Latest news with #KhaledBarakat
Memri
4 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Designated Terrorist Khaled Barakat Of PFLP, Samidoun, And Masar Badil Lauds 'Heroic' Pro-Palestinian Shooter Who Targeted Washington DC Event For Jewish Professionals, Killing Two Israeli Embassy Emp
On May 29, 2025, Designated Terrorist and Canadian citizen Khaled Barakat published an article on the website of his organization, Masar Badil, lauding Elias Rodriguez, the pro-Palestinian activist who targeted a Washington DC event for young Jewish professionals in a shooting attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum which killed a young couple who were employees of the Israeli Embassy. In the article, which was also published in Arabic in the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper, Barakat praised Rodriguez for his "heroic operation", emphasizing that "today's battle is not confined to Gaza or the West Bank, but includes the diaspora as well", and calling for "the forces of the resistance and their allies" to "build on this moment", adding: "the battle is long and open to all possibilities, but clarity of vision and direction—as Rodriguez demonstrated—is the first condition for victory." Khaled Barakat (see MEMRI TV Clip No. 11905 Canadian-Palestinian PFLP Senior Official Khaled Barakat: The Problem Is Not Israel, It Is America; Israel Is Merely Guarding American Interests In The Region; 'America Is The Plague', March 19, 2025) Khaled Barakat is the founder of both Samidoun and Masar Badil, the Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement, and a member of the latter's executive committee. He has been identified by the U.S. government as a senior member of the PFLP. He is also designated terrorist by the U.S. and Canada.[1] A Canadian citizen, Barakat has been residing in Beirut for several months after being designated in Canada in October 2024. Khaled Barakat's article on the Masar Badil website ( Barakat previously expressed support for the shooting attack on his social media accounts, as did his wife and international coordinator of Samidoun, Charlotte Kates. The following is the text of Barakat's article praising the Washinton D.C. attacker and inciting further attacks. "The Operation Carried Out By The Feda'i [Fighter] Elias Rodriguez Was Not A Passing Event... [It] Was A Natural And Legitimate Response" "The operation carried out by the feda'i Elias Rodriguez was not a passing event or an act isolated from the current political and strategic context. Rather, it marked a pivotal moment in clarifying positions and exposing contradictions—especially in the international arenas where solidarity movements with the Palestinian people are active. Occurring amid one of the fiercest phases of the genocidal war waged by the Zionist entity against the Gaza Strip for more than twenty months, the operation was a natural and legitimate response to this brutal aggression and an echo of the voice of resistance that remains alive and deeply rooted in the conscience of free peoples. The revolutionary intellectual and martyr Ghassan Kanafani (1936–1972) was the foremost theorist of revolutionary violence in confronting imperialism and Zionism. Kanafani's link to armed struggle was not romantic but was tightly bound to his political thought, his convictions, and the approach whose logical and moral coherence he defended until the moment of his martyrdom. This practical, organic connection was among the chief reasons for his assassination. Kanafani also waged an unrelenting intellectual struggle against those—whether Palestinians, Arabs, or others—who opposed "external operations." The author of the dictum "behind the enemy everywhere" continually affirmed, up to the moment of his assassination, that there is neither separation nor contradiction between the actions of the fedayeen in Palestine and across its borders and "external operations," so long as the political strategy is unified and the enemy is one. Has the enemy camp changed today? Have its colonial policies changed, or have they grown even more savage? Rodriguez's "Heroic Operation" Revealed "Who Truly Stands With The Resistance And Who Hides Behind General Slogans" Rodriguez's heroic operation clarified that the "solidarity movement" with the Palestinian people is not a single current or unified vision, but rather a mixture of diverse forces: some believe in the path of resistance and the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea, while others have positioned themselves within liberal frameworks that confine the conflict to human rights discourse and the diplomatic arena, and practically call for what is termed the "two-state solution" as the only viable horizon for the Arab-Zionist conflict. This divergence is not new. It reflects the political and ideological contradictions that have always accompanied international