Introduction.

AS THE ARAB STUDIES QUARTERLY APPROACHES the end of its 26th year of continuous publication, it is a fitting time to pay tribute to two of its founding fathers--Ibrahim Abu-Lughod and Edward Said. Much to the sorrow of those of us who worked with and enjoyed the company of these two extraordinary men, both Ibrahim and Edward died before the realization of our mutually held dreams for a more democratic and humane Middle East and self-determination for the Palestinians.

Both men eagerly explored and shared their myriad talents with all those fortunate enough to know them as family members, friends, colleagues and students. In her moving political memoir, Elaine C. Hagopian traces Ibrahim's and Edward's involvement with the PLO, Camp David and the Oslo accords over three turbulent decades. Although their support, opposition and belief in a two state or bi-national state solution altered over time, as Ghada Hashem Talhami emphasizes, their commitment to Palestine was absolutely immutable. In his tribute, Jamal R. Nassar focuses on Abu-Lughod's brilliance as a teacher and mentor. In "Edward Said (1935-2003)" and "Our Philological Home is the Earth." Andrew N. Rubin and Moustafa Bayoumi, both colleagues of Edward's, detail his intellectual contribution in literally changing the landscape of cultural attitudes and the way in which a hegemonic/imperial west looks at the "other." Perhaps most crucially, Edward's large oeuvre changed how dispossessed peoples defined themselves, thereby empowering entire new generations.

As teachers and guides, Ibrahim and Edward led by example. Unlike too many in the academy, neither lectured from a remote, isolated podium to tell student audiences what they ought to think or do. Rather, they critiqued reality, demolishing flawed, biased analyses through impeccable scholarship and passionate commitment to the truth. Both provided directions that encouraged independent thought, debate, and collective action. Ever the strategist, Ibrahim, in particular, recognized the importance of enabling students to stand on their own and to take responsibility. As he often counseled, "No one can protect you from the consequences of your own actions."

The contributions in this special ASQ issue highlight Ibrahim's and Edward's incredible generosity of spirit. Their mutual talents reinforced one another. These two old friends and political allies energized one another, just as they infused all those who met them with the determination and courage to demand rigorous scholarly production in the service of human rights, not only for the Palestinians, but lot all peoples. Theirs was a rare form of synergism in which the sum of the parts became greater than the individuals. Ibrahim, the scholar activist and Edward, the activist scholar, stand as eternal spokespersons for justice and the human rights of all peoples.