ABSTRACT
To understand the attitude of a party to a conflict, we must examine how he understands his own role in the conflict. His self-image affects, not only his view of the reality and the external circumstances which are a background to the conflict, but also his ideology. Side by side with boastful manifestations of inflated self-image, there are indications of mordant and melancholy self-criticism. The self-image and the general approach prevalent in the Arab countries are not helpful in contributing to a sincere view of history. The self-criticism is sometimes spoiled by a tendency to denounce rivals, which makes it a merely verbal exercise. Behind this mask of evasive explanations, it seems that, despite all the excuses, the defeat has left a strong impression. The self-image of grandeur may be of great importance for the course of the conflict, leading to the rejection, as irrelevant, of the criticism that the liquidation of Israel is unattainable in the light of reality.
