ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to challenge the widely accepted stereotypes of Churchill, as the consistent supporter of the Jews and Zionism, in contrast to that of Bevin, a crass anti-Semite. It argues that the difference between the two was more in their public rhetoric, than in their fundamental beliefs. The book discusses the formation of several Palestinian political institutions, i.e. the Supreme Muslim Council, the Arab Higher Committee, Arab local councils, and political parties. It presents a historical and sociological analysis of the Palestinian Arab middle class during the Mandate. The book discusses the social and political history of minority groups in Palestine – specifically the Druze and Arab-Christians. It argues that these minority groups were alienated from the Arab Moslem majority by processes of radicalisation and Islamisation. The book examines the consequences of Britain’s dual commitment to the Arabs and the Zionists.
