President Biden made an interesting choice during his Black Friday outing when he was seen leaving Nantucket Bookworks with a controversial book in hand. The book in question was “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017” by Rashid Khalidi, a Columbia University professor emeritus. This book describes Israel as a colonial power in the face of Palestinian resistance, a viewpoint that goes against Biden’s public support for the Jewish state.
Khalidi himself commented on Biden holding his book, stating that he felt the timing was four years too late. It remains unclear whether Biden purchased the book himself or if it was given to him. Khalidi, who is of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, has been critical of Israel’s actions in the past, particularly in Gaza.
Biden has faced criticism from both Israeli supporters and pro-Palestinian groups for his handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. While he has expressed support for Israel, he has also put conditions on U.S. aid to the country and paused shipments of heavy munitions earlier this year. Pro-Palestinian supporters have dubbed Biden as “Genocide Joe” and have condemned him for civilian casualties in Gaza.
“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” was published in 2020, before Trump’s actions in the region, which included moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Khalidi’s book criticizes these moves and highlights alleged discriminatory policies by Israel against Palestinians.
In addition to criticizing Israel, the book also praises the first intifada, a period of Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation from 1987 to 1993. Khalidi views this as a significant victory for Palestinians in their ongoing struggle.
Overall, Biden’s choice to be seen with this book raises questions about his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the complexities of the situation in the region. It remains to be seen how this will impact his policies and relationships moving forward.
