Hanan Ashrawi

Easton Press Hanan Ashrawi books

This Side of Peace - signed first edition - 1995

 

 

Hanan Ashrawi biography

Hanan Ashrawi, a prominent Palestinian political figure, scholar, and human rights activist, was born on October 8, 1946, in Nablus, on the West Bank. Her life and career have been shaped by her commitment to the Palestinian cause, her academic pursuits, and her advocacy for peace and human rights in the Middle East. Ashrawi began her academic journey at the American University of Beirut, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in literature. Later, she pursued a Ph.D. in medieval and comparative literature at the University of Virginia, becoming the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in this field from that institution.

Her academic career took an unexpected turn when the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967 compelled her to engage more actively in political and social issues. Hanan Ashrawi emerged as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and a critic of the Israeli occupation. She played a key role in establishing the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens' Rights, an organization dedicated to monitoring human rights violations. Ashrawi gained international recognition during the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991, where she served as the official spokesperson for the Palestinian delegation. Her articulate and forceful advocacy garnered respect from both the international community and Palestinian constituents.

Throughout the years, Hanan Ashrawi has held various political positions, including as the Palestinian Authority Minister of Higher Education and Research. Her political career, however, has not been without controversy, and she has faced criticism from different quarters within the Palestinian political landscape. Beyond her political engagements, Ashrawi has been a prolific writer and commentator, contributing articles to various publications on issues related to the Middle East, Palestinian rights, and the peace process. Her memoir, This Side of Peace: A Personal Account, provides insights into her experiences and perspectives during critical moments in Palestinian history.

Hanan Ashrawi remains an influential and prominent figure in the Palestinian political landscape, as well as an articulate spokesperson for the Palestinian cause on the global stage. Her life and work reflect a commitment to both scholarship and activism, with a focus on advocating for justice, human rights, and a peaceful resolution to the complex issues in the Middle East.

This Side of Peace

This Side of Peace offers a profound exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and redemption, as chronicled by Hanan Ashrawi, a prominent Palestinian leader and advocate for peace and justice. Ashrawi's life journey is emblematic of the struggles and aspirations of her people in the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East.

In her memoir, This Side of Peace, Ashrawi offers a poignant account of her personal and political odyssey, tracing her upbringing in a land marked by conflict and displacement, to her emergence as a formidable voice for Palestinian rights on the global stage. With eloquence and insight, she navigates the complexities of identity, exile, and resistance, shedding light on the human toll of decades-long strife and occupation. Against the backdrop of historic events and pivotal negotiations, Ashrawi provides a rare insider's perspective on the quest for peace in the Middle East, offering candid reflections on the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way. From her role as a spokesperson for the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991, to her tenure as a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Ashrawi's narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and hope for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This Side of Peace is more than a memoir; it is a testament to Ashrawi's unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and the pursuit of a future defined by dignity and equality for all. With its blend of personal memoir and political commentary, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Through her compelling storytelling and steadfast advocacy, Hanan Ashrawi invites readers to envision a world where peace is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality within reach. This Side of Peace stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit and her enduring belief in the power of dialogue and cooperation to bridge the divides that divide nations and peoples.