Rashid Khalidi's Balancing Act.

The article profiles Rashid Khalidi, a scholar of modern Arab studies at Columbia University. The author notes criticism regarding Khalidi's views of Israel and the U.S. but notes that many academics support Khalidi's views. He discusses the development of the field of Middle Eastern studies and divisions in the discipline. Khalidi wrote the book "Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness" in which he argued for the existence of Palestinian national identity. He supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and was a colleague of Middle East scholar Edward Said. Khalidi discusses resistance to his appointment to Columbia University and accusations of academic bias.