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Balcony Over Jerusalem: A Middle East Memoir - Israel, Palestine and Beyond
Lyons explains the Middle East through every day life and experiences - his son's school, his wife's friends and his own dealings with a range of people over the six years he lived there.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
298 people are currently reading
1473 people want to read
About the author
John Lyons
129 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Sir John Lyons, LittD, FBA, is an English linguist, working on semantics. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lyo...]
Sir John Lyons, LittD, FBA, is an English linguist, working on semantics. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lyo...]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 17, 2025
This is an excellent book. John Lyons chronicles his time as the Middle East foreign correspondent for The Australian between 2009 and 2015. Based in Jerusalem, he reported on three Gaza wars, the Arab Spring, and the rise of the Islamic State. This book also documents his life during this time and the influence of the Israel lobby in Australia, which routinely slandered Lyons' reporting while having disproportionate influence on Australia's foreign policy. However, this book is primarily his reflections on Israel's almost six-decade occupation of the West Bank—a situation some Israelis have described as worse than apartheid.
I visited Israel when I was at university. I was joined by several politicians whose trip was funded by Israeli organisations. Such trips are ubiquitous for politicians, business people, academics, and journalists. You see the best aspects of Israeli society—e.g., entrepreneurial spirit and scientific rigour—while the oppression of Palestinians is glanced over. Even with limited exposure to Israel-Palestine relations, it was evident that Israeli Jews on the political far right despise Palestinians. Nonetheless, the politicians lauded the Israelis. Consequently, until very recently, Australia has remained a stooge to America's wedlock with Israel.
I came to the conclusion that there will be no two-state solution. I suspect that Israel may annex the West Bank during the second Trump presidency. Trump shows little regard for Palestinians, recently stating that Egypt and Jordan should absorb Palestinians from Gaza. He is also eager to advance the interests of the Israel lobby. The Arab world is also culpable by squandering the two-state solution in 1948. Post-1967, however, successive Israeli governments, with America's tacit support, have sponsored Israel settlements in the West Bank. According to the politicians in Israel's current government, the West Bank is Israel's God-given right.
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I visited Israel when I was at university. I was joined by several politicians whose trip was funded by Israeli organisations. Such trips are ubiquitous for politicians, business people, academics, and journalists. You see the best aspects of Israeli society—e.g., entrepreneurial spirit and scientific rigour—while the oppression of Palestinians is glanced over. Even with limited exposure to Israel-Palestine relations, it was evident that Israeli Jews on the political far right despise Palestinians. Nonetheless, the politicians lauded the Israelis. Consequently, until very recently, Australia has remained a stooge to America's wedlock with Israel.
I came to the conclusion that there will be no two-state solution. I suspect that Israel may annex the West Bank during the second Trump presidency. Trump shows little regard for Palestinians, recently stating that Egypt and Jordan should absorb Palestinians from Gaza. He is also eager to advance the interests of the Israel lobby. The Arab world is also culpable by squandering the two-state solution in 1948. Post-1967, however, successive Israeli governments, with America's tacit support, have sponsored Israel settlements in the West Bank. According to the politicians in Israel's current government, the West Bank is Israel's God-given right.
Thanks for reading Callum’s Column! Subscribe for free (only your email is required) for new book reviews and political analyses on Australia and the United States: https://callumscolumn.substack.com/
December 10, 2018
I don't usually like what white men have to write or say about Palestine, nor do I think that their opinions are particularly important, but this was such a great read. I didn't necessarily agree with everything written but definitely very insightful. What I think he did really well was contextualise the situation and provide background, facts, and figures.
In the beginning, he wrote that he didn't necessarily take a pro-Israel or pro-Palestine view, just reporting the facts, but most people who do that tend to side-step the reality completely, but he didn't. He brought important attention to what's going on due to the occupation and that Israel is indeed in deep crisis - although in my view, it always has been. He also brought great attention to how dirty the Israel Lobby it is in its tricks to attempts to sway journalists to report in a more pro-Israel way.
