Rashid Khalidi, a professor at Columbia University, recently noticed US President Joe Biden with a copy of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine. Many people took notice of this surprise appearance, which happened on a Black Friday excursion to Nantucket.
Khalidi Reacts to Biden’s Choice
Rashid Khalidi, who is of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, commented on the incident. He called Biden’s gesture “four years too late.” In his 2020 book, Khalidi describes the establishment of Israel as a “settler-colonial conquest” that faced Palestinian resistance.
Biden’s Longstanding Support for Israel
In the book, Khalidi criticizes the US’s foreign policy, particularly under President Trump, who he claims acted as a “mouthpiece for Israel.” He also criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government as the “most extreme” in Israel’s history. This makes Biden’s choice to publicly hold the book even more surprising. Biden has long described himself as a Zionist, stating, “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. I am a Zionist.”
Biden Faces Criticism from Both Sides
Joe Biden has been criticized by both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. While he paused munitions shipments to Israel earlier this year, he visited the country in October 2023 to show solidarity. His stance on the Gaza conflict has sparked anger from pro-Palestinian activists, some of whom have labeled him “Genocide Joe.”
Themes in Khalidi’s Book
Khalidi’s book highlights Palestine’s history as a colonial struggle and criticizes US media for its bias toward Israel. He calls for a future of “equality and justice” for Palestinians. The book discusses the discrimination faced by both Muslim and Christian Palestinians under Israeli policies.
Biden’s Recent Actions on Middle East Peace
Biden also welcomed the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah. In a statement with French President Macron, he supported the truce, hoping it would bring “lasting calm” to the region. Biden also pledged to strengthen Lebanon’s military and continue efforts for broader peace, including addressing the Gaza conflict.
