offthebeatenpath

As the world ostentatiously celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s a grim reminder of the stark contrast between the rhetoric of gender equality and the abject reality endured by women and girls in Gaza. While the global stage is adorned with slogans of empowerment and progress, the women of Palestine are left to grapple with the …

Once upon a time in the land of hummus and history, also known as Lebanon, I believed that we were all part of a mystical, monochromatic tribe called “white.” Little did I know, my journey from the Middle East to West Africa and finally to the land of cheeseburgers and “freedom” would be a rollercoaster …

In a thought-provoking reflection, Hamid Dabashi (a professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University) encourages readers to imagine a fictional scenario where countries like Iran, Syria, Lebanon, or Turkey, supported by Russia and China, bomb Tel Aviv for three months. The grim portrayal includes the murder of tens of thousands, countless injuries, …

Edward Said‘s seminal work, “Orientalism,” continues to resonate profoundly in the contemporary world, offering a critical framework to understand power dynamics, cultural representations, and their impact on geopolitical conflicts. One area where Said’s insights are particularly relevant is the Israeli-Palestinian issue, where the discourse surrounding the situation echoes historical Orientalist patterns. Said’s “Orientalism” explores how …

The 20th century left an indelible mark on history, offering profound lessons on the complexities of colonialism. One of its paradoxes lies in the shift of perspective, where the imperialistic logic, acceptable when applied abroad, turned devastating when reversed in Europe. To fully understand this paradox, we must delve into the intricacies of colonial thought, …

In a world inundated with information, the ability to think critically and rationally is crucial. However, as we navigate the vast landscape of ideas and opinions, it becomes apparent that binary thinking often dominates our discussions. Whether it’s politics, social issues, or scientific debates, the tendency to reduce complex topics to simplistic dualities has become …

Dear Palestine, At times, it pains me to think that in your world, we might seem like mere shadows. My heart aches as I acknowledge the profound failures of humanity, the wounds inflicted upon you that may be too deep for forgiveness. They’ve seized your land, torn apart your people, and subjected you to air, …