

Rashid Khalidi on the Palestinian Cause in a Volatile Middle East, and the Meaning of Settler Colonialism
23 snips Dec 16, 2024
Rashid Khalidi, Professor emeritus at Columbia University and author of influential works on Palestinian history, joins Adam Kirsch, a writer and editor at The Wall Street Journal. They delve into the shifting power dynamics in the Middle East, discussing the limited support for the Palestinian cause from regional allies like Iran and Hezbollah. Khalidi emphasizes the historical roots of settler colonialism in relation to Zionism, challenging perceptions of the conflict. They also explore justice, equality, and the complexities inherent in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian identity.
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Khalidi's Ancestor's Plea
- Rashid Khalidi's ancestor, Yusuf Diyal Khaldi, was mayor of Jerusalem and a scholar of Judaism.
- He wrote to Herzl in 1899, acknowledging Jewish connection to Palestine but urging Zionists to leave it alone.
Zionism as Colonization
- Early Zionists viewed their project as colonization, as evidenced by terms like "Jewish Colonization Agency".
- This reflects their understanding of settling in Palestine, not an anti-Semitic slur.
Zionism's Unique Nature
- Zionism is unique among settler colonial projects due to its lack of a mother country.
- It's a transactional relationship with imperial powers, not an extension of existing sovereignty.