A Dissident's Journey: Tariq Ali on Politics, History, and the Power of Art

Speaking Truth to Power

Tariq Ali, the prolific historian, activist, and filmmaker, recently sat down with Democracy Now! to discuss his latest memoir, You Can't Please All: Memoirs 1980-2024. The title itself reflects Ali's lifelong commitment to dissenting voices, urging individuals to speak their truth regardless of mainstream opinion.

"It's our life as dissidents," Ali explains, "constantly going against mainstream opinions of politics on a global and domestic scale. It's a plea… saying, 'You can't please all. You have to say what you want to say. Don't try and please anyone. Just speak the truth.'"

A Family of Contradictions

Ali's upbringing in a politically diverse family profoundly shaped his trajectory. While his extended family represented conservative, feudal traditions, his parents embraced radical politics, becoming members of the Communist Party during British-occupied India. This created a fascinating dichotomy in his childhood, exposing him to both the established elite and the burgeoning voices of trade unionists, peasants, and bohemian artists.

Ali recounts attending a May Day rally at a young age, where chants of support for the Chinese revolution resonated deeply. He connects this early experience to current anxieties surrounding China's economic rise, reflecting on the potential for escalating tensions with the United States.

Transformation of Britain through Migration

Reflecting on the demographic shifts in Britain, Ali highlights the considerable impact of migration from the Global South. He notes the transformative effect on British cuisine, brought about by the influx of diverse cultures and culinary traditions. Ali also acknowledges the integration of South Asian individuals into British politics, citing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak, Sadiq Khan, and a former Chancellor of the Exchequer from Pakistan.

However, Ali cautions against assuming that representation equates to progress. He draws parallels with Obama's presidency, noting that despite societal hopes, certain policies continued unchanged. The key, he emphasizes, lies in political action, not solely representation.

The Legacy of Partition and the Rise of Modi

Ali discusses the complex history of the partition of India and Pakistan, highlighting his grandfather's opposition to the division. He posits that had Congress supported World War II, partition might have unfolded differently. Ali criticizes the rise of Narendra Modi in India, comparing his sectarian rhetoric and policies to those of Donald Trump, and expressing concern over India's treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims in Kashmir.

Reflecting on the Soviet Union

Ali's experiences in the late-1980s Soviet Union provide a unique perspective on the era's political climate. He recalls criticizing the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan at a UN conference, only to be embraced by Soviet delegates who echoed his sentiments, reflecting the reformist atmosphere under Gorbachev.

While welcoming the reforms, Ali remained critical of Russia's actions in Chechnya, advocating for national self-determination. He also expresses concern over Western attempts to exploit Russia's vulnerabilities, especially regarding its exclusion from NATO.

The Bandung Spirit and the Non-Aligned Movement

Ali recalls his involvement in creating "The Bandung File," a groundbreaking multicultural television program for Channel 4 in Britain. Named after the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, the program aimed to showcase the diverse lives of minorities in Britain and connect them to their origins. The program's success, despite covering often controversial topics, is a testament to its unique approach and unwavering commitment to truth.

Ali also expands on the significance of the Bandung Conference, a landmark gathering of newly independent nations in the post-colonial era. He sees the conference as a high point of decolonization, emphasizing the desire of these nations to chart their own course, independent of both Western and Eastern blocs. He traces the legacy of this non-aligned movement through to the rise of BRICS, highlighting the continued struggle against hegemonic powers.

The Power of Art and the Burning of Parchment

Ali addresses the importance of the arts and their revolutionary potential, referencing Trump's dismissal of Kennedy Center board members as an act of spite against the liberal arts community that largely rejected him. He emphasizes the historical significance of art as a form of resistance and societal commentary, highlighting how artistic expression often thrives in times of oppression.

A poignant anecdote about a friend's family illustrates the destructive nature of ideological blindness. The story of General Fairfax's descendant, who witnessed her father burn invaluable historical letters from Oliver Cromwell, serves as a stark reminder of how individual prejudices can lead to the destruction of cultural heritage.

Witnessing War Crimes in Vietnam

Ali's involvement with the Bertrand Russell War Crimes Tribunal led him to Vietnam during the war. He describes the harrowing experience of witnessing atrocities firsthand, drawing unsettling parallels between the destruction he saw in Vietnam and the more recent events in Gaza. His firsthand account of signing a waiver before flying into Hanoi, acknowledging the risk of being shot down, underscores the dangerous reality of the time.

He details the tribunal's efforts to document U.S. war crimes, the difficulty in finding a host country willing to defy American pressure, and ultimately, holding the tribunal in Sweden. Ali’s recount of a bombed hospital despite its Red Cross markings leaves a chilling reminder of the devastating impact of conflict.

Remembering Edward Said

The interview concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Ali's friend, Edward Said. Ali underscores Said's profound impact as a scholar and advocate for the Palestinian cause, particularly within the American context. He paints a vivid portrait of Said, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to justice and solidarity between all peoples in the region.

Ali reflects on Said's likely reaction to current events, noting that he wouldn't have remained silent in the face of injustice. These concluding reflections underscore the enduring legacy of Edward Said and the continued need for voices like his in today's world.