All in all, he did a great job highlighting the realities of the situation that have become normalised over time, and clearing up any misconceptions that people may have, as well as misconceptions that pro-Israelis and the Israeli government tend to push about Palestine/Israel.
I enjoyed reading about the six years he spent in Jerusalem and the life there. As a Palestinian, I've only really been to Jerusalem once or twice in my life and both were when I was young, and most of the news I hear about it is when something occurs, so it is refreshing to hear about life in the city.
I also enjoyed reading about his trips to other MENA countries, particularly to Egypt, Libya, and Syria. First-hand accounts of the situations on the ground in those countries during the Arab Spring were interesting to read.
Overall, as an aspiring journo (who is also Palestinian), this was definitely a beneficial read, and a good insight into what being a foreign correspondent is like.
In the beginning, he wrote that he didn't necessarily take a pro-Israel or pro-Palestine view, just reporting the facts, but most people who do that tend to side-step the reality completely, but he didn't. He brought important attention to what's going on due to the occupation and that Israel is indeed in deep crisis - although in my view, it always has been. He also brought great attention to how dirty the Israel Lobby it is in its tricks to attempts to sway journalists to report in a more pro-Israel way.
All in all, he did a great job highlighting the realities of the situation that have become normalised over time, and clearing up any misconceptions that people may have, as well as misconceptions that pro-Israelis and the Israeli government tend to push about Palestine/Israel.
I enjoyed reading about the six years he spent in Jerusalem and the life there. As a Palestinian, I've only really been to Jerusalem once or twice in my life and both were when I was young, and most of the news I hear about it is when something occurs, so it is refreshing to hear about life in the city.
I also enjoyed reading about his trips to other MENA countries, particularly to Egypt, Libya, and Syria. First-hand accounts of the situations on the ground in those countries during the Arab Spring were interesting to read.
Overall, as an aspiring journo (who is also Palestinian), this was definitely a beneficial read, and a good insight into what being a foreign correspondent is like.
August 25, 2017
This book made me feel better about the guilt I was always made to feel about my distrust and disgust for Israel. The distrust garnered while listening to Netanyahu talk about Peace as he approves a new swathe of settlements; the disgust I felt as I watched on my social media feed the unreported killings of young Palestinians by heavily armoured Zionist soldiers on a weekly, or daily basis. I was made to feel - because of the revulsion I felt of a so called modern democracy that treats its non Jewish citizens as second class, or worse - like an anti-Semite. This book, written by a journalist from the same media that generally protects Israel, who had lived in Israel for six years, gave me justification to feel that what I was seeing in alternative media was not simply anti-Semitic propaganda. There is in fact a real problem with the modern dream of Zionism.
The most important thing about this book is that it's mainstream, written by a credible mainstream journalist and presented in mainstream book stores. It presents Israel in all it's warts. The history of the settlements, the racism of the Zionist dream, the asymmetric atrocities in its name. Pro Israel supporters may argue that the book lacks context, but with this I would disagree. The book is written from the point of view of a journalist living amongst it, within the very community he writes about. There is plenty of context.
The book is not simply about Israel. It is really very much about Lyon's own personal journey as a journalist and is as much about his reckonings with the Australian Israeli lobby and its unfair use of bullying to hinder fair reporting that might put Israel in a bad light. Their justification? It would make people dislike Israel.
Lyons memoirs takes us not only around Israel but also to other problematic nations around the region such as Syria, Egypt and Iran. It is as much a journalistic travelogue as it is a plea to sanity.
This is a book I hope everyone in Australia reads, mainly because Australia is possibly one of the most pro Israel nations and not surprisingly, also one of the most media controlled nations by a pro Israel lobby.
Whether you are pro Israel or anti settlements, if you are Jewish or not, this is a book every Australian must read, probably more so if you are Jewish as it is this sector of Australian society which blindly supports Israel unconditionally more than any other.
The truth needs to be read and it won't be found in the pages of a media that is threatened and strangled by the Israeli lobby of Australia, so pick this book up. It's an easy read, even enjoyable at times, but ends on a sober note that if the status quo remains, many of the friends he has left there, both Jewish and Palestinian, will suffer the consequences of decades of Zionist intransigence.
