Despite the fact that the two authors are journalists, the book is accurate and credible enough to be used as academic reference. The book covers mainly the Israeli point of view, but its scope is wide and provides insight into the intricate workings and components of the Lebanese-Israeli-Palestinian interactions, as well as the internal aspects of Lebanese and Israeli politics relevant to the issues discussed. The book provides a most interesting and readable coverage of the Israeli military operation, and the behind the scenes planning and intrigue of this operation. Notable is the coverage of the deception used by the Israeli Minister of Defense, Ariel Sharon and Chief of Staff, Rafael Eitan in order to pull the wool over the eyes of the Israeli Prime Minister, Knesset and public. Quite astounding, considering the fact that these events took place in a democratic country. This book is a must for anyone who seeks to understand or research the subject.

The writing (or translating) in this book is forceful, evocative, concise and superb. The criticisms of both Israeli leadership (Labor and Likud), and Palestinian leadership (the PLO and Hamas), during the intifada, are sharp razors of analysis. The book is somewhat out-of-date, and I would love to see an update--not only on the subsequent course of events, but also on what more is known (if anything) about the time period covered by the book (1987-1991). It is, however, enlightening to view the current "peace process" in the light of the authors' predictions, especially that Israel would soon be casting about for someone--anyone--to take the business of micro-governing Gaza and the West Bank off its hands.

This book is a must for an upsetting and deep look into the Intifada. The authors are unsparing in the details and deeply perceptive in the social framework that lead to the revolt.