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The Hundred Years War On Palestine
Rashid Khalidi
War of Palestine or “Masla e Falasteen” is a term that we have grown up with. It has always been talked about around us. We see it on TV, read about it in papers and study the syllabus. It’s not a new subject for anyone. Since it’s far from us so most of us don’t feel strongly. But when I read the title of this book, it somehow hit hard.
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Hundred years is a long time to be living under siege, constant fear and chaos. We live in peace, can’t even comprehend what is going on in Palestine. When they go to the corner shop, they don’t know whether they will come back to their family alive. They can’t plan ahead, not even of tomorrow because they never know when a missile is going to hit. Fathers bury their kids and mothers mourn for ages. They are so used to the bombings. They can tell from the sound of it, how far is it or how much distraction it might have caused. Is this the sound of a bomber jet or not. Sadly there is no change in sight.
The Hundred Years Of War On Palestine covers the ultimate tragedy from the start to present. It is divided into 6 declarations of war on Palestine starting from 1917. 700,000 ancient Arab inhabitants were displaced without any pretence of consulting their wishes. Throughout this time the big powers of the world have blatantly ignored Palestinians as if they don’t exist. In face of heavy odds against them however, the Palestinians have showed a stubborn capacity to resist the efforts of eliminating them.
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The Hundred Years Of War On Palestine encompasses the Palestinian resistance. They persistently challenge Israel’s ambitions. The book also covers the political efforts of PLO, Fatah and Yasser Arafat. Writer critically analyses their shortcomings and lack of foresight in building an international consensus. He also covered the part neighbouring and Islamic states played during this turmoil. Israel and US with other key powers downplayed and manipulated the Palestinian cause effectively.
The books on Palestine are always more genuine if written by native people. Khalidi has pointed out the weak points and mistakes Palestinian leadership. He elaborated the tactics of opposing powers. He gave deep insight on the role of Islamic world, either due to lack of power or the safeguarding their own interests. There is a lot of historical data with dates and all the major events that took place there.
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The Hundred Years War On Palestine is an the truth about what’s happening in our world. The suffering of our brothers and sisters touch my heart with empathy. I recommend this book to everyone. It’s a must read.
Previous review by Sidra Javed is 1984.
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