244: The NY Times They Ain't A-Changin', with Rashid Khalidi
Oct 20, 2026 · 2h 6m
Summary
Rashid Khalidi discusses his new book, The Neck and the Sword, exploring the legacy of Palestinian intellectual Gassan Kanafani and the systematic decapitation of Palestinian leadership. He analyzes the severe repression faced by Palestinian citizens of Israel, describing their society as a segregated, underfunded system that nonetheless produces the most perceptive critics of Zionism.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsor read, and theme introduction
Gaza Soup Kitchen sponsorship details
Music discussion: Cake, Cameo, and Primus
Introduction of guest Rashid Khalidi
Academic freedom and anti-Semitism definitions
Legacy of Palestinian intellectuals and 1982 war
Literary resistance and Palestinian unity
Zionism's fracturing of Palestinian society
Gun control and violence in Arab-Israeli society
Rashid Khalidi's experience in Israel
US-Iran war and public sentiment shifts
Political leadership and media erosion
Mainstream publishing and Zionist propaganda
Reassessing Iran and regional allies
Yemen's role and nuclear weapon concerns
Abraham Accords and Arab regime dynamics
Humiliation of Arab leaders by Israel
Historical context of Palestinian elites
Critique of leadership and missed opportunities
Debate on Zionism and racism definitions
Political strategy and coalition building
Book releases and censorship in Europe
Defining victory and decolonization stages
Attack on photojournalist Heidi Levine
Olive harvest restrictions and journalist safety
Settlement expansion and legal protections
Israeli opposition and upcoming elections
Public opinion shift and war lobbies
Jewish community views on Israel
Official responses and lack of justice
Settler influence on Israeli politics
Military strain and religious-secular divide
US leverage and historical precedents
Trump-Netanyahu tensions and PR strategy
Attacks on European diplomats
Legalized lawlessness and state denial
Domestic audiences and media complicity
Policy recommendations and public opinion
Book recommendations: Palestina Primer
Outro, Patreon updates, and next episode
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