Since 2000, the attacks of 9/11, the death of Arafat and the elections of Hamas and Kadima make the Israel/Palestine 'two-state solution' seem illusory. This work maps the effects of local and global political changes on both Palestinian people and politics. It is for those who want to understand a conflict entrenched in global politics.

Contents1. Introduction: Palestine as a colonial issue - Jamil Hilal2. Israel between the "danger of demography" and the binational reality - As'ad Ghanem3. Zionist and Israel perspectives on the two-state solution - Ilan Pappe'4. The paradox of self-determination in Palestine - Nils ButenschOn5. The Bush Administration's "vision" of the two-state solution - Husam A. Mohamed6. The Economic viability of an independent Palestinian state on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - Sufyan Alissa7. The Transformation of Palestinian environment and the viability of the two-state solution - Jad Isaac and Owen Powell8. Hamas; from opposition to rule, precursors and possible outcome - Ziad Abu-Amr9. Hamas and the quest for Palestinian statehood - Are Knudsen and Basem Ezbidi10. Alternative Approaches for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - Sharif S. Elmusa11. Voices of al shatat and the way forward - Karma Nabulsi

'A significant development in the debate over the possibility of a "one state" solution to the "Palestinian problem"...marks an important shift in thinking on the Palestinian issue. It is an important resource for all those struggling for genuine liberation for the Palestinians.' International Socialism 'Thorough and compelling, this book contains eleven illuminating essays with razor sharp analysis on the current state of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the demise of the two-state solution.' Miko Peled, The Electronic Intifada 'A welcome start that might spur others to take on a pressing question.' - Journal of Palestine Studies 'With its thoroughly researched and informative chapters, this authoritative and up-to-date guide to the impasse facing the region is required reading for anyone wishing to understand a conflict entrenched in the heart of global politics.' The Muslim World Book Review