Shafiq al-Hout died Sunday in Beirut. I had the privilege of knowing the Palestinian activist when I was a United Nations correspondent in New York. Shafiq didn't mind my 1,000 questions about the Middle East, answering them with patience, grace and humor. He was a co-founder of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and top aide to PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat. But Shafiq - along with the late poet Mahmoud Darwish - fell out with the mercurial leader over the Oslo Peace Accords. Still, he remained an influential voice in Palestinian politics.
From 1974 - 1993, Shafiq served as the PLO's delegate to the United Nations. He was a member of the Palestine National Council and the Palestinian Parliament-in-Exile. Shafiq traveled the globe in his tireless efforts for the Palestinian cause. He will be missed.
I wish him peace. How wonderful it must have been, knowing him.
Blessings.
Posted by: Christina | 04 August 2009 at 18:56
How sad Tara, may he rest in peace. What an honor to have known him.
Posted by: Yoli | 04 August 2009 at 06:13
RIP dear Shafiq.
Each little pebble sends out countless ripples in the pond...his influence shall remain and grow.
So sorry Tara.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 04 August 2009 at 03:50
Oh so sorry Tara you must be so upset.
Posted by: Di Overton | 03 August 2009 at 18:44