This must be read.
The most important thing about this book is that it's mainstream, written by a credible mainstream journalist and presented in mainstream book stores. It presents Israel in all it's warts. The history of the settlements, the racism of the Zionist dream, the asymmetric atrocities in its name. Pro Israel supporters may argue that the book lacks context, but with this I would disagree. The book is written from the point of view of a journalist living amongst it, within the very community he writes about. There is plenty of context.
The book is not simply about Israel. It is really very much about Lyon's own personal journey as a journalist and is as much about his reckonings with the Australian Israeli lobby and its unfair use of bullying to hinder fair reporting that might put Israel in a bad light. Their justification? It would make people dislike Israel.
Lyons memoirs takes us not only around Israel but also to other problematic nations around the region such as Syria, Egypt and Iran. It is as much a journalistic travelogue as it is a plea to sanity.
This is a book I hope everyone in Australia reads, mainly because Australia is possibly one of the most pro Israel nations and not surprisingly, also one of the most media controlled nations by a pro Israel lobby.
Whether you are pro Israel or anti settlements, if you are Jewish or not, this is a book every Australian must read, probably more so if you are Jewish as it is this sector of Australian society which blindly supports Israel unconditionally more than any other.
The truth needs to be read and it won't be found in the pages of a media that is threatened and strangled by the Israeli lobby of Australia, so pick this book up. It's an easy read, even enjoyable at times, but ends on a sober note that if the status quo remains, many of the friends he has left there, both Jewish and Palestinian, will suffer the consequences of decades of Zionist intransigence.
This must be read.
December 27, 2017
An eye opening, fascinating but deeply troubling first hand account of the perpetual and seemingly unsolvable tragedy that is the Palestine-Israel conflict. A much admired, well credentialed, and above all highly principled and fair journalist, Lyons not only recounts the complex dilemma of the Israeli-Palestinian divide, but more broadly, the general casualty of the Middle East. The account is honest, to the point and importantly, based on an objective approach to what is a highly sensitive, divisive and politicised 'hot poato' of an issue. A thoroughly gripping and contemporary memoir.
April 17, 2024
If it was up to me this would be essential reading for anyone with even a vague interest in Middle East politics, particularly Australians.
January 23, 2018
Loved, loved, loved this book. I’m a history buff, and have been traveling to the Middle East a lot lately, so this book resonated. This details the unpublitized side of Israel, that I think everyone should know about. It also gives good updates on all the countries around Israel. This is a must read, then it’ll prompt dinner conversations!
February 20, 2019
John Lyons has worked for a lot of Australia's conservative media but I did not recognise his name. So it was a surprise to read of his six years in Jerusalem (2009-2015) as a foreign correspondent. He was at first hopeful he would see a solution to the ongoing Palestinian/Israel dilemma but he soon saw a different Israel to what he had expected and left the country very concerned as to the future of Israel and the region. While in Israel he witnessed and reported on the Arab Spring, the start of the current Syrian civil war, and the ongoing role of the USA and Russia. By reporting the facts as he saw them he was also on the receiving end of much negative press from Jewish lobby groups especially in Australia.
His book will no doubt receive a mixed reaction but on the surface it seems a balanced and well thought out set of arguments as to the impacts being created by the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and the treatment of the Palestinian population who will soon (or have already) outnumber the Jewish population of Israel.
His book will no doubt receive a mixed reaction but on the surface it seems a balanced and well thought out set of arguments as to the impacts being created by the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and the treatment of the Palestinian population who will soon (or have already) outnumber the Jewish population of Israel.
July 14, 2024
Essential reading. Very chilling reading John’s accurate predictions about a situation that was a ticking time bomb in 2017 when the book was written, and living through the genocide occurring in 2024 as I write this.
