(DailyChive.com) – While visiting Nantucket, President Joe Biden caught attention by picking up a book that has stirred strong feelings in Middle Eastern debates. As he left a local bookstore with family members, he was seen holding The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 by Rashid Khalidi, a Palestinian-American historian. This detail raised eyebrows, given Biden’s well-known support for Israel.
The book Biden was carrying paints a controversial picture of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It describes the history of Palestine as a colonial struggle, where outside powers displaced indigenous people to establish Israel. Published in 2020, Khalidi’s book critiques many U.S. policies, including those under former President Trump, such as moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s hold over the Golan Heights. Khalidi also explores Israel’s alleged mistreatment of Palestinians and praises events like the First Intifada, a six-year uprising that caused significant casualties on both sides. This perspective has added to the intense debates surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Khalidi himself has a history of strong opinions on the issue. He’s been sharply critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has referred to the Trump administration as an Israeli “mouthpiece.” Recently, on a podcast, he expressed concerns over Israel’s military strategy, particularly in Gaza, suggesting that ethnic cleansing might be at play without a clear political objective.
The timing of Biden’s choice of reading material is significant. His administration has maintained robust support for Israel, including military aid. Yet, he’s faced criticism from both sides. Pro-Israel advocates have voiced frustration over U.S. conditions on aid, while pro-Palestinian groups accuse him of enabling civilian suffering in Gaza, dubbing him “Genocide Joe.” This incident has even led to online trolling, with critics mocking Biden’s stance and labeling his choice of reading as symbolic.
It’s unclear whether Biden bought the book or received it as a gift. Either way, it reflects the deep and complex debates over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—discussions that aren’t limited to the halls of Congress but find their way into the hands of presidents on quiet Nantucket afternoons.
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