Politics of Sacred Space: The Old City of Jerusalem in the Middle East Conflict - Softcover

"Strongly recommended for its crucial background on one of the core issues in the Arab-Israeli peace process." - Choice; "Unbiased in his discussion, Dumper clarifies the issues and draws upon a lifetime of study, writing, and experience. His new book... has exponentially increased this reviewer's understanding of the current situation in the Middle East and should do so for other readers." - Library Journal; "Mick Dumper advances our understanding of the role that the Old City plays in deciding the contours of any future Palestinian-Israeli relationship. He offers a powerful argument providing a template for future negotiations between the main parties." - Clive Jones

Sacred to three traditions, the Old City of jerusalem is the Gordian knot at the centre of the Middle East Conflict. This book explores how religious and political interests compete for control of this sacred space, and how that comptition affects the Middle Eat peace process. Dumper analyzes the religious dynamics inthe Old City in political terms, investigating rivalries and tensions at three interrelated levels: among regional and international interests, among the Christian, Islamic and Jewish establishments, and among sects and factions within the religions. A portrait emerges of an ancient city in the context of contemporary change, central to the attainment of a lasting peace in the region.