Conversation with Hanan Ashrawi, cover page

Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See a webcast of this interview:
Ashrawi

A Palestinian Voice: Conversation with Hanan Ashrawi, writer and political leader; 4/12/00 by Harry Kreisler

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Archival photos are courtesy of Hanan Ashrawi.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is Dr. Hanan Mikhail-Ashrawi, the distinguished Palestinian leader and the 2000 Sanford S. Elberg Lecturer at UC Berkeley. A tireless campaigner for human rights, she has distinguished herself in both the academic and political arenas. Her academic expertise has played a vital role in the development and recognition of Palestinian culture, while her longstanding political activism on behalf of the Palestinian people has contributed greatly to the establishment of an independent and self-governing Palestine. In August of 1998 she founded the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy, and has served as secretary general of that organization. Dr. Ashrawi has also served since 1996 as an elected member of the Palestinian legislative council, Jerusalem district. Among her many publications is This Side of Peace, a memoir of her role as an envoy and a Palestinian.

Background ... influence of parents ... women's rights and social justice ... early drive
Being a Writer ... father's support ... who is a writer ... writing ... a Palestinian voice ... challenging ignorance
Activism ... responding to the student movement ... keys to survival ... confronting power ... the role of women
The Peace Process ... asymmetry of power ... ensuring human rights
Lessons Learned ... self-respect ... words and the flow of life