KQED's Forum Omar El Akkad’s New Book Critiques American Hypocrisy On the Gaza War
Apr 2, 2025
Omar El Akkad, a journalist and acclaimed author of "American War" and "What Strange Paradise," discusses his latest non-fiction work critiquing Western hypocrisy regarding the Gaza conflict. He reflects on how identity and storytelling shape perceptions of war and migration. Focusing on America's moral failures, he examines the impact of political systems on the Palestinian plight and the emotional complexities faced by individuals in conflicting cultural realms. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the urgent need for meaningful advocacy and understanding in today's society.
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Move to Qatar
- Omar El Akkad's father tore up his ID card in Egypt, prompting their move to Qatar.
- This seemingly random event significantly impacted El Akkad's life.
Qatar's Inequality
- El Akkad grew up in Qatar, a wealthy country with stark socioeconomic inequalities.
- He normalized the caste system, observing laborers building the country with limited access to its wealth.
Journalism in the War on Terror Era
- El Akkad became a journalist during the post-9/11 era.
- He found his avenue of retreat through writing, covering key events and places of that time.
