This is a far more insightful and comprehensive work than several books on Lebanon I have read in recent years. Although I take issue with some of the author's arguments, the book is a solid academic work not only on the war but also on Lebanese society and politics. It is also based on new data and research material. The book is highly recommended for specialists on Lebanese and Arab politics.

This is a superb book in terms of addressing the events of the war. The style begins by being almost thesis-like, in which he addresses notions of state, and then becomes a more journalistic type account of events that triggered the war in Lebanon.

For the reviewer who says that denying the domestic roots of the civil war, I highly doubt that they read the book- because the book does none of that!

Highly instructive, hightly recommended.

This well researched, scholarly book on Lebanese politics and society is a welcome contribution to the study of conflict in the Middle East. The subject matter Farid el Khazen deals with is no doubt complex and controversial. But the author presents his arguments in a balanced and convincing way. His novel approach - examining Lebanon in crisis situations in broader regional perspective - is original and lucid. For anyone seeking to know the internal and external causes of the war in Lebanon, this is the book to read.