“If the whole world could see the occupation up close, it would demand that it end tomorrow. Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians would not pass muster in the West if the full details were known. The only reason Israel is getting away with this is because it has one of the most formidable public-relations machines ever seen, and enormous support from its diaspora communities. But while this worked for the first few decades of the occupation, now virtually every incident between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian is filmed by a mobile phone. Military occupations look ugly because they are ugly. Israel’s reputation will bleed as long as its control over another people continues.”
“If the whole world could see the occupation up close, it would demand that it end tomorrow. Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians would not pass muster in the West if the full details were known. The only reason Israel is getting away with this is because it has one of the most formidable public-relations machines ever seen, and enormous support from its diaspora communities. But while this worked for the first few decades of the occupation, now virtually every incident between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian is filmed by a mobile phone. Military occupations look ugly because they are ugly. Israel’s reputation will bleed as long as its control over another people continues.”
February 12, 2024
Rounded up from 4.5.
Everyone should read this book. Even people with some knowledge of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank pre-Oct 7 will have their eyes opened to the complete lack of transparency over Israel’s occupation and the machines that allow this to happen.
Everyone should read this book. Even people with some knowledge of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank pre-Oct 7 will have their eyes opened to the complete lack of transparency over Israel’s occupation and the machines that allow this to happen.
September 10, 2020
For all Lyons' commentary on the personal attacks on his credibility by the Pro-Israel diaspora in Balcony Over Jerusalem, I find it fascinating that the same parties haven't hammered it (and him) via reviews here.
This book is foremost about Israel and Palestine, with some short chapters on experiences in other Middle Eastern countries thrown in at intervals throughout in a way that only makes it more confusing as there is no chronological order. I was disappointed by the lack of depth in description and again by the lack of a narrative or series of threads throughout to bring it all together. It feels more instructional and even the interviews come across in black and white with very little colour, so despite some terrible situations described, there's no overflow of reader compassion which I think is the difference between a memoir and a book on current affairs or history.
What is really interesting is learning about the Pro-Israel lobby and I think Balcony Over Jerusalem gives you a better understanding of the politics and politicking that goes on around the world and what keeps this tiny wedge of land in the global spotlight. This book is really quite enlightening for the most part, but I found the execution lacking.
This book is foremost about Israel and Palestine, with some short chapters on experiences in other Middle Eastern countries thrown in at intervals throughout in a way that only makes it more confusing as there is no chronological order. I was disappointed by the lack of depth in description and again by the lack of a narrative or series of threads throughout to bring it all together. It feels more instructional and even the interviews come across in black and white with very little colour, so despite some terrible situations described, there's no overflow of reader compassion which I think is the difference between a memoir and a book on current affairs or history.
What is really interesting is learning about the Pro-Israel lobby and I think Balcony Over Jerusalem gives you a better understanding of the politics and politicking that goes on around the world and what keeps this tiny wedge of land in the global spotlight. This book is really quite enlightening for the most part, but I found the execution lacking.
May 11, 2018
This book made me incredibly angry. Not because it is poorly written ... quite the contrary. The author has spent a considerable time in the region and was prepared to shrug off criticism and pressure (including some from his editor, Nick Cater) to write an account that should stand the test of time. I've always thought that unravelling the complexities of the Middle East were beyond any one individual, but it only takes one or two to bring down the shaky edifice. I consider any form of racism is abhorrent and I really don't understand the level of anti-semitism, particularly when it involves a people who have done so much to improve the world in which we live: through advocacy, innovation, science, technology, leadership, business and literature. The Holocaust was a monstrous atrocity and should never be forgotten. Therefore, it's so much harder to accept that those whose forefathers were victims of that very atrocity, could hold their 'neighbours' in such disdain. Balcony Over Jerusalem is a masterful work ... just don't expect to 'enjoy' it.
October 19, 2017
This is really essential reading for anyone interested in news and current affairs. Because of the way media organisations cover the situation in Israel, and the influence and pressure from various lobby groups, it's impossible to get an accurate sense of what's going on. But John Lyons was there, he lived and breathed it for six years, and he spells it out in clear terms. He is a journalist with great integrity and I admire his insistence on revealing the truth. His memoir is both eye-opening and confronting. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2019
This is a remarkable book. What goes on the Middle East has always been a bit of a mystery to me. But John Lyons has explained it in a way which is very engaging and clearly articulated. He spent six years living in Jerusalem with his family working as a journalist reporting on the area. His book weaves his personal journey with his observations of the political and cultural turmoil particularly between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It is so well written that it is totally engaging. If you want to learn about this area of the world then this is a fantastic book to start with.
