The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017

Extended Synopsis

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine is a landmark historical account that reevaluates the century-long conflict over the land of Palestine. Written by one of the foremost historians of the Middle East, Rashid Khalidi, this work departs from traditional narratives that frame the situation merely as a tragic clash between two peoples with competing claims. Instead, Khalidi reframes the conflict as a colonial war waged against the indigenous Palestinian people—initiated by the Zionist movement and sustained by Great Britain and the United States.

Through a meticulous analysis of untapped archival materials and intimate family records—chronicling the experiences of his own ancestors, including mayors, judges, and diplomats—Khalidi examines pivotal episodes from the 1917 Balfour Declaration to the 1948 displacement, and from the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to the modern era of futile peace processes. Authoritative and original, this book provides an essential new lens for understanding the political forces that have shaped this enduring conflict, while candidly engaging with the complexities of both Palestinian and Israeli national movements.

Perfect For

This text is vital reading for scholars, students of international relations, and anyone seeking an authoritative, comprehensive historical perspective on the Israel–Palestine conflict. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in the history of settler colonialism, Middle Eastern political history, and the intersection of family history with global geopolitical movements.

Author Biography

Rashid Khalidi is the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University in New York and the editor of the Journal of Palestine Studies. A distinguished Palestinian-American historian, he has authored numerous influential books, including Palestinian Identity, Brokers of Deceit, and The Iron Cage. His scholarship and commentary have appeared in leading publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune.

Related Titles

• The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood by Rashid Khalidi
• Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness by Rashid Khalidi
• Brokers of Deceit: How the U.S. Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East by Rashid Khalidi

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