A Taliban-Like State: Salman Rushdie’s Warning about a Palestinian State

Renowned author Salman Rushdie expressed concerns about the potential state of a Palestinian state in the Middle East, warning that it could resemble the oppressive rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. He suggested that a Palestinian state could be controlled by Hamas terrorists and ultimately serve as a puppet state for Iran, known for sponsoring terrorism.

In a recent interview with the German rbb24 TV channel, Rushdie, a respected Indian-British novelist, stated his long-standing support for a separate Palestinian state but raised doubts about the current situation. He questioned whether the Western Left’s progressive movements truly desire a Palestinian state governed by entities like Hamas and influenced by Iran.

Rushdie, who currently teaches at New York University, acknowledged the ongoing tensions on college campuses related to anti-Israel protests. While he supports students’ rights to demonstrate, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Jewish students amidst the protests.

The author, known for surviving assassination attempts, highlighted the complexity of balancing free speech and security on campus. He also reflected on the origins of the conflict in Gaza and the role of Hamas, urging demonstrators to consider the problematic aspects of supporting a terrorist organization.

Rushdie cautioned against the exploitation of the Gaza casualties as a purely emotional reaction, emphasizing the need to avoid sliding into antisemitism and unwavering support for Hamas. He underscored the importance of acknowledging the complexities of the situation and advocating for a peaceful resolution.