Summary of From Beirut to Jerusalem

From Beirut to Jerusalem is an autobiographical account of Thomas Friedman's experiences in the Middle East, from 1979 to the late 1980s. In it, Friedman chronicles his firsthand experiences in Lebanon and Israel during a time of civil unrest and war. He narrates his interactions with a wide range of people, from PLO and other Arab activists to Israeli soldiers and statesmen. He also describes the political and religious tensions that contribute to the ongoing strife. Throughout, Friedman emphasizes a need to deal with the problems of the region through dialogue, understanding, and compromise, rather than confrontation and conflict.