The book uses papers released from Israeli, British and US State Department archives -- which demonstrate the thinking behind the diplomatic moves relating to the western powers' commitment to Jordan and the pro-Nasser policy of the Kennedy administration. The book examines Israeli efforts to preserve the stability of the Jordanian monarchy under king Hussein, as well as the territorial status quo between Israel and Jordan, in terms of the manoeuvrings of powerful factions in Israel to take advantage of the crisis so as to make territorial gains.