Böcker av Sarah Irving

Represents a history of the British Empire that takes account of the sense of empire as intellectual as well as geographic dominion: the historiography of the British Empire, with its preoccupation of empire as geographically unchallenged sovereignty, overlooks the idea of empire as intellectual dominion.

Dubbed 'the poster girl of Palestinian militancy', Leila Khaled's image flashed across the world after she hijacked a passenger jet in 1969. The picture of a young, determined looking woman with a checkered scarf, clutching an AK-47, was as era-defining as that of Che Guevara.*BR**BR*In this intimate profile, based on interviews with Khaled and those who know her, Sarah Irving gives us the life-story behind the image. Key moments of Khaled's turbulent life are explored, including the dramatic events of the hijackings, her involvement in the Marxist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (a radical element within the PLO), her opposition to the Oslo peace process and her activism today.*BR**BR*Leila Khaled's example gives unique insights into the Palestinian struggle through one remarkable life - from the tension between armed and political struggle, to the decline of the secular left and the rise of Hamas, and the role of women in a largely male movement.

The 2008 Israeli offensive in Gaza was described by Amnesty international as '22 days of death and destruction'. This eyewitness account brings home the horror of life in Gaza beneath the bombs.*BR**BR*Travelling to the Gaza strip with the Free Gaza Movement, Sharyn Lock believed the greatest danger she faced was the Israeli sea blockade in a fishing boat, but on the 27th December the bombs started falling and did not stop until almost 1500 were dead. With others from the International Solidarity Movement, Sharyn volunteered with Palestinian ambulances, assisting them as they faced overwhelming civilian casualties. Her candid and dramatic writing from Gaza gave the world an insight into the conflict that the mainstream media - unable to enter Gaza - couldn't provide.*BR*