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Portrait of Tareq Baconi

Tareq Baconi

Palestinian writer, scholar and former Al-Shabaka board president

Born
1983
Born in
Jordan

Why Tareq is here

Renowned for his analytical work on Palestinian resistance movements and his advocacy for Palestinian rights.

Their story

Tareq Baconi, born in Jordan in 1983, is a Palestinian writer and scholar, and former president of the board of Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian policy network.

His book Hamas Contained (2018) is a widely cited study of Hamas and the siege of Gaza. In 2025 he published Fire in Every Direction, a memoir of queer identity, family history and political awakening.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Tareq’s path.

  1. Graduated from University

    Completed his higher education and began his career focusing on Middle Eastern politics.

  2. 2018

    Published "Hamas Contained"

    Released his influential book detailing the evolution and challenges of Hamas within the Palestinian resistance framework.

  3. Joined International Crisis Group

    Worked as a senior analyst focusing on Israel/Palestine and the Economics of Conflict, contributing to numerous reports and analyses.

  4. Became President of Al-Shabaka

    Took on a leadership role at the Palestinian Policy Network, shaping policy discussions and research on Palestine.

  5. Frequent Commentator and Writer

    Published articles in prestigious journals and newspapers such as the London Review of Books, the New York Review of Books, and the Washington Post, enhancing global awareness of Palestinian issues.

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  6. 2026

    Published What Now: On Palestine, Freedom, and Our Global Future.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Analytical Work on Hamas

    Provided deep insights into the political dynamics and strategies of Hamas, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the group beyond mainstream narratives.

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  2. Policy Influence at Al-Shabaka

    Played a critical role in shaping policy discussions and recommendations aimed at improving Palestinian governance and resistance strategies.

  3. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

    Used his platform to advocate for Palestinian self-determination and highlight the impacts of Israeli policies on Palestinian life.

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  4. Publications and Media Presence

    Authored influential articles and appeared in various media outlets to discuss the Israeli occupation of Palestine, bringing scholarly perspectives to broader audiences.

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  5. Educational Contributions

    Through lectures and public speaking, educated global audiences about the Palestinian struggle, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities involved.

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Watch & listen

Tareq in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 02Publications and Media Presence↗

Further reading

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