A Safe Haven: Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel Book

Magnificent. Beautiful. Poignant. Historical.

I've read a lot of articles, white papers, and books on the Middle East, but nothing that compares with this tightly woven, thoroughly detailed, and completely absorbing work by Dr. Radosh on the foreign policy and political intrigue surrounding the 1948 founding of the State of Israel. Starting with the Balfour Declaration in 1917, Haven proceeds to weave an intense narrative that is smoothly paced, even as it contains an abundance of primary sources (telegrams, meeting notes, diary entries) balanced again traditional autobiographies and current affairs pieces (mostly from the era). Despite the massive amount of data and source material, Dr. Radosh never allows Haven to feel forced or pedantic. Even a minor history buff knows the outcome of this seeming diplomatic impasse in history, but I found myself totally enveloped in the urgent drama Haven accurately recreates. Highlights include:

--First, Safe Haven effectively illustrates the political tension between a post-World War II Britain and the United States government, contrasting their opposing visions for the Middle East.

--Second, Haven does an effective, if minimalist job of recreating the mindset of the American landscape (including Truman) in regards to the "Israeli question." Another book could be written on this subject--but as Dr. Radosh notes--it already has been (Israel in the Mind of America, 1983).

--Third, Haven does an amazing job recreating the intrigue surrounding UNSCOP and the various maneuverings by U.N member states during the days leading up to the critical vote for independence.

--Fourth (and perhaps most intriguing), Haven presents startlingly vivid evidence as to the manipulations and machinations of the U.S. State Department, which effectively functioned as Truman's behind-the-scenes opponent for much of the Israeli-Arab debate (earning his permanent distrust in the process). The crystalline picture that emerges is one of a U.S. government in conflict with itself, resulting in several instances of severe international uncertainty as to where the United States actually stood on the Israeli issue. The dynamics between Truman's Oval Office and Gen. Marshall's State Department are some of Haven's most fascinating moments.

--Finally, Haven establishes a nuanced overall picture of a decidedly straight-forward man--President Harry Truman himself. Neither hagiographic nor antagonistic in tone, Haven portraits a human with decided beliefs, swayed and shaped by political circumstances, but ultimately remaining constant to those core principles.

Regardless of your current political stance on the Middle East, Safe Haven delivers a strongly historical, well-researched, and entirely enjoyable read. Your base of knowledge will certainly be improved for having taken this journey.