Tareq Baconi

Tareq Baconi, expert on Hamas, discusses the importance of understanding its political aspirations separate from violence. They also explore the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas's shift towards armed struggle, the emergence of suicide bombings, their rise to power in Gaza, and the challenges they face as a governing authority.

Tareq Baconi, Board President of Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, provides an insightful analysis of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He discusses the profound impact on Palestinian identity and global politics, highlighting the hypocrisy of Western democracies. Baconi critiques how dehumanization and the failings of international law exacerbate the conflict and calls for a reevaluation of colonial biases. He emphasizes the need for grassroots mobilization and a redefined political agenda to address systemic inequities and foster regional liberation.

In this engaging discussion, Tareq Baconi, a Palestinian scholar and author of 'Hamas Contained' and 'A Fire in Every Direction', delves into the intricate history and evolution of Hamas. He examines its origins in the Muslim Brotherhood, the dynamics of governance under blockade, and the misconceptions around its use of violence. Tareq also reflects on the miscalculations surrounding the October 7 attacks and their implications on regional politics. With keen insights, he articulates how Israel's ongoing actions impact resistance and shape future possibilities.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Aziza, a Palestinian-American writer known for her memoir The Hollow Half, and Tareq Baconi, a policy analyst and author of Fire in Every Direction, explore the complexities of Palestinian identity. They share personal experiences from their childhoods, highlighting the emotional weight of diaspora and resilience. The conversation delves into themes of love, queerness, and the necessity of transforming silence into speech, emphasizing the political dimensions of claiming a Palestinian identity against a backdrop of history and displacement.

Tareq Baconi, a Palestinian scholar and author, delves into his personal journey in his memoir, exploring three generations of displacement. He discusses the impact of silence around queerness and politics in his family. Baconi shares poignant stories of his first love, Ramsey, and the guilt that shame—embodied in the Arabic concept of aib—brought to his life. He reflects on the complexities of coming out to his parents, the initial rejection from his father, and ultimately, the search for a sense of home beyond physical borders.