Genocidal Maniac": Author's Son Reacts After Biden Spotted With Father's Book

The son of Columbia University professor emeritus Rashid Khalidi, Ismail Khalidi, has stirred controversy by labeling US President Joe Biden a “genocidal maniac” after Biden was photographed holding a copy of Khalidi’s book, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine. The photo, taken during Biden’s Black Friday outing in Nantucket, raised eyebrows given the President's historically pro-Israel stance.

Rashid Khalidi’s book critiques US foreign policy and frames the creation of Israel as a “settler-colonial conquest.” Published in 2020, it offers a detailed account of Palestinian resistance and challenges the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians. Despite its critical tone, the book advocates for justice, equality, and the dismantling of discriminatory policies to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Ismail Khalidi’s Harsh Reaction

Ismail Khalidi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage, writing:

    Hey, [Joe Biden], get my father's book out of your blood-soaked hands, you genocidal maniac.”

The sharp remark reflects the frustration of many Palestinians and their allies who view Biden’s policies as complicit in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Rashid Khalidi's Response

Rashid Khalidi himself reacted more diplomatically, calling Biden’s interest in his work “four years too late.” Khalidi has been a vocal critic of both Israeli policies and US foreign policy. In his book, he criticizes the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the most extreme” in the nation’s history. He also highlights the Trump administration’s unwavering support for Israel, describing it as a “mouthpiece” for the country.

A Nuanced Perspective

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine explores the historical narrative of Palestinian resistance while offering an in-depth analysis of Israeli policies and their global implications. The book suggests three potential outcomes for settler-colonial conflicts:

The full subjugation of Indigenous populations.

The expulsion of colonizers.

Compromise and reconciliation.

Biden’s public endorsement of the book—whether intentional or accidental—has drawn significant attention. Critics argue that it contrasts with his longstanding Zionist stance and unwavering military support for Israel.

Biden’s Pro-Israel Stance

President Biden has often declared himself a Zionist, famously stating, “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. I am a Zionist.” His administration has continued to provide military aid to Israel, a policy that has sparked widespread protests in the US amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Demonstrators have dubbed him “Genocide Joe” for his perceived failure to curb Israeli military actions.

While Biden briefly paused shipments of heavy munitions to Israel earlier this year, his visit to the country following the October 2023 attacks was seen as a gesture of solidarity.

Conclusion

The photograph of Biden with Rashid Khalidi’s book has reignited debates surrounding US foreign policy and its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether Biden’s choice of reading material signals a shift in perspective or is merely coincidental remains unclear, but the incident has undoubtedly added another layer to the already polarizing discourse.

Reference from:-https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/rashid-khalidi-s-son-blasts-biden-blood-soaked-hands-don-t-belong-on-father-s-book-7145596