Edward W Said (1935-2003) was a Palestinian-American literary theorist, cultural critic, and public intellectual. He was a professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University and a founding figure in postcolonial studies. Said's work focused on the relationship between the West and the non-Western world, particularly the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He wrote extensively on the politics of knowledge and power, and his most famous work, Orientalism (1978), is considered a foundational text in postcolonial studies. Said was also a passionate advocate for Palestinian rights and self-determination. He was a vocal critic of US foreign policy in the Middle East and a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. His legacy continues to shape the discourse on the Middle East and the politics of knowledge.