Jacobin Radio Red Star Over Palestine: Ghassan Kanafani & Leila Khaled
May 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Irving, a lecturer and author, and Palestinian writer Seraj Assi delve into the lives of Ghassan Kanafani and Leila Khaled, pivotal figures in the Palestinian left. They explore the historical significance of 1967 and the evolution of revolutionary thought in Palestinian literature. The conversation highlights the enduring legacy of resistance in their works, particularly focusing on themes of loss and resilience. Additionally, they discuss the crucial role of women in the struggle and Khaled's complex legacy as a symbol of liberation.
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Kanafani's Story of Gaza's Pain
- Ghassan Kanafani's short story 'Letter from Gaza' vividly depicts the pain of Palestinian displacement and loss.
- It uses the story of a young girl who lost her leg protecting her siblings to illustrate collective suffering.
PFLP’s Marxist Revolutionary Shift
- After 1967, Kanafani and George Habash embraced Marxism, linking Palestinian liberation to Arab socialist revolution.
- Their PFLP manifesto educates masses on revolutionary thought to defeat imperialism and local reactionaries.
Critique of Arab Regimes and Capitalism
- The PFLP document highlights not only Israel but also world imperialism and Arab reaction as enemies.
- It criticizes Arab regimes for supporting imperialism and suppressing liberation movements to protect their own capitalist interests.