solidarity movements, from the Algerian revolution to the support movements for the struggles in Vietnam, South Africa, Ireland, and others. In fact, it also reveals internal Palestinian contradictions—but that is a longer discussion… At the heart of this complex picture lies the importance of Rodriguez's operation. It was not only a security challenge to the U.S. security apparatus but also held up a mirror reflecting the reality of positions: who truly stands with the resistance, and who hides behind general slogans to promote a vision oscillating between nihilism and surrender. Many speak of "the Palestinian people's right to resist," yet they reject any actual, conscious practice of this right if it steps outside the bounds of discourse acceptable in the West, a discourse that often translates into calls for compromises and political concessions, foremost among them the promotion of the "two-state solution" and a "peace" that entails recognition of the Zionist entity's legitimacy and the surrender of Palestine—and of our minds as well. "There Are Those Who [Stand] Firmly And Clearly With The Resistance, Not Only As A Theoretical Concept, But As Practical Action" Conversely, there are those who stood firmly and clearly with the resistance, not only as a theoretical concept, but as practical action grounded in the principles of liberation, return, and the rejection of the occupation's legitimacy. These are the natural extension of Palestinian liberation movements around the world, who view the Palestinian struggle as part of a global front against colonialism, racism, and predatory and brutal capitalism. For this reason, we are witnessing the advance of radical labor, youth, student, and women's forces, while the trend of "conditional solidarity" is in retreat. Rodriguez's operation not only revealed the limits of liberal discourse; it also restored the value of direct action as a mobilizing and agitational tool, placing everyone before their responsibilities. The broad popular response to this operation, particularly among youth and within Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities, reveals that popular sentiment remains aligned with armed struggle and a revolutionary position on Palestine. The battle being waged by the Palestinian people is not confined to the West Bank and Gaza, but extends and expands globally within the framework of revolutionary struggle against imperialism, Zionism, and reactionary and fascist regimes. These differences, despite their sharpness, must not turn into a source of nihilistic discord; rather, they should be understood as part of the natural plurality within global liberation movements. Historically, solidarity movements with just causes have witnessed similar divergences, whether in supporting the Cuban revolution, the struggles of Latin America, or even positions on the resistance in Iraq and Lebanon. However, there is an urgent need to prevent the enemy from exploiting this "plurality," especially amid the genocide. The Zionists, through propaganda campaigns and political and legal pressures, seek to demonize all who support the resistance and its supporters, and to sow doubt and distrust within the ranks of solidarity activists in general. Our assessment is that the majority of the Palestinian people—inside the homeland and in the diaspora—especially in light of the massacres in Gaza, see the revival of feda'i action as a revolutionary necessity. They are calling for broader popular participation in supporting the resistance, whether political, financial, media, or cultural support, or through direct involvement. This is the popular cradle and the revolutionary driving force needed to halt the aggression, shift the balance of power, and achieve liberation. The greater the occupation's crimes, the deeper the conviction that there is no place for neutrality and that confronting the enemy has become a duty, not a choice. "Today's Battle Is Not Confined To Gaza Or The West Bank, But Includes The Diaspora As Well... The Forces Of The Resistance And Their Allies Must Build On This Moment" Today's battle is not confined to Gaza or the West Bank, but includes the diaspora as well. Therefore, Rodriguez's operation represents a cry in the face of the American system, and a message that resistance is not the preserve of geography, race, or color, but is an affiliation, an identity, and an ethical and political stance that allows for no compromise. In conclusion, the forces of resistance and their allies must build on this moment, broaden the circles of revolutionary dialogue with liberation movements on an international level, and safeguard their ranks against the Zionist campaigns that seek to isolate and defame the resisters. The battle is long and open to all possibilities, but clarity of vision and direction—as Rodriguez demonstrated—is the first condition for victory.
