50 Years of War, the

The conflict in the Middle East between Israel and its neighbors is given comprehensive treatment in this two-video set produced by PBS. Using archival footage and extensive interviews with participants, the production begins by explaining conditions in Palestine at the end of World War II and the crisis created by the exodus of European Jews who went to the Middle East after the Holocaust. The withdrawal of the British, who had controlled Palestine for decades, is detailed, as is the creation of the state of Israel. Much of the region s history is complex, with the local struggles being conducted at times as a part of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, but these videos do an admirable job of explaining the complexities of the situation. The segment on the Six Day War, for example, is masterful, with the scenes shifting from Israel to Egypt to Washington to Moscow, the story developing before the viewer s eyes. The 50 Years War is often a tale of mistrust and betrayal, but this production strives to present a balanced view of history, and is not only impressive for its command of the facts but for its skillful and often dramatic presentation of history. --Robert J. McNamara

Excellent Documentary - Documentary is excellent for everyone who want to know what had been happening in the middle east for past 50 years or so. I agree with one of the reviews made earlier that the beginning of the documentary is not what it should have been. It does not tell about the region under Ottoman rule and the British mandate after World War I. Furthermore, I was very shocked and in utter disbelief that there is no mentioning of massive airlift provided by the United States to Israel in the 1973 war that effectively saved Israel. No word at all. One must wonder why? Any way overall a very informative documentary.

Arafat should shut up!!! - Yasir Arafat is a baby.He blames everyone for the woes of the Palestinians.Did you see the 60 Minutes report on what a criminal he is? He is a thief!!!The worst thing Israel has ever done is not getting rid of him years ago.

the naked truth... - This is the only objective report I ever came across.All the onesI watched or read before are biased -99% of them favoring the jews.This DVD , in contrast , shows the naked truth of how the jews under the cover of British colonialism came to Palestine as illegal immigrants and took over...I wish I had 6 billion copies to give to the whole world for free so that they see the naked truth...

Decent documentary - This is a pretty open minded documentary dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As it is produced by an american TV network, you will expect little information about how Israel literally stole a country from the Palestinians, but apart from that, it s a good documentary.

A Great Watch - Informative and well balanced. Pick it up.

50 Years of War, the