An examination of the rise of Jewish nationalism and the development of the State of Israel in parallel with the rise of Palestinian Arab nationalism and the lack of a national state entity. Not only are the two nationalisms in conflict with each other but issues and conditions for war and peace bring about internal conflict and instability in each of the societies mentioned.

UN resolutions and attempts at conflict resolution will be reviewed as we trace the origins of the clash between the two national entities from 1948 – 2009. In particular, different peace perspectives will be presented and explored for strengths and weaknesses.

Both sides also have their schisms as we will review the Israeli Left and Right disagreements including the extra-parliamentary groups of Peace Now and Gush Emmunim. On the Palestinian side an understanding of the Fatah – Hamas split dividing the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and Gaza will be presented.

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