Rashid Khalidi is no Edward Said!

I read an interview of Professor Rashid Khalidi posted at the New York Times website in regards to his relationships with Barack Obama. He did assure the people that he was a 'moderate', not to be confused with those who are radicals. We all know what that means. Recently I came across a YouTube video and I decided to watch it. In the video, Khalidi mentioned that he had just returned from an overseas trip and that he was suffering from jetlag. Judging by his appearance and how coherent he was, that was amazing to me that he could deliver such a vigorous speech for someone under jetlag. [I just happen to know a lot about jetlag]. Khalidi said that he was born about the same time when European Jews declared their 'independence' on Arab soil, which made him to be around the age of 61. He could have fooled me! He looks much younger and his energy level is quite vigorous for his age. Indeed, Khalidi is very moderate. This speech is about the friction and division between Hamas and Fateh. It became apparent to me quite soon into the program that Khalidi was careful about not stepping on the toes of some favored and powerful folks. Khalidi denied that there was any influence by AIPAC. He said that there was no conspiracy, that any group of people could achieve what the AIPAC's have achieved and he was hopeful that with many Arabs taking journalist classes that the Arabs could catch up to the what the AIPAC group have achieved! Really? So many sophisticated Western journalists are all over the globe; I wonder how come we don't see anything like AIPAC from any other groups of people, from any part of the world? A lady asked Khalidi what could she do? His reply took me by surprise. He just said that he could not tell anyone what to do! How about telling people to organize and mobilize! How about telling people that if the American bleating sheep was awakened that it would herald the end of the AIAPCs and the ADL's and the rest of the 51 most powerful Jewish organizations in the United States? Khalid mentionded something about his knowledge of 'Chicago politics' and my reaction was that he would make a perfect 'Chicago politician'. Khalidi was going to play it safe, and chances of his office being firebombed like that of Edward Said is not in the horizon. Smart fellow, this Khalidi!

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Here are some links from the 'angryarab' blog. 'Angry-Arab' happens to be someone that I do NOT favor due to his endless efforts and attempts to be so servile towards the colonizers of Palestine. During the holocaust of Gaza, this [angry-Arab] posted messages accusing protestors of being anti-Semitic. The 'anti-Semitic' expression is his favorite. He is highly favored by the 'damage control' crowd. But this is not about the not-so-angry [angry-Arab] but about Khalidi. It just happens that I like angry-Arab's assessment when it comes to Rashid Khalidi.

Note: The sound quality of this video is poor. Try connecting speakers to your computer. Listening using your headphones would also give you much better sound.

Click here for Khalid Rashidi's interview with Haaretz dated Dec 6, 2008.

Click here for some links about Khalid Rashidi posted at the angry-arab blog.