During a family visit to Nantucket, President Joe Biden made headlines when he was seen with a provocative book that critiques the establishment of Israel.

While shopping at Nantucket's Bookworks, Biden was spotted with The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi, a book that frames the conflict as a longstanding colonial endeavor against Palestinians, as the New York Post reports.

Khalidi's book, published in early 2020, dives into significant historical events from 1917 to 2017, painting them through the lens of settler colonialism.

The book does not shy away from challenging U.S. policies, particularly during the Trump administration. Khalidi criticizes the administration for its overtly pro-Israel stance, such as relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem.

He argues this reflected not merely an adherence to longstanding American support of Israel, but an abandonment of any semblance of impartiality.

Biden's Selection Draws Scrutiny

Biden's decision to either purchase, or simply browse, the book has not been confirmed. Nonetheless, the moment left room for speculation about his personal views and the influences on his policy decisions.

Khalidi, a staunch critic of perceived colonial actions in Palestine, has publicly noted the timing by commenting that Biden's engagement with the book came "4 years too late."

This incident plays out in a political atmosphere where Biden is navigating alliances and conflicts with Israel and Palestine. Following Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which tragically resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, Biden visited Israel in a show of support.

His actions drew criticism from multiple sides, with some accusing him of favoring Israeli defense measures, while others saw his moves, like pausing weapon shipments, as inadequate.

Particularly vocal have been pro-Palestinian demonstrators who perceive Biden's policies as skewed against Palestinian interests. These groups have staged protests at significant landmarks, including the White House, wielding signs with labels like “Genocide Joe” to express their dissatisfaction.

Complex U.S.- Israel and Palestine Relations

Despite these sentiments, Biden maintains a publicly pro-Israeli stance, often reaffirming his support for the nation. During a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Nov. 12, 2024, Biden reiterated his commitment to Zionism, stating that a person does not "have to be a Jew to be a Zionist."

On the diplomatic front, Biden has also shown willingness to mediate and restore peace in the region. Shortly before his appearance in Nantucket with the controversial book, he brokered a U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. This move illustrates his administration’s effort to contain regional tensions while addressing criticism of his pro-Israeli posture.

This tangled web of alliances and decisions defines Biden's tenure amidst a longstanding and multifaceted conflict. Domestically, he faces pressure from lawmakers and activist groups urging him to reassess America's role and influence in the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic.

Biden’s Engagement with Middle Eastern Politics

Furthermore, Khalidi’s work offers a critical examination of popular resistance movements, such as the First Intifada. Khalidi describes these uprisings as significant victories for Palestinians in a continuous struggle known to date back to the early 20th century. Such perspectives inform ongoing debates around the historical context of the conflict, elements that Biden must grapple with in policy considerations.

Balancing these diplomatic nuances places the president at the crossroads of historic alliances and calls for justice and reform from new voices. The line between maintaining strategic international partnerships and addressing humanitarian concerns presents a challenging pathway.

In light of this, the choice to engage with Khalidi's literature could be interpreted in various ways. While some might view it as a gesture of openness to alternative perspectives of the conflict, others may see it merely as the President seeking a broader understanding of historical contexts that have long defined U.S. foreign policy.

An Unresolved Narrative in Global Politics

Whichever way the event is viewed, it brings attention back to Biden’s overall approach toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His actions continue to be a subject of domestic and international scrutiny, as they have far-reaching implications on diplomatic fronts.

Ultimately, this episode in Nantucket may serve as a reminder of the broader complexities faced by U.S. presidents when navigating the intricate and often contentious landscapes of Middle Eastern politics. As Biden continues his presidency, moments like these underscore the underlying delicacies of balancing traditional alliances with emerging global demands for change.