Bad Hasbara 69: Stone Cold Liars, with Rashid Khalidi
Dec 12, 2024
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Rashid Khalidi, a prominent Palestinian-American historian, joins for a dynamic discussion on the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He unpacks the fall of Assad in Syria and the shifting political landscape in the U.S. regarding Palestine. Khalidi critiques past political leaders' motives, emphasizing the disconnect between their actions and humanitarian needs. The conversation also touches on the power of poetry as resistance, the importance of grassroots movements, and how normalization impacts perceptions of the Palestinian struggle.
Rashid Khalidi highlights the critical disconnect between political leaders' indifference to Palestinian rights and the concerns of younger generations.
The significance of literature, particularly poetry, is emphasized as a powerful tool for resistance and storytelling in the Palestinian struggle.
The hosts advocate for fostering dialogue and understanding across societal segments to promote awareness of Palestinian narratives and rights.
Deep dives
Introduction of New Streaming Options
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Anniversary Reflections
The podcast hosts, Matt Lieb and Daniel Matze, celebrate their first anniversary of meeting each other, sharing lighthearted anecdotes about their initial encounter. Their humorous reminiscing highlights the peculiar dynamics of their relationship, including jesting about past interactions. They touch upon the milestones in their journey together, including recording their first episode. This reflective moment contributes to building a sense of camaraderie among the audience and invites listeners into their shared history.
Discussion on Political Figure Influence
The conversation shifts to the influence of political figures on public opinion, particularly regarding Palestinian rights. The hosts critique Joe Biden's apparent indifference to the ongoing conflict and his past association with influential politicians who have historically ignored Palestinian suffering. They emphasize how lack of action or change within the Democratic Party disillusions the younger generation. This discussion underscores the disconnect between political leaders and the public they represent, especially concerning urgent humanitarian issues.
Cultural Impact of Literature and Poetry
The episode introduces the significance of literature and poetry in articulating the experiences and struggles of Palestinians, with a particular focus on a new poetry collection released by a Palestinian author. The hosts reflect on how poetry can serve as a powerful means of resistance and storytelling, despite the broader political context. They discuss how the narratives in literature highlight the ongoing oppression and resilience of Palestinians. This segment emphasizes the vital role of cultural expressions in shaping awareness and empathy toward marginalized groups.
The Importance of Public Discourse
The hosts argue for the necessity of engaging with different segments of society to foster understanding and promote Palestinian rights. They underscore the value of dialogue, even with those who may hold opposing views, as a strategy for building coalitions and raising awareness. By referencing historical struggles for freedom, they draw parallels to the current situation, advocating for comprehensive efforts to convey the Palestinian narrative. This discussion illustrates the need for a multifaceted approach to advocacy that incorporates various formats and appeals.
Reflections on Change in Public Opinion
The conversation concludes with thoughts on the shifting tides of public opinion concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly among younger generations. The hosts express optimism about the growing willingness of the public to question traditional narratives and engage with complex issues surrounding Palestine. They emphasize that this change is crucial for creating a more equitable and just understanding of the conflict. Observing these shifts in discourse signals hope for a future where Palestinian voices are more prominently recognized and understood.
Matt and Daniel are joined by Palestinian-American historian and author Rashid Khalidi to discuss the fall of Assad in Syria, the United States' major parties' views on Palestine, and whether Bill Clinton needs a lozenge.
