Original Sin ~ Stanly Johny

 Original Sin: Israel, Palestine and the Revenge of Old West Asia – Stanly Johny

This short book by Stanly Johny is an attempt to cover the major conflict in West Asia in the light of the October 7 2023 attack by Hamas. Over eight chapters, Stanly discusses various aspects of the conflict- the historical context, the wars, attempts at peace, American stand, Iran and proxies, October 7 attack itself, the diplomatic stance of India over the years. The book also includes details of the various trips that Stanly took through the region over the year. So it does not entirely read like a history book, at times it takes the nature of a reporter’s journal. Some portions of the book will be familiar to those who follow Stanly’s work in The Hindu. The initial chapter that describes the ordeal he had to go through at multiple Israeli checkposts despite being part of the Indian President’s delegation gives a rough idea about the life of an average Palestinian trapped in this region. Book is factual, with enough references, crisp and to the point. Would recommend to anyone who follows geopolitics or interested in learning about the Palestinian struggle.