Memri
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Memri
One Week Before October 7, 2023, PFLP Official Khaled Barakat: The U.S. Is Enemy No. 1 Of The Palestinian People; It Is Important To Support The Palestinian Armed Struggle Against Israel And Its Allie
In an address delivered as part of the closing remarks at the International People's Tribunal on U.S. Imperialism, hosted by the New York People's Forum on September 30, 2023—just a week before the October 7 attack—Khaled Barakat, who has since been identified as a senior official of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), called for support of the armed struggle against Israel and its allies. He accused the U.S. of being 'enemy number 1 of the Palestinian people' and emphasized the need to back Palestinian armed resistance, stating that 'Tel Aviv will not listen to Palestinians unless it is hit by missiles.' Barakat highlighted the role of Palestinian prisoner leadership, declaring that 'the prisoners of Hamas, the PFLP, the Islamic Jihad, and all the resistance movements in Palestine… are the true leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement.' He further stated, 'The Palestinian struggle has always been for liberation and return, not for a state.' Barakat also stated that 'Palestinians are manufacturing 90% of their weapons, thanks to Iran, which has provided knowledge and support, and to people like [IRGC Qods Force Commander General] Qassem Soleimani.' The Tribunal was hosted by the People's Forum, a New York-based socialist organization reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party, and was covered by Iranian state-run Press TV. The Tribunal steering committee was co-chaired by Nina Farnia, Professor of Law at Albany Law School, and Helyeh Doutaghi, former Deputy Director of the Law and Political Economy Project at Yale University. Khaled Barakat and his wife, Charlotte Kates, the International Coordinator of Samidoun, spoke at the event via video call. Khaled Barakat is the founder of Samidoun and a leader of Masar Badil, an organization closely linked to Samidoun. He has been identified by the United States as a leader of the U.S.-designated terrorist organization the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Samidoun has been designated a U.S. Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization and a sham charity. A Canadian citizen, Barakat has been in Beirut, Lebanon, for several months following his designation as a terrorist by Canada in October 2024. Barakat's wife, Charlotte Kates, also in Beirut since February 9, 2025, has been arrested and investigated by Canadian authorities for hate speech in support of U.S. and Canada-designated terrorist organizations. Khaled Barakat: "The U.S. is the enemy number 1 of the Palestinian people, and they initiate all of these war crimes. [...] "It wasn't the Lebanese government that was able to push Israel back, and to have the U.S. push back. It was the Lebanese resistance. And they did this by force – by weapons, by drones, by missiles, and by threatening to go into war. The same exact thing happened in Gaza. [...] "Tel Aviv will not listen to Palestinians unless it is hit by missiles. Only when Palestinians throw missiles at Tel Aviv, and those Israeli settlers, who are enjoying our shores and beautiful sands, go to their homes and to their refuge underground, Israel will not lose any kind of... In fact, they use the term 'tighten the noose on Gaza's neck.' And the only time they back off is when the Palestinian resistance shows force. [...] "These are for us the true leaders, and the trusted leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement. It is the prisoners of Hamas, the PFLP, and the Islamic Jihad, and all the resistance movements in Palestine. These prisoners in Israeli jails are the true leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement. [...] "The Palestinian struggle has always been for liberation and return, and not for a state. [...] "It is important to support the Palestinian people's armed struggle against Israel and against Israel's allies. The Palestinian people's armed resistance is a legitimate resistance. [...] "Now Palestinians are manufacturing 90% of their weapons, thanks to Iran, who provided us with the knowledge and the support, and thanks to people like the martyr Qassem Soleimani. [...] "Israel is doomed to fail. This Zionist racist colonial regime will fall apart. [...] "It is going to be a very tough battle for liberation, and a very painful process for liberation, but our people are going to be victorious."
