Biden’s Book Choice Sparks Controversy Over Israel-Palestine Dynamics
On Friday, President Joe Biden was seen departing Nantucket Bookworks with a notable book in hand that critiques Israel’s actions in the context of its ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. This has drawn attention given Biden’s long-standing support for the Jewish state.
An Eye-Catching Choice
Biden was photographed by the media as he left the bookstore clutching a copy of “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017,” authored by Rashid Khalidi, a professor emeritus at Columbia University. The New York Post reported on this incident, drawing parallels between the book’s themes and the current geopolitical climate surrounding Israel and Palestine.
Khalidi, who identifies as Palestinian and Lebanese, expressed a nuanced reaction to Biden’s apparent interest in his work. “I do not speak to the Post (or the Times for that matter), so this is not for publication, but my reaction is that this is four years too late,” Khalidi stated, indicating that he feels the President’s exploration of such themes comes after a prolonged period of neglect regarding Palestinian issues.
The Book’s Controversial Thesis
“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” posits that the contemporary narrative surrounding Palestine should be viewed through the lens of colonialism. Khalidi argues, “the modern history of Palestine can best be understood in these terms: as a colonial war waged against the indigenous population, by a variety of parties, to force them to relinquish their homeland to another people against their will.” This assertion paints a stark picture of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, framing it within the historical context of settler colonialism.
While it remains ambiguous whether Biden purchased the book or received it as a gift, the very sight of the President engaging with Khalidi’s work has prompted discussion regarding the implications of his support for Israel juxtaposed against the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Reactions from All Angles
Khalidi has been critical of various U.S. administrations, notably labeling the first Trump administration as a “mouthpiece” for Israel. His discontent has intensified in light of recent escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially following the October 7, 2023, incidents that saw Hamas attack Israel, resulting in a substantial loss of life. In various forums, including the “Intercepted” podcast, Khalidi remarked, “It’s perfectly unclear, reading the Israeli press, what their political objective is. I mean, ethnic cleansing. That’s not a political objective.” This observation indicates a growing concern over the humanitarian implications of military actions in Gaza.
Biden’s administration has faced scrutiny from both pro-Israel proponents and Palestinian supporters. On one hand, pro-Israel advocates have raised alarms over Biden’s conditional approach to U.S. aid to Israel, which some perceive as a departure from unconditional support. Conversely, pro-Palestinian activists have criticized Biden’s handling of civilian casualties in Gaza, coining the nickname “Genocide Joe” in responses to his policies.
Biden’s Stance Amidst Criticism
Biden has consistently reiterated his support for Israel as a crucial ally in the Middle East. However, there have been significant instances where his policies seemed to implement checks on this support. Reports indicate that he paused shipments of heavy munitions to Israel earlier this year, a move that drew the ire of some Israeli supporters who felt it undermined their military capabilities during a critical time.
According to sources, Biden has expressed private criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration behind closed doors, suggesting a level of tension in U.S.-Israel relations that has not been publicized widely.
Historical Context in Khalidi’s Work
Khalidi’s book, which was published in 2020, not only examines contemporary issues but also critiques past U.S. actions. It reflects on the ramifications of the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, actions taken during Trump’s presidency that ruffled feathers across the Middle East and sparked protests.
Among the most potent arguments presented in the book are Khalidi’s assertions regarding Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. He draws parallels with historical settler colonialism, suggesting that “settler-colonial confrontations with indigenous peoples have only ended in one of three ways: with the elimination of full subjugation of the native population, as in North America; with the defeat and expulsion of the colonizer, as in Algeria, which is extremely rare; or with the abandonment of colonial supremacy, in the context of compromise and reconciliation, as in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.”
In discussing Palestinian resistance, Khalidi highlights the significance of the first intifada from 1987 to 1993, which resulted in over 2,000 casualties. He contextualizes this event, stating in his book that, “The First Intifada was an outstanding example of popular resistance against oppression and can be considered as being the first unmitigated victory for the Palestinians in the long colonial war that began in 1917.”
Conclusion
President Biden’s appearance with Khalidi’s book adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As tensions escalate and casualties mount in Gaza, the act of engaging with literature that critically examines the roots of the conflict may signal a shift—or at least a recognition of the need for a more nuanced approach.
As the situation evolves, the implications of Biden’s support for Israel, coupled with his responses to Palestinian suffering, will undoubtedly continue to captivate both supporters and critics as they navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.
