Review by Martin Koenigsberg
In the West, we tend to think of the Six Day War of 1967 and the October War of 1973 as two distinct events. In the Middle East however, everyone knows that there was a war between those high intensity war- the War of Attrition- that the Arab states fought with Israel from 1967, just after the shooting stopped in the Six Day War all the way to 1973- when the Egyptians and Syrians tried again to snuff out the Jewish State with a high intensity war. The War of Attrition was fought at a lower intensity- with Air Raids, Helicopter Commando Insertions, Terrorism. Artillery Duels, and Hijackings – but it did shape the events that came after it and was an important part of the /middle Eastern Narrative. While the Major struggle was with Israel, it was in this period that the PLO attempted coup in Jordan -Black September- and the movement of the PLO to Lebanon happened as well. Bill Norton, a former Air Force Officer and writer on Aerial history follows the action and give us the factual story – without fully getting to the why. With the usual Middle East at War Series treatment from Helion & company, the book is packed with graphs, maps, tables, pictures, and colour plates of essential gear from the struggle. What Norton has trouble explaining is the why? Why keep poking a bear the Just beat you so convincingly? I remember even George Carlin had a joke about the PLO finally recognizing Israel- “who do you think has been kicking your tuchis so many times?” All the bordering countries participated- even those like Jordan and Lebanon who would eventually give up the struggle against Israel. Egypt and Syria continued to raid and shell. Israel, then only a bit stronger than her attackers retaliated, almost always more effectively than the original bite, but not always. The Soviets tested their gear in this war- the US used this as their other laboratory, as their Vietnam commitment wound down. The Military history reader will appreciate so much background to the present mess in the region, the general audience will need it even more. There are a lot of adult themes, mostly political, and a few passages with some graphic injuries, so this is best for the Junior Reader over 12/13 Years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this is really useful resource. The Gamer has a lot of scenarios presented and good colour guidance for the various forces involved, both regulars and irregulars. The Modeler gets all those cool colour plates and a tonne of build ideas for the period- The F-4 Phantom and the A-4 Skyhawk taking over for the Mirages and Mysteres of the Six Day War. The Military Enthusiast gets an often overlooked (in the West) period explained and chronicled to inform the modern reader. Some may find this book very helpful as they try to peel the Middle Eastern onion.
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