Eqbal Ahmad

Edward W. Said once urged the legendary Eqbal Ahmad not to leave your words scattered to the winds, or even recorded on tape, but collected and published in several volumes for everyone to read. Then those who don t have the privilege of knowing you will know what a truly remarkable, gifted man you are. In these intimate and wide-ranging conversations, Ahmad discusses nationalism, ethnic conflict, the politics of memory, and liberation struggles around the world.

Activist, journalist, and theorist, Eqbal Ahmad (1934-1999) was admired and consulted by revolutionaries and activists as well as policymakers and academics. In articles and columns published in such journals as the Nation, New York Review of Books, Monthly Review, and newspapers in Pakistan and Cairo, Ahmad inspired new ways of thinking about global issues. Whether writing on the rise of militant Islam, the conflict in Kashmir, U.S. involvement in Vietnam, or the cynical logic of Cold War geopolitics, Ahmad offered incisive, passionate, and often prophetic analyses of the major political events and movements of the second half of the twentieth century. This work is the first to collect Ahmad's writings in a single volume. It reflects his distinct understanding of world politics as well as his profound sense of empathy for those living in poverty and oppression. He was a fierce opponent of imperialism and corruption and advocated democratic transformations in postcolonial and third-world societies. A uniquely perceptive critic of colonialism and U.S. foreign policy, Ahmad was equally vigilant in his criticisms of third-world dictatorships. Like few other writers, Ahmad's life experiences shaped his political views. He grew up amidst the turmoil of postcolonial India, worked alongside the Algerian FLN in their fight against the French occupation, and later became a prominent spokesperson for peace between Israel and Palestine.

Activist, journalist, and theorist, Eqbal Ahmad (1934-1999) was admired and consulted by revolutionaries and activists as well as policymakers and academics. In articles and columns published in such journals as the Nation, New York Review of Books, Monthly Review, and newspapers in Pakistan and Cairo, Ahmad inspired new ways of thinking about global issues. Whether writing on the rise of militant Islam, the conflict in Kashmir, U.S. involvement in Vietnam, or the cynical logic of Cold War geopolitics, Ahmad offered incisive, passionate, and often prophetic analyses of the major political events and movements of the second half of the twentieth century. This work is the first to collect Ahmad's writings in a single volume. It reflects his distinct understanding of world politics as well as his profound sense of empathy for those living in poverty and oppression. He was a fierce opponent of imperialism and corruption and advocated democratic transformations in postcolonial and third-world societies. A uniquely perceptive critic of colonialism and U.S. foreign policy, Ahmad was equally vigilant in his criticisms of third-world dictatorships. Like few other writers, Ahmad's life experiences shaped his political views. He grew up amidst the turmoil of postcolonial India, worked alongside the Algerian FLN in their fight against the French occupation, and later became a prominent spokesperson for peace between Israel and Palestine.

In part one, Eqbal Ahmad examines the terms “terrorist” and “freedom fighter” as they are used in American politics. In part two, David Barsamian interviews Ahmad upon his return from Afghanistan where he interviewed Osama bin Laden. An invaluable primer.

Eqbal Ahmad was a political theorist, cultural critic, writer and academic. This work brings together his most influential writings on imperialism, terrorism and the Middle East. It includes a series of themed interviews conducted by David Barsamian.

'Eqbal Ahmad was a shining example of what a true internationalist should be.' Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations'Ahmad was that rare thing, an intellectual unintimidated by power orauthority ... Perhaps the shrewdest and most original anti-imperialist ofAsia and Africa.' Edward W. Said'Hearing Eqbal Ahmad's voice again, in these eloquent pages, renews one's sense of loss. But perhaps the voice can still unblock a mind or two, in this dull era of the parochial Left.' Christopher HitchensEqbal Ahmad was an influential political theorist, cultural critic, writer and academic. Born in India, he grew up in the last years of the British Raj, moving to Pakistan during the civil war that followed partition, and eventually settling in the United States as a political refugee, having been declared persona non grata by successive military governments in Pakistan.This book brings together Ahmad’s most influential writings on imperialism, terrorism and the Middle East. The volume also includes a series of themed interviews, conducted by David Barsamian specifically formulated to accompany, complement and develop Ahmad’s key themes and concerns. In the interviews, Ahmad recounts his work with the National Liberation Front and Frantz Fanon in Algeria, meeting Malcolm X, his role in the anti-Vietnam War protests and his activism on behalf of Palestine.