Presents an insightful critique of the contradictions of Zionism. This book argues that Israel is an incorrigible human rights offender because, by discriminating against Arabs, it is guilty of 'state-sponsored racism'. It states that, like apartheid South Africa, the best hope for peace in Israel is to return to the idea of a one-state solution.

This book presents a sensitive and insightful critique of the contradictions of Zionism. Joel Kovel argues that Israel is an incorrigible human rights offender because, by discriminating against Arabs, it is guilty of 'state-sponsored racism'. Like apartheid South Africa, the best hope for peace in Israel is to return to the idea of a one-state solution, where Jews and Palestinians can co-exist in a secular democracy. Kovel is well-known writer on the middle east conflict. This book draws on his detailed knowledge to show that Zionism and democracy are essentially incompatible. He offers a thoughtful account of the emotional and psychological aspects of Zionism that helps us understand the relationship between ideology, culture and political processes. Ultimately, Kovel argues, a two-state solution is essentially hopeless as it concedes too much to the regressive forces of nationalism, wherein lie the roots of continued conflict.

Part One COMING TO ZION
1. A People Apart
2. The Unnatural History of a Bad Idea
3. The Spectre of Shoah
Part Two THE JEWISH STATE
4. The Only Democracy in the Middle East
5. Facts on the Ground
6. Partners in Zion
7. Bad Conscience and State Racism
8. Slouching Toward Jerusalem
Part Three ZIONISM OVERCOME
9. Beyond the Two-State Solution
10. Palesrael: A Secular and Universal Democracy for Israel/Palestine
Bibliography
Index.