Brokers of Deceit: How the U.S. Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East

Brokers of Deceit examines the United States' role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a critical historical lens. Professor Rashid Khalidi, drawing from his expertise as a historian and firsthand knowledge of the region, presents an analysis spanning several decades of American foreign policy in the Middle East. The book focuses on three pivotal moments: the 1978 Camp David Accords, the 1991 Madrid Conference, and the Obama administration's early handling of Israeli settlements. Khalidi analyzes diplomatic communications, policy documents, and official statements to trace patterns in U.S. involvement with the peace process. The narrative covers the complex interplay between U.S. domestic politics, international diplomacy, and regional dynamics in the Middle East. Through examination of historical records and diplomatic exchanges, the book documents how American policy has evolved over multiple presidential administrations. This work contributes to the broader discourse on international relations and conflict resolution by questioning established narratives about America's role as a neutral mediator. The book presents evidence for a systematic pattern in U.S. foreign policy that has shaped decades of Middle East diplomacy.

Readers found the book presents clear evidence of U.S. foreign policy failures in the Middle East peace process, supported by detailed research and primary sources. Readers appreciated: - Clear documentation of diplomatic exchanges and policy decisions - Analysis of specific cases from Carter through Obama administrations - Historical context and background on key negotiations Common criticisms: - Focus predominantly on U.S./Israeli perspective rather than broader regional view - Some readers felt the tone was overly accusatory - Limited discussion of potential solutions or alternatives Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (43 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Well-researched examination of U.S. policy failures, though sometimes one-sided" - Goodreads reviewer "Documents important historical patterns but needs more balanced perspective" - Amazon reviewer "Strong on facts and sources but weak on proposing ways forward" - LibraryThing reviewer

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by Stephen Walt Documents how pro-Israel groups influence American foreign policy decisions regarding the Middle East peace process.

Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter Presents observations from a former U.S. president's direct involvement in Middle East peace negotiations and policy formation.

They Dare to Speak Out by Paul Findley Chronicles the political consequences faced by U.S. politicians who challenged established Middle East policy positions.

The Peace Process: From Breakthrough to Breakdown by Afif Safieh Provides diplomatic insights from a Palestinian ambassador's perspective on peace negotiations from Oslo through subsequent developments.

Dangerous Alliance: The Story of U.S. Military Assistance to Israel by Stephen Green Traces the evolution of U.S. military support for Israel and its impact on regional diplomatic dynamics.

1. Rashid Khalidi currently holds the Edward Said Chair in Arab Studies at Columbia University and has been a prominent voice in Middle Eastern studies for over four decades. 2. The author coined the phrase "honest broker's dishonesty" to describe how the U.S. often presents itself as a neutral mediator while consistently favoring Israeli interests in peace negotiations. 3. The Camp David Accords, discussed extensively in the book, resulted in Egypt becoming the first Arab state to officially recognize Israel, fundamentally changing Middle Eastern diplomatic dynamics. 4. The book draws from previously classified diplomatic cables and documents released through WikiLeaks, providing readers with behind-the-scenes insights into peace negotiations. 5. The Madrid Conference of 1991, analyzed in detail, marked the first time Israel and its Arab neighbors engaged in direct, face-to-face peace negotiations, with Palestinians participating as part of a joint delegation with Jordan.