Leila Khaled

'A fine portrayal of a compelling and mysterious figure, mixing biography and historical critique to deliver a valuable insight into Leila Khaled's character as well as her extraordinary appeal as a revolutionary icon' — Nicholas Blincoe, co-editor of Peace Under Fire

'A nuanced historical biography based on thorough historical research together with extensive interviews with Leila Khaled and those close to her' — Tali Janner-Klausner, The Feminist Library

'A rare resource for those who want to know more about the life of this fascinating and complex Palestinian icon' — Nadine El-Hadi, Counterfire

Dubbed 'the poster girl of Palestinian militancy', Leila Khaled's image flashed across the world after she hijacked a passenger jet in 1969. The picture of a young, determined looking woman with a checkered scarf, clutching an AK-47, was as era-defining as that of Che Guevara.

In this intimate profile, based on interviews with Khaled and those who know her, Sarah Irving gives us the life-story behind the image. Key moments of Khaled's turbulent life are explored, including the dramatic events of the hijackings, her involvement in the Marxist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (a radical element within the PLO), her opposition to the Oslo peace process and her activism today.

Leila Khaled's example gives unique insights into the Palestinian struggle through one remarkable life – from the tension between armed and political struggle, to the decline of the secular left and the rise of Hamas, and the role of women in a largely male movement.

Sarah Irving is Lecturer in International History at Staffordshire University and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Electronic Intifada, Guardian and New Internationalist. She has held editorial roles at Red Pepper, Peace News and Ethical Consumer magazine. She is author of The Bradt Guide to Palestine and co-author (with Sharyn Lock) of Gaza: Beneath the Bombs.