Rashid Khalidi

Rashid Khalidi is a professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University and a pro-Palestinian advocate. He advised the Palestinian delegation during peace negotiations in the 1990s. His ties to Barack Obama, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, came under scrutiny in October 2008, as he used to be a friend of Obama when they both lived in Chicago. Some questioned how this would influence Obama's policy in the Middle East, should he be elected as president.LA Times: Allies of Palestinians see a friend in Barack Obama (April 10, 2008)

Khalidi and Obama are old acquaintances from the time they both lived in Chicago, although reports indicate they have grown apart in the last few years.LA Times: Allies of Palestinians see a friend in Barack Obama (April 10, 2008) Obama served as a director of the non-profit organization Woods Fund, that provided a $40,000 grant in 2001 to the Arab American Action Network, which was run by Khalidi's wife Mona at the time.Politico: GOP Group Behind Negative Obama Poll (September 17, 2008) World Net Daily: Obama worked with terrorist (February 4, 2008)

The Los Angeles Times reported having a 2003 video in which Obama is celebrating with other pro-Palestine advocates at a farewell dinner before Khalidi's move to New York. The tape has not been released, but has sparked some controversy over the friendship between the two. Obama has stated that he is pro-Israel and is not advised by Khalidi.FOX News: Videotape of Barack Obama You Won't See on the News... (October 28, 2008)