This book is the only work of its kind devoted exclusively to the institutional framework of Palestinian politics from 1856 until December 1920, when the third Palestinian Arab Congress was held in Haifa to decide the future of Palestine. Muslih's book is also the first to present in detail the ideologies of Ottomanism and Arab nationalism and the ways in which they relate to Palestine. In the groundbreaking analysis that considers the entire context of Arab politics, Muhammad Muslih articulates a new interpretation for the emergence of Palestinian nationalism, and one which will forster a better understanding of centuries-old attachment of the Arab Palestinians to their land and their struggle for its independence.

The Ottoman background of Palestinian politics --Arabism and Ottomanism: the Young Turk Period before the War, 1908-1914 -- Arab reaction to Zionism, 1882-1914 -- Older Ottomanists and younger reformers in World War I -- Faysal's Arab government: the making and unmaking of a King, 1918-1920 -- The eclipse of the Pan-Syrian dream, 1918-1920 -- The beginnings of political organization in Palestine -- The crisis of political identity -- The ascendance of Palestinian nationalism.