January 9, 2024
Listening to reports of the war in the Middle East at the moment I realised how ignorant I was about this area so I turned to John Lyons book to fill in at least some of the gaps. It certainly did this and far, far more! I'm not going too far to say that it has changed my whole outllook on world politics, especially the way in which it is reported, and not in a good way. A wonderful account by an only too rare journalist who is scrupulous with the truth; at times to his detriment. A thoroughly engrossing and thought provoking read.
December 16, 2020
What enlightenment is provided here. An insight into the Jewish thinking about Israel and their "exceptionalism" in a world of others. Having visited Israel in 2012 I sensed an electricity in the air (certainly in Jerusalem) and came away wondering when things would implode. I even bought a book at Ben Gurion airport, the Complete idiot's guide to the Middle East Conflict to help put things into perspective in my own mind. I wanted to nut out the situation without apportioning blame or judgement.
John Lyons, award winning journalist, at times editor of various national newspapers and now Head of Investigative Journalism at the ABC has crafted a masterpiece I couldn't put down. He was 6 years living in that part of the world with his wife and son and made it his business to see the treatment of the Palestinian people close up.
As he said "I have no dog in the fight on either side" so he has no cause to exaggerate but carefully explains the Jewish mindset of being perennially the victims (hence the Palestinians can never be seen as having that mantle). Fascinating reading that made sense of things I'd noticed 8 years ago
John Lyons, award winning journalist, at times editor of various national newspapers and now Head of Investigative Journalism at the ABC has crafted a masterpiece I couldn't put down. He was 6 years living in that part of the world with his wife and son and made it his business to see the treatment of the Palestinian people close up.
As he said "I have no dog in the fight on either side" so he has no cause to exaggerate but carefully explains the Jewish mindset of being perennially the victims (hence the Palestinians can never be seen as having that mantle). Fascinating reading that made sense of things I'd noticed 8 years ago
April 27, 2018
Bravely well-written memoir. This book tells the Middle East story from neutral point of view of the Australian foreign journalist, John Lyons.
Unlike crystal clear North Korea issues, which the deflectors have given various media their similar testimonies, the news circulating about the Middle East (Mainly Israel-Palestine) were never really clear with many biases and yellow journalism. This book gives insight into different perspectives of political, religious, economic, and personal view from various sides regarding Middle East issues while explaining the facts.
Balcony Over Jerusalem has successfully stirred emotion and raise questions. Reading the details of the Palestinian civilians' daily life gives me distress of how disturbing the situation over there, even worse, knowing that it is still happening at this very moment. Personally, as someone from the Far East, problems that occur in the Middle East are rarely heard and the problem regarding Jerusalem has never interested me. After reading this book, well, it makes me wonder a little, will Jerusalem ever know peace?
Unlike crystal clear North Korea issues, which the deflectors have given various media their similar testimonies, the news circulating about the Middle East (Mainly Israel-Palestine) were never really clear with many biases and yellow journalism. This book gives insight into different perspectives of political, religious, economic, and personal view from various sides regarding Middle East issues while explaining the facts.
Balcony Over Jerusalem has successfully stirred emotion and raise questions. Reading the details of the Palestinian civilians' daily life gives me distress of how disturbing the situation over there, even worse, knowing that it is still happening at this very moment. Personally, as someone from the Far East, problems that occur in the Middle East are rarely heard and the problem regarding Jerusalem has never interested me. After reading this book, well, it makes me wonder a little, will Jerusalem ever know peace?
