A landmark history of one hundred years of war waged against the Palestinians from the foremost US historian of the Middle East, told through pivotal events and family history *** In 1899, Yusuf Diya al-Khalidi, mayor of Jerusalem, alarmed by the Zionist call to create a Jewish national home in Palestine, wrote a letter aimed at Theodore Herzl: the country had an indigenous people who would not easily accept their own displacement. He warned of the perils ahead, ending his note, “in the name of God, let Palestine be left alone.” Thus Rashid Khalidi, al-Khalidi’s great-great-nephew, begins this sweeping history, the first general account of the conflict told from an explicitly Palestinian perspective. Drawing on a wealth of untapped archival materials and the reports of generations of family members―mayors, judges, scholars, diplomats, and journalists―The Hundred Years' War on Palestine upends accepted interpretations of the conflict, which tend, at best, to describe a tragic clash between two peoples with claims to the same territory. Instead, Khalidi traces a hundred years of colonial war on the Palestinians, waged first by the Zionist movement and then Israel, but backed by Britain and the United States, the great powers of the age. He highlights the key episodes in this colonial campaign, from the 1917 Balfour Declaration to the destruction of Palestine in 1948, from Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon to the endless and futile peace process. Original, authoritative, and important, The Hundred Years' War on Palestine is not a chronicle of victimization, nor does it whitewash the mistakes of Palestinian leaders or deny the emergence of national movements on both sides. In reevaluating the forces arrayed against the Palestinians, it offers an illuminating new view of a conflict that continues to this day.

Rashid Khalidi, Palestinian-American historian of the Middle East 

Unraveling the Tapestry of Middle Eastern History

Explore the life and intellectual journey of Rashid Ismail Khalidi, a distinguished Palestinian-American historian, professor, and prolific author, renowned for his profound insights into the complex tapestry of the Middle East.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits: Born in New York City in 1948, Khalidi's multicultural heritage shaped his worldview. His father, Ismail Khalidi, a Saudi citizen of Palestinian origin, and his Lebanese-American mother instilled in him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Growing up in New York City, Khalidi attended the United Nations International School.

In 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, where he later became a member of the prestigious Wolf's Head Society. Khalidi continued his academic journey, obtaining a D.Phil. from Oxford University in 1974, solidifying his commitment to understanding the modern Middle East.

Academic Career and Political Activism: Khalidi's academic career unfolded as a rich tapestry woven with experiences across esteemed institutions. He taught at the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese University between 1976 and 1983. Subsequently, he joined the University of Chicago in 1987, where he served as a professor and directed the Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Center for International Studies. Khalidi's insights on the Gulf War solidified his position as a leading commentator within Middle Eastern Studies.

In 2003, he became a distinguished faculty member at Columbia University, currently holding the esteemed Edward Said Professorship of Modern Arab Studies. His journey includes teaching stints at Georgetown University, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Family and Personal Life: Khalidi's family life intertwines with his intellectual pursuits. Married to Mona Khalidi, a respected figure in academic administration, he is the proud father of Ismail Khalidi, a distinguished playwright, and Dima Khalidi, an activist and attorney.

Contributions to Scholarship: Khalidi's extensive scholarly contributions span diverse aspects of Middle Eastern history. His seminal work, "Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness" (1997), garnered acclaim and won the Albert Hourani Book Award. This groundbreaking book challenges narratives surrounding Palestinian nationalism, tracing its roots to the early 20th century.

"The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood" (2006) critically examines the obstacles to Palestinian statehood during the British Mandate, highlighting failures in leadership and external influences.

In "Sowing Crisis" (2009), Khalidi delves into the Cold War's impact on the Middle East, offering a critical perspective on U.S. policies.

Public Engagement and Advocacy: Khalidi's commitment extends beyond academia. He has written numerous op-eds and articles, contributing to public discourse on Middle East politics. His advocacy work includes serving as president of the American Committee on Jerusalem and advising the Palestinian delegation at the 1991 Madrid Conference.

Views on Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Khalidi's perspectives on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict emphasize the historical context and challenge prevailing narratives. He supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, advocating for a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.

Controversies and Public Discourse: Khalidi's involvement in public life has not been without controversy. Discussions on his views, especially on Palestinian resistance and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, have sparked debates.

Published Works: Rashid Khalidi's extensive body of work includes notable books such as "Resurrecting Empire" (2004), "Brokers of Deceit" (2013), and "The Hundred Years War on Palestine" (2020). Each publication reflects his dedication to unraveling the historical threads that define the Middle East.

Delve into the intellectual legacy of Rashid Khalidi, where rigorous scholarship, public engagement, and a commitment to justice converge to enrich our understanding of a region with a complex history and a promising future.

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