Based on newly declassified documents, this book offers a provocative new analysis of President Jimmy Carter's political role in Arab-Israeli diplomacy. It analyzes the reflexive relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy, especially the roles played by the media, public opinion and pro-Israel lobby groups.

Zusammenfassung
'This book makes a critical contribution to our understanding of American foreign policy in the 1970s, an understudied period particularly relevant to the understanding of contemporary Egyptian-Israeli relations and the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate. The book focuses on American attitudes (as shaped and reinforced in the news media) toward the Middle East and its people. Indeed, it is from these broader societal conditions that foreign policy itself springs. Strieff shows that whenever the president becomes directly involved in diplomatic initiatives, politics never stops at the proverbial water's edge.' Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK, and author of Obama and the Middle East: The End of America's Moment?

'This book offers a useful and original contribution to its field, including analyses (such as that of the 1977 Communique and the warplanes sales) which break new ground. The sheer scholarly weight of the study constitutes a landmark work of academic analysis in the area. A vital point of reference for future researchers in the area.' John Dumbrell, Professor of Government, Durham University, UK

Inhalt
Contents
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction: President And Peacemaker

1. The Limits Of Candor (January-May 1977)
2. The ' 'The Need For A Political Plan ' ' (May-July 1977)
3. Firestorm Over U.S.-Soviet Joint Communiqué (August-October, 1977)
4. ' 'Cronkite Diplomacy, ' ' Sadat ' 's Jerusalem Initiative And U.S. Policy (November 1977-February 1978)
5. Capitol Hill Fight Over ' 'Package ' ' Airplane Deal (February-May 1978)
6. ' 'Getting Control ' ' At Camp David (June 1978-September 1978)
7. Desperate Diplomacy And The Egypt-Israel Treaty (October 1978-March 1979)
8. Lines Blur As Election Approaches (April 1979-November 1980)
   Conclusion: Reconciling The Irreconcilable?
   Bibliography