Bickerton and Klausner present a concise, yet comprehensive, history specially designed to help readers understand the present situation and how it evolved. Within a chronological framework, the authors explain such critical issues as the rise of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism, the causes and results of the major wars, Great Power rivalries and the effects of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the precarious nature of the "peace process".

Bickerton and Klausner also provide the information necessary to understand the religious, ethnic, and ideological background of the conflict. A new conclusion weighs the implications of the latest developments. In addition of the photos, maps, chronological charts, important documents, and short bibliographies that support the text, a useful glossary is provided, and the index contains a guide to pronunciation of some of the more problematic names and terms used in the book.