Throughline: Edward Said and the Question of Palestine

Throughline, hosted by NPR's Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the life and legacy of Edward Said, a pivotal figure in bringing the Palestinian narrative to the global stage. Released on July 17, 2025, this episode delves deep into Said's intellectual contributions, activism, and the enduring impact of his work on contemporary discussions about Palestine and the Middle East.

Introduction: The Shadow of Edward Said [00:16 - 02:49]

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Edward Said narrating the 1982 PBS documentary Shadow of the West. Through a collage of evocative images, Said introduces the Western portrayal of the Orient as "a place of fantasy, imagination, desire" ([01:05]). Born in Jerusalem when it was part of Palestine, Said witnessed the tumultuous events of 1948 when Palestine became Israel, leading to his family's displacement and the inaccessibility of his birthplace ([01:29]).

Early Life and Identity [02:10 - 13:37]

Said's upbringing was marked by a unique blend of Eastern heritage and Western influence. His wife, Maryam Said, reminisces about his "old European charm" and his deep connection to classical music, stating, "Beethoven, Mozart, Bach" ([02:22]). Despite living a life of privilege in Cairo, surrounded by opera and lush gardens, Said grappled with profound contradictions. He belonged to a Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim country, was baptized in the Church of England, and spoke English at home rather than Arabic ([12:02]). These multifaceted identities shaped his worldview and fueled his later intellectual pursuits.

Orientalism: Challenging Western Narratives [22:48 - 25:34]

In 1978, amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape, Edward Said published Orientalism, a groundbreaking work that critiqued Western depictions of the East. Said argued that Western scholars and writers perpetuated stereotypes that portrayed the Orient as exotic, backward, and uncivilized. He stated, "There was a kind of repertory of images that kept coming up… the sensual woman... the east is a kind of mysterious place, full of secrets and monsters" ([24:33]). This critique highlighted how cultural representations served to justify Western dominance and colonial aspirations.

Activism and Political Engagement [07:39 - 18:47]

Said's academic influence extended beyond the classroom. As Columbia University's professor from 1963 until his death in 2003, he became a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. He played a crucial role in translating Yasser Arafat's 1974 UN speech, ensuring that the Palestinian message resonated globally. Said emphasized the importance of shaping Western perceptions, asserting, "a good part of our war against Israeli occupation would have to be in the west, in the Western mind" ([19:00]).

Timothy Brennan, author of Places: A Life of Edward Said, notes that post-1967, Said's activism intensified as he sought to humanize the Palestinian struggle amidst growing Western support for Israel ([11:21]). Despite facing significant opposition, including FBI investigations and personal threats, Said remained steadfast in his mission to reshape narratives and advocate for coexistence.

The West Eastern Divan Orchestra: Music as a Bridge [47:02 - 50:22]

In the 1990s, Said co-founded the West Eastern Divan Orchestra with Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim. This groundbreaking ensemble brought together Palestinian, Arab, and Israeli musicians to foster understanding through music. Said remarked, "At the moment that they were playing… what they're doing towards you" ([49:03]), emphasizing the power of collaborative art to transcend political and cultural divides.

Despite initial pushback and accusations of "normalization" ([50:09]), the orchestra gained international acclaim and was honored as a UN Global Advocate for Cultural Understanding in 2016. This initiative exemplified Said's belief in the potential for creative endeavors to promote peace and reconciliation.

Later Years and Continued Struggle [30:52 - 44:47]

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Said remained deeply involved in the Palestinian cause, acting as a liaison between American officials and the PLO. He was a staunch critic of political agreements like the Oslo Accords, believing they failed to address the underlying issues of occupation and settlement expansion. Said warned, "Unless we find ways to do this… there's going to be wholesale violence" ([44:32]).

His unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, despite escalating violence and political setbacks, underscored his dedication to coexistence. Timothy Brennan reflects, "Because it's the only way to go. The only option left" ([43:58]), highlighting the limited avenues available for peace amidst entrenched conflicts.

Legacy and Reflections [53:08 - 54:05]

Edward Said's legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the initiatives he spearheaded. His wife, Maryam Said, reflects on his enduring influence: "The words of Edward Said provide some measure of continuity, of struggle, some measure of maybe even desire to look for life in a time of extreme death" ([53:08]). His intellectual and activist efforts continue to inspire new generations seeking understanding and reconciliation in the Middle East.

In his final reflections, Said pondered the possibility of resolving entrenched prejudices through "a more enduring history of ordinary lives of reconciliation and recognition" ([53:41]). His vision of coexistence remains a guiding principle for those advocating for peace and mutual understanding.

Notable Quotes:

• Edward Said ([01:05]): "The Orient, the mysterious East. A place of fantasy, imagination, desire."
• Edward Said ([02:40]): "Music has curative powers. You're taken outside of yourself. I mean, there's a state of almost ecstasy."
• Edward Said ([24:33]): "There was a kind of repertory of images that kept coming up… the sensual woman... the east is a kind of mysterious place, full of secrets and monsters."
• Edward Said ([19:00]): "A good part of our war against Israeli occupation would have to be in the west, in the Western mind."
• Edward Said ([49:03]): "At the moment that they were playing… what they're doing towards you."
• Edward Said ([44:32]): "Unless we find ways to do this… there's going to be wholesale violence."
• Edward Said ([53:41]): "A more enduring history of ordinary lives of reconciliation and recognition."

Conclusion:

Throughline's episode on Edward Said meticulously traces his journey from a Palestinian academic to a global advocate for Palestinian rights. By intertwining his intellectual endeavors with his activism, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of a man dedicated to reshaping narratives and fostering understanding in a deeply divided world. Edward Said's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of words and actions in the pursuit of justice and peace.