For most of the 20th century, considered opinion in the United States regarding Palestine has favored the right of Jews to exist in the Holy Land. That Palestinians, as a native population, could claim the same right has been ignored. This book shows how the endurance of such assumptions has impeded a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Christison also challenges prevalent media images and emphasizes the importance of terminology: Two examples are the designation of who is a "terrorist" and the imposition of place names (which can pass judgment on ownership). Christison's thoughtful book raises a final disturbing question: If a broader frame of reference on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict had been employed, allowing a less warped public discourse, might not years of warfare have been avoided and steps toward peace achieved much earlier?