Memri
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Zoom Bans Planned Webinar By 'Masar Badil' Organization, Led By U.S.- And Canada-Designated Terrorist And PFLP Top Member Khaled Barkat
On March 16, 2025, the website of the organization Masar Badil claimed that a planned webinar, set to take place on Zoom on March 14th, was blocked by the platform. Masar Badil is lead by Khaled Barakat, a senior official with Designated Terror Organization Popular Fron for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who was also Designated a terrorist himself by the U.S. and Canada in October 2024. [1] Masar Badil has been using the Zoom platform to conduct interviews and conferences with the officials of Iran-backed jihadi organizations and international activists, livestreaming the meetings and later posting them to the Masar Badil website. For example, see the following MEMRI reports: In September Livestream With Hamas Spokesman, PFLP-Affiliated Canadian 'Masar Badil' NGO Continues To 'Amplify Voices' Of Top Terrorists, Incite Protest Escalation – In English And Spanish; Participant Charlotte Kates, Coordinator Of Designated Terrorist Front Samidoun: Activists Must 'Escalate Struggle' To Remove Hamas, PFLP, Hizbullah From Western Terror Lists 'Masar Badil' Organization, Led By Canada-Based Former PFLP Member And Samidoun Affiliate Khaled Barakat, Hosts Interview With Nasruddin Amer, Official In The Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization Ansar Allah – Houthis – Who Calls October 7 'A Great Victory,' Says 'Our War With Israel And The U.S Is Continuous... Our Struggle With Them Is An Existential Struggle'; You Can Support The Resistance With 'Marches And The Occupation Of Spaces In Universities, Taking To The Street Regularly' Top Hamas Official Ghazi Hamad In Interview With Pro-Palestinian NGO 'Masar Badil': Protests In West Are 'Much Appreciated,' 'Very Effective'; We Coordinate 'With All The Parties, Not Only With The Resistance Factions In The Region'; 'We Will Never Recognize Israel'; We Have Met With 'Leftist Parties'; Since October 7, 'We Were Able To Expand The Area Of Confrontation With The Enemy' And 'Move In So Many Wide Areas, Politically, Diplomatically, Media-Wise'; 'The World Is Becoming More Pro-Palestinian' [1] October 15, 2024.
Memri
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
'Masar Badil' Activist George Qarmout at New York World Workers Party Forum: Hamas's Focus on Palestinian Needs Paved the Way for October 7; We Need to Follow the Example of Hamas, Houthis, North Kore
George Qarmout, an activist with Masar Badil, which is closely linked to U.S. designated terror organizations Samidoun and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), spoke at the New York World Workers Party Black History Forum on February 20, 2025. He discussed how the October 7 attacks and the release of hundreds of prisoners were made possible by Hamas's efforts to meet the primary needs of Palestinians before engaging in armed struggle. He encouraged participants to follow the examples set by Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba before embarking on a "full revolution." Khaled Barakat, the Canadian leader of Masar Badil, was designated by the U.S. and Canada on October 15, 2024, for being among the leaders of the PFLP, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. In the same statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (Samidoun) as a "sham charity" used to fundraise internationally for the PFLP. Barakat is the founder of Samidoun, and his wife, Charlotte Kates, serves as the International Coordinator of the organization.
Memri
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Canadian-Palestinian PFLP Senior Official Khaled Barakat: The Problem Is Not Israel, It Is America; Israel Is Merely Guarding American Interests In The Region; 'America Is The Plague'
Khaled Barakat, a senior official with the PFLP and Masar Badil, said that the resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen is directed against America, not Israel, in a March 19, 2025 appearance on Mayadeen TV (Lebanon). He stated: "The problem is America," and he argued that Israel merely functions as a Western colony in the region, serving as a "guard dog" for American interests. Quoting poet Mahmoud Darwish, Barakat declared, "America is the plague, and the plague is America." Khaled Barakat is the founder of Samidoun and a leader with Masar Badil, an organization closely linked with Samidoun; he has been identified by the United States as a leader with the U.S.-designated terrorist organization the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Samidoun has been designated a U.S. Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization and a sham charity. Barakat, a Canadian citizen, has been in Beirut, Lebanon, for the past several months since his designation as a terrorist by Canada in October 2024. Barakat's wife, Charlotte Kates, International Coordinator of Samidoun, has been arrested and investigated by Canadian authorities for hates speech in support of U.S. and Canada-designated terrorist organizations. She too has been in Beirut since February 9, 2025. Khaled Barakat: "The resistance in Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen is against America, not against Israel. If we work under the assumption that the problem is only with Israel, and that this is a Palestinian-Israeli conflict, we will build a vision that is wrong from beginning to end. We need to understand that America, imperialism, and the West are the problem. "This is why, ever since October 7, [Western leaders] have been rushing to Tel Aviv. There has been a pilgrimage to Tel Aviv by these colonialist powers, because this colony suffered a shock. This is their colony. It is the guard dog for American interests in the region. America treats it like its own colony, which it inherited from Britain and France, just like it inherited the oil, and the defeatist, collaborating, and impotent Arab entities. Therefore, America considers Israel to be a strategic asset. It may not benefit from Israel directly, but it uses it to serve its own interests. The problem is America. In the words of our poet, Mahmoud Darwish: 'America is the plague, and the plague is America.'"
