Join us for this discussion featuring key voices from the Palestinian liberation movement: Prof. Dr. Tamim Al-Barghouti and Prof. Dr. Wadie E. Saïd.

This series seeks to critically engage with the historical and contemporary dimensions of settler colonialism in Palestine, with a particular focus on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the geopolitical conditions that sustain it. By foregrounding the interconnected struggles against occupation and ethnic cleansing, it aims to foster deeper public awareness while amplifying the urgent call for Palestinian liberation and the realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Drawing upon the expertise of Tamim Al-Barghouti, Wadie E. Saïd and a range of political and activist perspectives, the discussions will interrogate dominant narratives and advocate for the Palestinian call for liberation, including the one-state solution as a framework for justice, equality, and decolonization. In doing so, the discussions will expose the historical failures and limitations of the two-state paradigm, whose invocation has too often served to defer accountability and normalize dispossession. Participants will also reflect on the broader geopolitical and historical forces that shape the current genocide, while advocating for a just future grounded in indigenous sovereignty, international solidarity and anti-colonial resistance.

Through this series, we aim not only to deepen understanding but also to mobilize political, academic and civic engagement for Palestinian liberation. It is for everyone who seeks a deeper understanding, beyond mainstream narratives, of the Palestinian question and looks for ways in which to contribute to its liberation.

Speakers

Nicknamed the "Poet of Jerusalem," Professor Tamim Al-Barghouti stands as a powerful voice of resistance in the Arab world. As a political scientist, author, poet and a leading figure in the articulation of Palestinian identity and defiance, his voice resonates across borders, echoing themes of exile, occupation, and the enduring struggle for justice. Born in 1977 in Cairo to a family deeply rooted in both literature and the fight for justice—his father, the renowned Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouti, and his mother, acclaimed Egyptian novelist Radwa Ashour—Tamim grew up immersed in literature and activism. His poetry often addresses issues like exile, occupation and fight for liberation. His work not only mourns loss and displacement but also fiercely asserts the right to homeland and dignity.

Professor Wadie E. Said is a prominent Palestinian-American legal scholar whose work critically examines how law upholds power and suppresses resistance. Specializing in criminal, immigration, and national security law, he exposes how U.S. legal frameworks define “terrorism” and “justice” in ways that often delegitimize anti-colonial struggles — particularly in the Middle East. The son of renowned intellectual Edward Said, he carries forward a legacy of decolonial critique, revealing how legal systems can reinforce imperialism or become tools for liberation. As a Professor of Law and Dean’s Faculty at the University of Colorado, he continues to challenge dominant narratives around security, rights, and resistance.

The moderation will be done by Ali Fares, a Brussels-based Palestinian activist.

This discussion is part of a 2-part series. Be very welcome to join us:

- May 16th 2025. 6-8PM - La Bellone.

- May 17th 2025. 2-4PM - Ghent University.

These events are organised by It’s Not Complicated BXL and supported by the Global Minds Fund at Ghent University and the Global Development program at KU Leuven.

.