December 18, 2024
A fascinating, eye opening and horrific memoir of 6 years as a journalist covering the Middle East, based in Jerusalem. Coming to Israel as an outsider, Lyons pretty quickly became aware of the realities of life in occupation, both for the Israelis and the Palestinians. He is under no illusions that the occupation will bring only pain for Israel in the future, and that Netentahu does not want peace. Lyons also covers the Arab Spring in Egypt and Libya, elections in Iran and the beginning of the Assad downfall in Syria. But his focus is on Israel and the West Bank where he explores in depth the occupation and how it affects Israel both at home and its reputation overseas. Particularly interesting is the influence Israel exerts on media and politicians in Western countries, especially in the US and in Lyon's home in Australia. It makes for dark reading.
This is a must read for anyone who is unsure about Israel and it's war crimes. For as an impartial observer, Lyons nothing short of damns the country and it's leaders and warns of tragedy to come.
This is a must read for anyone who is unsure about Israel and it's war crimes. For as an impartial observer, Lyons nothing short of damns the country and it's leaders and warns of tragedy to come.
September 7, 2019
A wonderful read offering great insight into many world events as seen from a top rate journalist, and in particular into the Israel - Palestinian conflict. Lyons was subject to much criticism when the book was first published, mainly from the Australian Israel lobby who are masters at manipulating the public narrative in support of the often draconian stance of the Israeli Government.
It is impossible to be neutral about what happpening in the Middle East, and even harder to try to understand the historical, economical and cultural implications of a region which has not known peaceful coexistences since - well - forever. Lyons is not neutral, but his journalistic integrity and competence renders this a must read book for those wanting to understand. Highly recommended.
It is impossible to be neutral about what happpening in the Middle East, and even harder to try to understand the historical, economical and cultural implications of a region which has not known peaceful coexistences since - well - forever. Lyons is not neutral, but his journalistic integrity and competence renders this a must read book for those wanting to understand. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2019
A terrific read by a very well informed and experienced world class journalist. I found it very factual, matter of fact, balanced and a great memoir of his 6 year posting in an area of the Middle East that is baffling to the rest of the world. Although packed with facts, it was an easy read and probably well worth a second read to really absorb the situation. Thoroughly recommended.
January 27, 2020
Very informative and interesting.
September 7, 2025
Finally finished this one! I’ll never forgot his descriptions of Palestinian children being taken in the night, beaten by the Israeli army (“the most moral army in the world” as they proclaim) and then put on trial and jailed, on mass.
This Australian journalist was the foreign correspondent for 10 years in Jerusalem and paints such an even-handed picture of what occupation has looked like in the 21st century. The constant questioning and threats for his journalism from Zionist lobby groups in Australia is so eye-opening, as is the list of Australian politicians, teachers and leaders who get free tours of Israel… I wonder why.
Bravo to brave journalists 🌷
This Australian journalist was the foreign correspondent for 10 years in Jerusalem and paints such an even-handed picture of what occupation has looked like in the 21st century. The constant questioning and threats for his journalism from Zionist lobby groups in Australia is so eye-opening, as is the list of Australian politicians, teachers and leaders who get free tours of Israel… I wonder why.
Bravo to brave journalists 🌷
October 28, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 23, 2018
John Lyons was "The Australian" Middle East correspondent for six years. It is a tumultuous part of the world and Lyons was there during a turbulent time. The misnamed "Arab Spring," the continued conflict between Israel and Palestinians, Iran, Egypt and Libya all come under his scrutiny.
I often ignore news items about Israel and the Palestinians, it is also depressing. As a young somewhat naïve idealist I had much admiration for Israel and its struggle to exist. I admire the resourcefulness and determination of its citizens and If I had the courage and the money I would have gone and worked on a kibbutz.
What changed for me? I think the moment came when I saw two Israeli settlers speak aggressively about their hate for Palestinians and their desire to extend "from the brook of Egypt to the Euphrates" the borders of Israel. He and she spoke passionately about how Greater Israel and how God said that it had to be. He sounded like an Islamic fundamentalist and once god gets involved all rationality is gone.
