While the Six Day War was forty-five years ago, I think an understanding of the events which led up to the hostilities, and its aftermath, is an essential element for understanding the current state of affairs in Israel and the Middle East.

And Michael Oren's book, "Six Days of War", appears to be an excellent source of information. Some books about military campaigns get bogged down in describing every platoon number, every company number, every battalion and regimental commander, adjutant, and every piece of ordinance and piece of equipment they used or had available. Oren's book seemed to contain the right mix of information on personnel, military, and political perspectives from the Countries involved, as well as for the regional major powers, i.e., the U.S. and Soviet Union.

While Oren is the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and would naturally have a pro-Israeli perspective, I think he met his stated objective of trying to present a fair and even-handed perspective of this important part of MidEast history.
( )

This history of the Six Day War is extremely well written. Based on extensive research, this tale of the war reads better than most thriller/suspense novels I've read. It also presents data from both sides of the equation, though it obviously has a more pro-American / pro-Israeli stance when opinion is interjected into the retelling of events. If you want to know about the Six Day War, though, this is the book to use to acquaint yourself with it. ( )

I read this in a flash a few years ago. It isn't a social history nor is it investigative. It yields a basis for an ideology. I accept that. I just read this review http://www.ussliberty.org/orenbook.htm and it upset my indifference. What can I say? I'm exhausted. ( )

This is a fairly straight forward account of the war with a lot of focus on the three week build up and diplomatic efforts before the war. The book spends little time on the mission critical work of Israeli intelligence in disrupting the Arab communications and sending out false orders. This sowed never before seen chaos particularly with Egyptian front line commanders being falsely ordered to return to Cairo, leaving the men leaderless at the front. ( )

Oren's challenge was to weave together an accurate account of the Six Day War that covered many different perspectives from a myriad of sources. All sides of the conflict needed to be represented and not just from the perspective of battles and conflict. He needed to produce an account that was not only balanced and unbiased, but thorough in its investigation and analysis. This was accomplished through meticulous and extensive research. ( )