Global Empire - A Conversation With Edward Said

Tariq Ali introduces an interview with literary critic and public intellectual Edward Said filmed in 1994 in which they discuss Said’s childhood, his political activism for Palestine, and his works.

[MagdiNonDuality]

The Palestinian plight is an ongoing reminder to all humanity about the plight of the oppressed and the deep connection with the land that lives within each one of us.

[curtisgrindahl]

Edward Said was the person who guided me as I tried to understand what was happening in the Middle East. This is a beautiful conversation.. Given what is happening in the region at the moment, we could use a man like this to help us understand.. Hamas exists because no one has been listening to the Palestinian experience. No doubt the experience of Jews following World War II has been captivating and on some level inspiring. A "land without people for a people without land" was a compelling fiction and many of us embraced it. The violence eventually prompted us to ponder deeper questions, including what about the people who actually lived their for hundreds of years before the Zionists mobilized their forces? Edward Said helped me when those questions arose for me. I miss him sorely.

[JavierBonillaC]

This man is so centered, so intelligent, so kind. Too sad he died so young.

[julianorman]

Said is one of the great intellectuals of our time. He is a pillar of dignity, stoicism, and courage. A model for peace. Palestine will be free, and he has helped pave the way.

[sallyeathorne]

Where are you Edward Said? We need you in this dark hour. I take comfort in watching and listening to you in beautiful interviews such as this. Thank you for giving so much and for staying true. x

[leilaouni]

I'll never stop admiring -the legendary Edward Said . Such a great loss but "nothing should be permanent" as he said

[lecorsaire]

I’m grateful for being able to listen to an interview like this. The occupation of the Palestinian people didn’t simply dispossess them of their land and property. It has also sought to erase the existence of the Palestinians as a people.

Former Israeli PM Golda Meir herself once stated, “There were no such thing as Palestinians...They did not exist.”

Had this happened hundreds or thousands of years ago, it would not be extraordinary since similar injustices have happened to many other peoples in the past including the Native Americans. But the fact that it happened practically yesterday, and that we as Americans were complicit in these injustices being carried out should provoke outrage in everyone that believes in freedom and the right of a people to self-determination.

[TerlinguaTalkeetna]

There is always an alternative to submission or to capitulate. Thank you Edward, always believed this. Great conversation.

[Sahil-qphf]

I am not a middle eastern nor a westerner. I started reading about middle east in 2021. The more I read the more I understand and I become sad. I can now connect the dots between what happened in the middle east post ww2 and what lead to 9/11 and how the western leaders have been funding the 75 year long brutal occupation. Most of its history US have been in war in order to keep the interests of its oligarchs. US supported so many genocides. The Bangladeshi genocide, the Vietnam wars and Iraq war and so on. So much death and destruction. I am glad that the people outside the western sphere are coming to the understanding who are the real terrorists. Hoping for the US empire to go like the British and hoping for a free Palestine from river to the sea.

[platero]

Beautiful interview. Edward Said is a beautiful human being, continues to inspire and bring hope for Palestine in the midst of the current horrendous situation

[sambou]

Wow, my heart has just been shattered !!
Only those were kicked out of the land unjustly in 1948 will feel the trauma..and in 2023 history is repeating itself has been going on since then!!

The only land that surely we will all share one day in "underneath" ...the grave....

Rest in peace my dear Edwatd Said🎉🎉🎉

[LA-kcev]

Thank you Edward Said for your level of commitment and dedication. May peace and goodness be with you.

[nassermj]

Great human being. He left too soon. RIP sage one

[Poeticcom]

Edward Said and Tariq Ali - amazing things happen when great minds come together.

[denizerdogan]

Edward Said, you are a true inspiration for all of us. A beautiful bright soul. Yes..."There is always an opportunity to do something-no despair!". You'll always be in our hearts. May peace be with you. Thank you, forever... And thanks to Tarıq Ali, what a great interview.

[liviazambon]

It is really really sad listening to Said. So much pain. Europa, USA and Israel are trying to destroy Palestinian people, a nation....this is so horrible and surreal... a nightmare. Not even the Arab world is defending them. ..a tragedy

[mazherhussain]

Great Man. Public intellectual. Speaking for the oppressed People of the World.

[mohamedasif]

Prof Edward Said - An intellectual Giant of the 20th century

[tee]

I love the closing sentence about Edward not being able to get in to see his parents house . I sentence worth a million words

[amera]

Thank you so much, what a beautiful soul.. I will be always in love with Edward said❤️