Looking at Israel with a historical perspective shows that its neither a new nor long lasting colonial project. Ever since the First Crusade in 1096, European settlers have tried to establish a foothold in the Middle East - with the justification of "reclaiming the Holy Land". The most successful of these states was the Kingdom Of Jerusalem which lasted from 1099 until the fall of Acre in 1291 - a little under 200 years. In the grand scheme of Middle Eastern history, Israel may be nothing but a temporary blip, another attempt of colonization by aggressive outsiders.