ABSTRACT
This chapter tries to set the conflict in its historical and political perspective, to examine its immediate origins, to account for the remarkable course which it took, and to discuss its significance for a world which shows fewer signs than ever of abandoning the use of violence as an instrument of policy. The conflict between Jews – a nation without a State – and Arabs – a nation divided into too many States – was evident to some experts from the beginning. But it was slow to acquire international significance. The Jews in Israel in fact had to assume the burden of defending themselves against their enemies ten years before the British abandoned the Mandate and left them on their own. As for the Arabs, the war had done nothing to appease their anger, and much to exacerbate it. Their political and social system had been violently disrupted.
