The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

Summary

“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Rashid Khalidi is a comprehensive examination of the complex and protracted struggle for Palestine over the span of a century. Khalidi’s book delves into the historical, political, and social aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing a critical analysis of the forces and events that have shaped the region.

The book begins by tracing the roots of the conflict to the end of World War I and the subsequent British Mandate in Palestine, which laid the foundation for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel. Khalidi then explores the various dimensions of settler colonialism, highlighting the displacement and dispossession of Palestinian Arabs as a central theme. He draws attention to the importance of land and territory in the conflict, shedding light on the complex issues surrounding land ownership and the struggle for control over the region.

Khalidi also underscores the role of resistance and the resilience of the Palestinian people throughout the decades. He examines the evolution of Palestinian political movements, including the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas, and their efforts to assert Palestinian national rights. The book addresses the challenges faced by Palestinians in their quest for self-determination, including the impact of Israeli military occupation, settlement expansion, and international diplomacy.

In conclusion, “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rashid Khalidi’s book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical roots, complexities, and ongoing challenges of the conflict. It serves as a critical examination of settler colonialism, the Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination, and the intricate dynamics of a conflict that has shaped the Middle East for a century.

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Book Review

Rashid Khalidi’s “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” is a profoundly illuminating exploration of the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through meticulous research, Khalidi offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complex historical, political, and social dimensions that have shaped the conflict over the course of a century. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper insight into the roots and evolution of one of the world’s most enduring and contentious conflicts.

Khalidi begins by unraveling the historical backdrop, tracing the origins of the conflict to the end of World War I when the British Mandate in Palestine set the stage for the displacement of Palestinian Arabs and the eventual establishment of the State of Israel. He highlights the crucial role played by settler colonialism, revealing the dispossession and displacement of Palestinian Arabs from their ancestral lands. Khalidi’s use of primary sources, including British and Israeli records, provides a meticulously researched account of the dynamics that have shaped the region.

One of the book’s strengths is its unflinching examination of the complex issues surrounding land ownership and territorial control. Khalidi sheds light on the intricate web of land-related disputes, showcasing how land lies at the heart of the conflict. He presents concrete examples of land appropriation by Israeli settlers and the government, detailing the impact on Palestinian communities and their livelihoods. These examples expose the stark disparities in land ownership and illustrate the deeply rooted challenges faced by Palestinians in their quest for justice and self-determination.

“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” is not merely an account of dispossession and conflict but a testament to Palestinian resilience and their persistent struggle for their rights. Khalidi emphasizes the role of resistance and the evolution of Palestinian political movements. He delves into the history of organizations such as the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas, highlighting their efforts to assert Palestinian national rights. These insights offer a nuanced perspective on the diverse forms of resistance that have emerged over the decades, including armed struggle, diplomacy, and grassroots activism.

Throughout the book, Khalidi adeptly navigates the complex international landscape that has influenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the impact of various U.S. administrations, as well as the role of the United Nations and other international actors. Khalidi’s examination of the Oslo Accords and the peace process underscores the challenges faced by Palestinians in their pursuit of statehood and self-determination.

The book also addresses the impact of Israeli military occupation, settlement expansion, and the wall separating Israel from the West Bank. Khalidi draws attention to the human rights violations and hardships endured by Palestinians living under occupation, providing vivid and heart-wrenching examples of the daily struggles faced by individuals and communities.

In conclusion, “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” by Rashid Khalidi is a tour de force that offers a comprehensive and deeply informed analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khalidi’s extensive research and rigorous scholarship make this book an indispensable resource for scholars, policymakers, students, and anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted layers of this enduring conflict. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of a century of adversity. Khalidi’s work is a clarion call for a just and lasting resolution to a conflict that has left an indelible mark on the Middle East and the world.

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Key Ideas

“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Rashid Khalidi presents a range of key ideas that shed light on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the course of a century. The book offers a comprehensive and deeply informed exploration of these ideas, providing a nuanced understanding of the conflict’s complexities:

1. Settler Colonialism Khalidi underscores the notion of settler colonialism as the foundational concept in understanding the conflict. He argues that the establishment of the State of Israel was rooted in the displacement and dispossession of Palestinian Arabs, akin to other historical examples of settler colonial projects. Khalidi meticulously traces the history of land appropriation, immigration, and displacement that resulted in the Israeli state’s creation.

2. Land as the Core Issue A central theme of the book is the significance of land in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khalidi highlights the complex issues surrounding land ownership and territorial control, revealing how land lies at the heart of the conflict. He provides concrete examples of land appropriation by Israeli settlers and government policies, illustrating the profound impact on Palestinian communities and their livelihoods.

3. Palestinian Resilience and Resistance Khalidi emphasizes the resilience of the Palestinian people and their unwavering struggle for their rights. He explores the evolution of Palestinian political movements, including the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas, underscoring their efforts to assert Palestinian national rights. The book portrays the diverse forms of resistance that have emerged over the decades, including armed struggle, diplomacy, and grassroots activism.

4. International Influences Khalidi delves into the role of international actors, including the United States and the United Nations, in shaping the conflict. He examines the impact of various U.S. administrations on the Israeli-Palestinian relationship and discusses the implications of international diplomacy, such as the Oslo Accords and the peace process.

5. Human Impact of Occupation The book vividly portrays the human rights violations and hardships faced by Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation. Khalidi provides poignant examples of the daily struggles endured by individuals and communities in the occupied territories, shedding light on the impact of occupation policies and practices.

6. Ongoing Quest for Self-Determination Khalidi’s work underscores the ongoing quest of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood. Despite decades of adversity, Palestinians continue to seek justice and recognition on the international stage.

These key ideas collectively contribute to a profound understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khalidi’s book serves as a crucial resource for comprehending the conflict’s historical roots, its complex dynamics, and the enduring quest for a just and lasting resolution. It presents a rich tapestry of historical events, political developments, and personal narratives that inform the reader’s perspective on one of the most contentious conflicts in modern history.

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Target Audience

“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Rashid Khalidi is a meticulously researched and deeply informative book that is targeted at a diverse audience interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its historical context. It is recommended reading for the following audiences:

• Students and Academics This book is an invaluable resource for students of history, Middle Eastern studies, political science, and international relations. Its meticulous research and comprehensive analysis provide a rich source of information for academic study, research, and classroom discussions.

• Policy Analysts and Diplomats Those involved in shaping and understanding the policies related to the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will find this book essential. Khalidi’s insights into the historical context of the conflict and the influence of international actors offer a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges.

• General Readers Interested in the Middle East For readers interested in gaining a deeper insight into the history of the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this book offers a comprehensive and balanced perspective. It provides context for understanding the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region.

• Advocates for Peace and Justice Individuals and organizations advocating for peace, human rights, and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will find this book a critical resource. It exposes the complexities of the conflict and underscores the importance of addressing its historical roots.

• Journalists and Media Professionals Journalists covering the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will benefit from the historical context and nuanced analysis provided in the book. It equips them with a deeper understanding of the region’s dynamics.

In conclusion, “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” is recommended reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive and well-researched understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is particularly valuable for those engaged in academia, policy development, peace advocacy, and journalism, as it provides a nuanced and historically grounded perspective on a complex and enduring conflict. Khalidi’s work is an essential contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination.