The Much Too Promised Land: America's Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace

(Paperback)

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"Much Too Promised Land" is a completely unique analysis of two decades of America's efforts to help achieve peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict. As advisor to six secretaries of state and intimate of the power-brokers on all sides of the negotiating table, Miller recounts his personal experiences - enhanced by having undertaken more than 160 candid interviews exclusively for this book. Miller asks not only 'What should be done' but the contextual question of 'What has been done - and what is still possible'. As Foreigns affairs stated in their glowing review of "Much Too Promised Land", 'this book is an insightful critique of U.S. policy packaged as personal memoir...[it] provides the raw material from which sound history can be constructed'. Candid, personal, deeply researched, and brilliantly illuminated by the outspoken commentary of former presidents, secretaries of state, as well as Miller's negotiating peers, this is a book of enduring importance.

Reviews

"A revealing and well-written memoir.... Miller fills his pages with real characters and sly observations... [and] sobering tales from the front."The New York Times

"Aaron Miller has written the most definitive and insightful work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the attempts to mediate it. He possesses a depth of experience and understanding of this complex situation that is unmatched by anybody else who has participated in this process. His passion, intellect, knowledge, and common sense were invaluable in our tenure as mediators. The Much Too Promised Land is a must read for those who desire a true understanding of the most critical peace issue of our time."General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired)

This book is absolutely necessary reading for anyone who cares about a Middle East peace. Aaron David Miller recounts the history of negotiations based on his deep personal involvement. Not only is it a fascinating tale, it helps us better understand the solution that someday will be possible.Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein: His Life and Universe

Aaron David Miller presents a candid insight into the Middle East peace process. His storytelling gifts make the pages difficult to resist as he moves from anecdote to analysis, and offers an intimate portrayal of the minds and personalities of the major players. This is an unpredictable and challenging book. George J. Mitchell

Aaron David Miller shines a floodlight on the workings of America's Middle East policy. He has written the rarest kind of diplomatic historyboth knowing and accessible. This is a book peopled by large, historic figuresArabs, Israelis, and Americans, and Aaron Miller renders them with artistry. He was there as this diplomatic history was made, and he distills it for his readers with honesty and wisdom and no small measure of irreverence. A superb and exquisitely rendered book.Fouad Ajami, Majid Khadduri Professor of Middle East Studies, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

"In this absorbing volume, as one who participated in numerous high level negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Aaron Miller offers both information and insight to interested and concerned readers."Elie Wiesel

Illuminating... the value of the book is its rich and colorful history of past negotiations, and Miller's sharp-edged analysis of what went wrong and right. Memo to the secretary of state: The next time you head off to Jerusalem, throw out some of those briefing papers to make room for this book in your briefcase.Washington Post

Extraordinary. Miller evinces genuine compassion for both sides in the conflict while maintaining a detachment that allows him to draw hard conclusions. Millers writing is both approachable and deeply smart.Publishers Weekly, starred review

Combines memoir with what might be called a primer on diplomacy. Recommended reading for the next administration, if not this one.Kirkus Reviews

A book of great significance, owing to its breadth, objectivity, and judgment.Library Journal, starred review

"Insightful.... [Including] a nuanced meditation on the interface between U.S. domestic politics and the situation in the middle East. A spirited and intimate account."Foreign Affairs

Author Bio

AARON DAVID MILLER is a public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. For the last two decades he has served as an advisor to six secretaries of state, helping to formulate U.S. policy on the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli peace process. A father of two grown children he lives with his wife in Chevy Chase, Maryland.