My Life in the PLO: The Inside Story of the Palestinian Struggle

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This is the inside story of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), from its beginnings in 1964 to the signing of the Oslo agreement in 1993.

For over three decades, the main goal of the PLO was to achieve a just peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and to build a democratic state in Palestine for all its citizens. Shafiq Al-Hout, a high ranking PLO official until his resignation in 1993, provides previously unavailable details on the key events in its history such as its recognition by the UN and the Oslo peace negotiations. Taking us right to the heart of the decision-making processes, this book explains the personalities and internal politics that shaped the PLO's actions and the Palestinian experience of the twentieth century.

Although he was an insider, Al-Hout's book does not shy from analysing and criticising decisions and individuals, including Yasser Arafat. This book is an essential piece of history that sheds new light on the significance of the PLO in the Palestinian struggle for justice.

Reviews

"In this refreshingly unconventional chronicle of a half-century of Palestinian nationalism, tough-minded Shafiq al-Hout never flinches from talking truth to power." – Jonathan Randal, retired Washington Post correspondent

Shafiq Al-Hout was one of the leading figures of the PLO, from its foundation through to the Oslo Agreement. He has written numerous articles, essays and books, including The Left and Arab Nationalism (1959), The Palestinian between Diaspora and State (1977) and Moments of History (1986). He lived in Beirut until his death in 2009.

Jaffa, my city
From homeland to exile
From journalism to politics
The birth of the Palestine Liberation Organization
The factions gain control of the PLO
Jordanian–Palestinian relations
Nasser as I knew him
Fratricidal wars
The PLO at the United Nations
Palestine, around the globe
The Israeli invasion of Lebanon
The Sabra and Shatila massacre
After the departure
The mysterious triangle
The second exodus from Lebanon
The session that changed the path
The Intifada of Stones
Return to the Executive Committee
No final solution without a single democratic Palestine
The night of Abu Ammar's plane crash
Resigning in protest over the Oslo Agreement
After the resignation
My heart rebels
Coming out of a dark abyss