The Hundred Years War on Palestine: Rashid Khalidi's Insightful Journey Through the Palestinian Struggle 100 Years war on Palestine R...

The Hundred Years War on Palestine: Rashid Khalidi's Insightful Journey Through the Palestinian Struggle

100 Years war on Palestine

Rashid Khalidi's latest masterpiece, "The One Hundred Years’ War on Palestine," is a remarkable exploration of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict. Unlike typical scholarly works or personal diaries, Khalidi seamlessly blends academic rigor with personal anecdotes, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate historical tapestry.

The Hundred Years War on Palestine: Personalizing History

The Hundred Years on Palestine takes us on a journey through his own family's experiences, from his uncle's imprisonment by the British in the Seychelles to witnessing the shocking support for Israeli occupation in 1967 by American Jews. The narrative unfolds in various settings, including Beirut during the Israeli invasion, providing a firsthand account of pivotal moments in Palestinian history.

From Intifada to Oslo

Readers witness Khalidi's involvement during the First Intifada and his role in the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference. The narrative delves into the aftermath of the Oslo talks, revealing the disastrous consequences in the years following the intifada. Khalidi also shares his thoughts on Barack Obama, his colleague at the University of Chicago.

100 Years war on Palestine: Six Periods of Struggle

In 100 Years war on Palestine, Khalidi categorizes the century-long war into six periods, exposing the biases of powerful nations, particularly the British and Americans. From the Balfour Declaration to the Nakbeh, and Ariel Sharon’s invasion of Lebanon, each phase is meticulously examined, revealing the complicity of the Western world in denying Palestinian nationalism.

Rashid Khalidi Arab Leadership Critique

In addition to Western biases, Khalidi criticizes Arab leaders for their failure to genuinely support the Palestinian cause. He details how some Arab countries actively weakened the Palestinian national movement, even supporting assassinations of PLO leaders aligned against them.

The Unfinished 100 Years War on Palestine

Khalidi concludes by praising the relatively unarmed 1987 uprising and critiquing the Second Intifada of 2000. 100 Years on Palestine narrative sheds light on the ongoing struggle and the challenges Palestinians face in gaining recognition in the face of a powerful settler colonial force.

FAQS:

Q1: Why is Khalidi's book unique?

A1: Khalidi's work blends academic research with personal narratives, offering a holistic perspective on the Palestinian struggle.

Q2: What periods does Khalidi categorize in the book?

A2: Khalidi divides the hundred years of war into six periods, highlighting key events like the Balfour Declaration and the Nakbeh.

Q3: How does Khalidi criticize Arab leaders?

A3: Khalidi criticizes Arab leaders for actively weakening the Palestinian national movement and supporting assassinations of PLO leaders.

Conclusion:

Rashid Khalidi's "The One Hundred Years’ War on Palestine" stands as a unique and compelling contribution to the discourse on the Palestinian–Israeli conflict. By intertwining personal narratives with rigorous academic analysis, Khalidi offers readers a nuanced understanding of the historical complexities. As the struggle persists, Khalidi's work becomes an essential resource for those seeking to comprehend the ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian people. The book serves as a poignant reminder that, despite the passage of a century, the journey towards recognition and justice is far from over.