concludes the first part of the book by reviewing Western academic literature on Hamas, with a view to answer the following fundamental question: To what extent have these studies succeeded in understanding the true nature of Hamas?

The second part of the book includes contributions by five senior Hamas leaders attempting to answer a miscellany of questions regarding different issues appertaining to the Movement. These include a study by Khalid Mish’al, head of Hamas Political Bureau, which is entitled “Hamas: Milestones in Thought and Experience.” A second study entitled “Hamas: A Reading in the Vision and Governance Experience” is contributed by Isma‘il Haniyyah, the new Hamas politburo chief and prime minister of Hamas’s caretaker government. It also includes a contribution by Musa Abu Marzuq, senior Hamas leader and former politburo chief titled Hamas Assessment of the Experience; and a contribution by Usamah Hamdan on Hamas International Relations. The section also includes a paper prepared by Sami Khater, Hamas politburo member, regarding Hamas’s Vision for Managing the Conflict with the “Zionist Enemy.”

The book includes an appendix of major documents related to Hamas and its experience since the issuance of its charter in 1987 until the memorandum of enforcement of the Palestinian reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas (Al-Shati’ Agreement) in 2014 besides key political documents issued in the intervening period.

>> Motion graphic about "Islamic Resistance Movement-Hamas: Studies of Thought and Experience" Book

---

---

Publication Information: - Title: Egypt, Syria and the War on Gaza: A Study on the Egyptian and Syrian Foreign Policy Responses to the 2008/2009 Gaza War - Author: Muslim Imran Abu Umar - Paperback: 103 pages - Edition: 2015 (First edition)

---

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations in Beirut has published a new book: Egypt, Syria and the War on Gaza: A Study on the Egyptian and Syrian Foreign Policy Responses to the 2008/2009 Gaza War, written by Muslim Imran Abu Umar. The original text of this book was a dissertation submitted in June 2013 in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

This 103-page book focuses on the differences and similarities in the foreign policy responses of Egypt and Syria towards the 2008/2009 Gaza War. Five domestic and external factors are used to compare the foreign policy responses of Egypt and Syria, these are; Arab Nationalism, Islam, security concerns, economic concerns, and type of alliance. The author analyzes the official statements of the officials of Egypt, Syria, Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to understand, classify, and compare the policies adopted.

A qualitative approach in which a content analysis is carried out is used to reach conclusions. Abu Umar concludes that while Islam and Arab Nationalism were very influential factors for the Egyptian and Syrian public, they had a minimal impact on foreign policy makers in the two states. Both security concerns and the type of alliance were very influential in the foreign policy making of the two states. Economic concerns were less important in both Egyptian and Syrian responses to the 2008/2009 Gaza War.

---

---

Prepared by: Abbas Ismail Edited by: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh, Yassir Al-Ali, & Mariam Itani Published in: January 2008 (1st Edition) Physical details: 106 pages, 14*21 cm, paperback Contents:

Chapter 1: Israel and Racism

Chapter 2: Racist Proclamations and Statements against Arabs and Palestinians in Israel

Chapter 3: Levels and Manifestations of Israeli Racism 1. On the Level of Job Representation and Budgets 2. On the Public Level 3. On the Legal Level a- Law of Return and Nationality Law b- Laws of Land Confiscation c- Other Racist Laws 4. In Sentencing and Judgements 5. In Education

Chapter 4: Transfer of Palestinian Arabs from Palestine

Chapter 5: Violation of Sanctuaries

---

This book presents in a simple but academic and concise style, the various aspects of the Israeli racism, on the official and public level.

It considers the Palestinian who have the Israeli citizenship as a case study, and discusses their sufferings under the Israeli state where they is continuous dis-criminaton against them, violating their absic rights in their own home and land.

This series is a rich interactive documentation of the Palestinian suffering under the Israeli occupation. It focuses on the Israeli violations of the Palestinians' basic human rights. This series is also distinguished with academic, well documented, comprehensive, concise, and graphically-supported, It is published (& ongoing publication) in both Arabic and English Languages.

---

English Title: The Suffering of the Palestinian Child under the Israeli Occupation Prepared by: Ahmed el-Helah and Mariam Itani Translated by: Iman Itani Published in: 2010 (1st Edition) Physical details: 96 pages, 17*21 cm, paperback  

---

This book is about the various dimensions of the suffering of the Palestinian children under the Israeli occupation.

They are deprived from most of their rights; a dignified living, good health, safe environment, education, shelter and good nutrition.

Israeli aggression is ruining the children’s families and friends, its missiles and bulldozers have been destroying their homes and their schools.

Above all, they might find themselves as targets for the occupation’s fire; hence, they get killed, injured and detained.

All of this happens at a time while we think that the world has become civilized and no cruel colonization could ever still exist.

This series is a rich interactive documentation of the Palestinian suffering under the Israeli occupation. It focuses on the Israeli violations of the Palestinians' basic human rights. This series is also distinguished with academic, well documented, comprehensive, concise, and graphically-supported, It is published (& ongoing publication) in both Arabic and English Languages.