As I have seen more and more reports of Israeli government sanctioned brutality towards the Palestinians and their warping of history and failure to introduce decent and fair laws my concern for Israel has declined. That is not to say that the Palestinians are totally innocent. They have been poorly led and their use of violence has achieved little. I sometimes wonder how success they would have been if they had followed Ghandi's principles of non-violent civil disobedience.
Lyons also writes about the pressure that he experienced from the Australian Israel lobby. Both here and in the USA it is a most powerful lobby, although they will deny it. To quote Shakespeare the lady doth protest too much, methinks. Many supporters of Israel cannot accept any criticism of Israel, valid or otherwise. Recent votes in the UN have demonstrated how Israel has alienated many countries.
I have travelled through Iran and agree with many of his observations of that fragmented country. He discusses the failures of the Arab Spring to bring democracy and accountability to the area and the ceaseless violence.
The book is not a detailed account of the Middle East but it is an insightful reflection of one journalists experiences in the region.
I often ignore news items about Israel and the Palestinians, it is also depressing. As a young somewhat naïve idealist I had much admiration for Israel and its struggle to exist. I admire the resourcefulness and determination of its citizens and If I had the courage and the money I would have gone and worked on a kibbutz.
What changed for me? I think the moment came when I saw two Israeli settlers speak aggressively about their hate for Palestinians and their desire to extend "from the brook of Egypt to the Euphrates" the borders of Israel. He and she spoke passionately about how Greater Israel and how God said that it had to be. He sounded like an Islamic fundamentalist and once god gets involved all rationality is gone.
As I have seen more and more reports of Israeli government sanctioned brutality towards the Palestinians and their warping of history and failure to introduce decent and fair laws my concern for Israel has declined. That is not to say that the Palestinians are totally innocent. They have been poorly led and their use of violence has achieved little. I sometimes wonder how success they would have been if they had followed Ghandi's principles of non-violent civil disobedience.
Lyons also writes about the pressure that he experienced from the Australian Israel lobby. Both here and in the USA it is a most powerful lobby, although they will deny it. To quote Shakespeare the lady doth protest too much, methinks. Many supporters of Israel cannot accept any criticism of Israel, valid or otherwise. Recent votes in the UN have demonstrated how Israel has alienated many countries.
I have travelled through Iran and agree with many of his observations of that fragmented country. He discusses the failures of the Arab Spring to bring democracy and accountability to the area and the ceaseless violence.
The book is not a detailed account of the Middle East but it is an insightful reflection of one journalists experiences in the region.
January 20, 2024
Five stars because most have not been to Israel and to understand another culture its best to immerse yourself in it. Lyons, author/journalist, did this for six years. He sometimes becomes the story due to the attacks on him by the Jewish lobby in Australia. I thought this could have been reduced a bit which would allow for more insights into the situation in Israel and it's neighbours. I have been to Israel, many many moons ago, and when the cruel underbelly is accidentally revealed it is shocking. I don't believe that it is easy for Israel to exist but they do themselves no favours in their actions to the Palestinians (and the bullying of journalists). This book 'ended' about 8 years ago yet the atrocities continue and are coming to the fore again with the current Gaza war. Netanyahu, is an example of what is wrong with modern politics (maybe politics forever) in many parts of the world ... the wrong people seek power and do damage to all around them. While that is the case, humanity will struggle to be humane. My only negative comment is the book could be seen as one-sided.... and that may make some not accept what the author has witnessed.
September 20, 2019
I'm in a small group of people who did not find this book amazing, insightful etc.
To be fair, this is not my usual type of read and I didn't finish the book so my judgment may be unfair on the author.
I found that the book skimmed over certain aspects and spent rather too long telling readers how he had travelled to one place or another, ignoring or getting round visa restrictions etc. I also thought he hopped rather quickly from one thing to another, one country to another. For example, Kaddafi in Libya was despatched in a few pages with little in-depth analysis of the country's situation then we were off somewhere else. Perhaps the author assumed that his readers all had extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern politics etc. and did not require further explanations? For me, this was a somewhat superficial read, with an evident bias.
However, I stress that I did not finish the book.
To be fair, this is not my usual type of read and I didn't finish the book so my judgment may be unfair on the author.
