OSHER 377 - Israel and Palestine

The slender strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River seems to be the most prized possession of both the modern and ancient worlds. No area has been trod by so many varied footsteps nor watered by so much bloodshed. Osher members will learn about the many inhabitants of this land and their political and religious histories, leading to today's Israeli/Palestinian difficulties. We will discuss the political parties and factions which shape Israeli and Palestinian passions today, the relationships of both parties with their neighbors such as Iran, Jordan and Egypt; U.S. and Russian influence in the area, and the likely outcomes of the new governments which may or may not take hold in the near future.