58 No. 74 JUSTICE advised to cite sources, the explanation being that “If, in a political debate, all the facts on one side have come via a particular news source, especially one that is allied strongly with a partisan position, then in the interests of genuine truth-seeking that should be declared” (p. 82). What is perhaps another piece of surprising advice is not to attack the opponents’ weakest points but rather to respond to their strongest points and sometimes even strengthening their arguments, as “strengthening the opposing argument can also help make our own case sound more persuasive” (p. 203). Taub comments that “One maxim in the Talmud uses a surprising metaphor to capture the spirit of adversarial collaboration, ‘If prostitutes help each other out with their make-up, shouldn’t scholars do the same’ (help each other’s arguments)” (p. 103). Less surprising is Taub’s contention that successful negotiations cannot be held in public. This is also the experience of this reviewer. When negotiations are held in an open forum they develop into acrimonious debates, no side will openly make concessions or concede a point made by adversaries. As legal advisor to the 1991-1993 Washington post-Madrid talks with the Palestinians, this reviewer can attest that, for the most part, the negotiations consisted of scoring points over the other side and then both sides briefing the media. Behind our backs, and without our knowledge, the Oslo talks were taking place in complete secrecy and there the negotiators reached an agreement. Taub’s book is enriched by copious quotations from a rich variety of sources including Winston Churchill, the Dali Lama, Bialik, Yehuda Amichai, Orson Wells (in the Third Man) and songs of the Beatles. It even contains a photo of a Rodin sculpture, the explanation being that Rodin’s Thinker represents a symbol of the solitary genius, whereas another sculpture, The Cathedral, showing two hands barely touching, is closer to the Talmudic principle of constructive argument. Early endorsements from people such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Natan Sharansky are welldeserved. Beyond Dispute is more than a book about argument; it is a guide to meaningful dialogue and mutual growth. I found it both inspiring and applicable to everyday life. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in improving communication, conflict resolution, or simply learning how to disagree more constructively. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. n Robbie Sabel is a Professor of International Law at the Hebrew University Jerusalem and a member of the Academic Advisory Board of Justice.
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