I have always thought it would take God himself to bring peace to the Middle East. In this book, that is basically the case. While the methodology by which the Joshua character seeks to end the turmoil may be idealistic, it is a simple story that any reader can appreciate.
Having read all of the books in the Joshua series, I found myself disappointed with this book. While the plot is quite idealistic for my liking, the main problem is that there is not enough time devoted to the beloved main character. Joshua only seems to be an active participant on 1/4 of the pages. Since this is the Joshua series, one would think he would be a more active participant in the book.
After experiencing frustration in the paranoid post-9/11 America, Joshua begins bringing people of different faiths together. This is done in America before a chosen representative Elie is sent to the Middle East. Elie visits numerous important figures including fictionalized versions of real leaders. Yet even Joshua seems to know that not everybody will accept peace. But having the masses accept peace is a major step.
While I have really enjoyed the other books of this series, the lack of Joshua in this book left me feeling somewhat cheated. Though all things are possible with God, the plan for peace seemed far too simplistic. More than anything, this book caused me to think how distant peace is from the region. How sad it is that religion is such a source of conflict in the world.