I found that the book skimmed over certain aspects and spent rather too long telling readers how he had travelled to one place or another, ignoring or getting round visa restrictions etc. I also thought he hopped rather quickly from one thing to another, one country to another. For example, Kaddafi in Libya was despatched in a few pages with little in-depth analysis of the country's situation then we were off somewhere else. Perhaps the author assumed that his readers all had extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern politics etc. and did not require further explanations? For me, this was a somewhat superficial read, with an evident bias.
However, I stress that I did not finish the book.
November 12, 2024
John Lyons is an experienced and respected Australian journalist (as opposed to those who tout agendas and entertainment as news) who spent six years living in Jerusalem as a Middle East correspondent from 2009 to 2015.
This is an objective account of his time there, with quotes and information that is all referenced. The author saw his job as being to see as much as he could and provide a factual, unbiased account of what he found. It also includes time spent in Egypt, Libya and Iran and some examination of the Arab Spring.
If you are wanting to understand the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, then this is a very good place to start. Despite being written prior to October 2023, unfortunately the author predicted that this would happen, and why.
Essential reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
This is an objective account of his time there, with quotes and information that is all referenced. The author saw his job as being to see as much as he could and provide a factual, unbiased account of what he found. It also includes time spent in Egypt, Libya and Iran and some examination of the Arab Spring.
If you are wanting to understand the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, then this is a very good place to start. Despite being written prior to October 2023, unfortunately the author predicted that this would happen, and why.
Essential reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
June 26, 2018
The view of a reasonable man
For anyone wanting to understand the situation in Palestine, this is the view of one, reasonable journalist with a very serious message. It’s not going to make you feel warm and fuzzy towards the state of Israel, but Netanyahu is doing a good job of that already. Lloyd explores the justifications offered and tests them. It’s all in all a serious read but it’s well written and Lloyd’s developing knowledge of his subject is all too clear. A good, thought-provoking read.
For anyone wanting to understand the situation in Palestine, this is the view of one, reasonable journalist with a very serious message. It’s not going to make you feel warm and fuzzy towards the state of Israel, but Netanyahu is doing a good job of that already. Lloyd explores the justifications offered and tests them. It’s all in all a serious read but it’s well written and Lloyd’s developing knowledge of his subject is all too clear. A good, thought-provoking read.
July 8, 2019
Very informative, easy to read memoir of the author’s six year stay in Jerusalem as the middle east editor of The Australian.
I thought I was someone well versed in the arab-israel conflict, but this book opened up to me a new dimension to the Israeli Occupation of the West Bank.
2 chapters in particular were illuminating for me - Frankenstein’s Monster and The Lobby.
The first puts “Apartheid State” into context and the second gives an Australian dimension to thus tragedy.
Something for everyone pro-Palestinian / Pro-Israeli / Neutrals
I thought I was someone well versed in the arab-israel conflict, but this book opened up to me a new dimension to the Israeli Occupation of the West Bank.
2 chapters in particular were illuminating for me - Frankenstein’s Monster and The Lobby.
The first puts “Apartheid State” into context and the second gives an Australian dimension to thus tragedy.
Something for everyone pro-Palestinian / Pro-Israeli / Neutrals
April 23, 2021
This is the kind of book that lays bare how useless our political ‘leaders’ are. Seeing the garbage that happens in the other parts of the world breaks my heart, makes me Appreciate my little simple life even more. This book should be a high school staple - don’t watch the ‘news’ without it. Otherwise you’ll think they actually know what they’re talking about, and you’ll become a part of the same ignorant lying agenda.
September 2, 2019
This book by John Lyons has given me an real insight into the Israel/Palestine, never ending saga, other than the Media’s portrayal.
Thorough, honest & courageously responsible research has been delivered into this book; I now feel I understand the real Victim in the Gaza Wars & for me, it’s certainly not Israel!
Thorough, honest & courageously responsible research has been delivered into this book; I now feel I understand the real Victim in the Gaza Wars & for me, it’s certainly not Israel!
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