Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, discusses the war in Gaza, the history of Palestine and Israel, Western guilt, Biden vs. Trump, the disconnect between political elites and the public, and how ordinary people can make their voices heard.
The Israeli war in Gaza has led to immense suffering and public health epidemics in Palestine.
Understanding the Palestinian perspective is crucial in comprehending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often overlooked by mainstream media.
The dire situation in Gaza is a man-made catastrophe caused by the Israeli military and the US government.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has multiple starting points, including wars, displacement, and the British mandate.
Palestinians have often rejected statehood offers that maintain Israeli control, security, and limited sovereignty.
Young people, minorities, and grassroots movements are shifting public opinion and advocating for Palestine through protests and engagement with local representatives.
Deep dives
The dire situation in Gaza
Israel's war in Gaza has caused immense suffering, with nearly 30,000 Palestinians killed, over 90% of the population facing starvation, and public health epidemics raging.
The Palestinian perspective is often overlooked
Mainstream media often fails to present the Palestinian perspective, which is crucial for understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Professor Rashid Khaledi, a renowned Palestinian scholar, sheds light on the importance of considering this perspective.
The man-made catastrophe in Gaza
The situation in Gaza is not a natural disaster, but a man-made catastrophe caused by the Israeli military and the United States government. The consequences include forced displacement, destruction of infrastructure, mass starvation, and dehydration.
The complex history and starting points of the conflict
The history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has multiple starting points, including the wars on Gaza, the siege of Gaza, the displacement of Palestinians, and the British mandate. Understanding these various starting points provides essential context.
The rejection of offers of statehood
Claims that Palestinians have rejected offers of statehood need to be examined closely. The offers made were often less than a true state, maintaining Israeli control, security, and limited sovereignty over key areas, and hence were rightfully rejected by Palestinians.
The pro-Israel bias in US politics
US politicians, including Joe Biden, have shown unwavering and biased support for Israel. Biden's views are deeply ingrained, and his lack of concern for Palestinian lives and suffering is evident.
Changing public opinion and taking action
Public opinion is shifting, particularly among young people, minorities, and grassroots movements. Engaging with local representatives, pressuring the media for unbiased coverage, and organized protests are ways individuals can support Palestine and Palestinians.
Book recommendations for understanding Palestine
Notable books that provide insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict include Tariq Baconi's book on Hamas, Nora Arrakat's book on law in Palestine, Edward Said's 'The Question of Palestine,' and exploring Palestinian literature, poetry, and theater.
The importance of literature and humanities
Literature, poetry, and theater play a vital role in understanding the human experiences and complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Works by authors such as Mahmoud Darwish and Asan Kanafani shed light on the human side and provide perspective beyond historic accounts.
Considerations for voting and activism
When choosing political candidates, it is crucial to assess their positions on Palestine and their commitment to justice and human rights. Grassroots activism, such as boycotting products connected to the Israeli occupation, also contributes to the pressure for change.
The dilemma of choosing between candidates
While some argue that one candidate may be worse than another, it is important to critically evaluate political leaders' stances and actions. It is challenging to support candidates who perpetuate unjust policies, regardless of comparisons between individuals.
Omer talks with Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, about the war in Gaza, the history of Palestine and Israel, Zionism, the notion of Western guilt, Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump, the disconnect between political elites and the public, and what ordinary people can do to make their voices heard.
Books mentioned in this episode:
The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, by Rashid Khalidi
Poems, by Mahmoud Darwish
Plays and Novels, by Ghassan Kanafani
Justice For Some: Law and the Question of Palestine, by Noura Erakat
Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance, by Tareq Baconi
More about Omer's Book, Brown Boy: A Memoir, here. Subscribe to Omer's newsletter, Notes From The Margins, here.
More Conversations in Color coming your way.
Twitter: @omeraziz12 and @MinorityViews_ Instagram: @o.maz12 and @minorityviewspodcast
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