Who is Rashid Khalidi and summary of the book The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 that he has written.
Rashid Khalidi is a prominent Palestinian-American historian, scholar, and author. He is currently a professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University and has previously taught at other prestigious institutions such as the University of Chicago and American University in Beirut. Khalidi's expertise lies in the history of the Middle East, particularly the Palestine-Israel conflict, and he has authored numerous books and articles on the subject.
"The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017" is a book written by Rashid Khalidi that provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the conflict in Palestine over the past century. Here is a summary of the book:
Title: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017
Author: Rashid Khalidi
Publication Year: 2020
Summary:
In "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine," Rashid Khalidi offers a critical examination of the history of Palestine from the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917 up until the present day. The book characterizes the conflict as a century-long war waged against the Palestinian people, marked by settler colonialism, ethnic cleansing, and relentless resistance.
Khalidi argues that the roots of the conflict lie in the British mandate's support for Zionist immigration and the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine, as promised in the Balfour Declaration. He describes how Zionist militias, and later the Israeli military, systematically expelled hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their lands during pivotal events such as the 1948 Nakba (catastrophe) and the 1967 Six-Day War.
The book highlights the various forms of resistance employed by Palestinians throughout the years, including armed struggle, grassroots activism, and cultural preservation. Khalidi also examines the impact of international diplomacy, the role of the United States, and the failures of the peace process in addressing the fundamental rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Khalidi critiques the notion of a "two-state solution," arguing that Israeli policies and settlements have rendered the establishment of a viable Palestinian state increasingly impossible. He emphasizes the need for a more just and equitable solution that recognizes the equal rights and shared history of Palestinians and Israelis.
Throughout the book, Khalidi provides a wealth of historical detail, drawing on personal testimonies, archival documents, and scholarly research. He challenges mainstream narratives and offers a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the Palestine-Israel conflict.
In the latter part of the book, Khalidi reflects on the ongoing Great March of Return protests in Gaza and the broader context of Israel's blockade and occupation. He underscores the resilience of the Palestinian people and their unwavering demand for justice and self-determination.
"The Hundred Years' War on Palestine" provides a comprehensive and critical perspective on the history of the Palestine-Israel conflict. By framing it within the context of settler colonialism, Khalidi offers readers a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggles and enduring resistance of the Palestinian people in their quest for freedom and rights.
The book has received widespread acclaim for its thorough research and insightful analysis, offering a valuable contribution to the historical understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict and the ongoing pursuit of a just peace.
