Each day we read of further war in the Middle East. How did it come to this? To answer this we need to go back to the end of the 19th century, the beginnings of Zionism and the document that formally recognised support for a Jewish state, the Balfour Declaration. This one document set in play 70 years of bloody conflict in the Middle East. Why was it written against so much objection? What was its impact?

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The lead up to the Declaration – who was involved
• Why was it ever written – the powerplay
• What does it actually say and mean
• Its impact on Zionism
• Foundation document for the formation of Israel
• Its betrayal of the Arabs and Palestians
• The role of Lawrence of Arabia and his resignation
• Its legacy and impact

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Better understand the root cause of conflict in the Middle East
2. Understand the competing claims for the territory of Israel
3. Better understand the history of Zionism
4. Understand the role of the English and their betrayal of middle east interests and how this set in play ongoing conflict and mistrust.