About the Author:
STEPHEN J. SOLARZ (1940–2010) served for 24 years in public office both in the New York State Assembly and in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected from Brooklyn’s 13th Congressional District to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 and reelected eight times. He served for 18 years on the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, serving as chairman of the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Africa. As a congressman, he traveled widely and met with dozens of world leaders, and became a leading spokesman on behalf of democracy and human rights. Mr. Solarz is a graduate of Brandeis University, class of 1962.
Review:
“Steve Solarz was a force of nature. If the Congress in his day had its own Secretary of State, it was Steve. He traveled the world, from Manila to the Middle East, to learn first-hand about what was happening, and then brought that wisdom back to Washington to help shape U.S. foreign policy. No member of Congress was more influential in foreign affairs. I never met anyone more relentless in his questioning than Steve. He kept coming at you until he squeezed every ounce of insight out of you. His journey should be read by young and old alike to remind us of how impactful a Congressman can be when he does his homework—and how interesting a life he can have at the same time!” (Thomas L. Friedman, author of The World is Flat)
“Few members of Congress have had a greater impact on areas of U.S. foreign policy relevant to Israel’s security and well being more than Congressman Steve Solarz. Indeed, he was among the most powerful voices in pointing out the importance of a secure Israel to U.S. strategic interests in the region and beyond. He was unrelenting in advocating to Arabs and Israelis alike the need to bridge the divide in the pursuit of peace. It was a pleasure to interact with him as a colleague. It was a joy to read his reflections about it all. It remains a source of pride to have considered him a friend.” (Shimon Peres, President of Israel)
“Widely acclaimed for decades as one of the best and most influential Congressmen on foreign affairs, Steve Solarz’s memoir reads like a terrific conversation. I'm a lifetime consumer of political writings, and this one ranks among the best for its inside and surprising information and its outright wit.” (Leslie H. Gelb, former New York Times columnist and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations)
“Steve Solarz was both a statesman and a member of Congress, a rare combination. No American did more to help restore democracy to the Philippines, and few members of Congress had as much impact globally in steering U.S. foreign policy towards peace-making and democracy-building. Journeys to War and Peace helps us understand what a wise congressman has done and what Congress can do to further U.S. interests abroad.” (President Jimmy Carter)
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