Samson Blinded: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict by Obadiah Shoher

Obadiah Shoher, author of Samson Blinded: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict, writes not for idealists. He is veteran politician, and knows how the things really work. Many people want the literature to carry them away from truth into the skies of high moralism. Shoher rejects that.

Shoher tells naked truths; and truth hurts. He believes, however, that lies hurt even more, prolonging the suffering on both sides.

Shoher writes about terrorists with respect: people ready to die for their values are hardly criminals as media paints them. This respect leads Shoher to suggest his often-opposed measures, dealing with terrorists as with enemy soldiers, not criminals.

Shoher discusses ethics of statehood and warfare. In one chapter, he refutes Huntington's thesis about the clash of civilizations. No wonder that Shoher the rationalist despises Huntington's idea that mere cultural differences cause wars.
Shoher, as always, approaches his subject from a variety of angles. Speaking of terrorism, he analyzes religious and ethical grounds, realpolitik, military and security matters, effects on liberties, and many other issues.

Samson Blinded uses the example of Israel to show the things important for people of every country: the extent of crime and punishment, the cost for others of one's self-preservation, and the strength we need to maintain peace.