Thomas Friedman

Thomas L. Friedman (born July 20, 1953) is an American journalist, columnist, and author, currently working as an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times. His columns, concentrating mainly on foreign affairs, appear in the Op ed page on Wednesdays and Fridays. Friedman is known for advocating a compromise peace between Israel and the Palestinians, modernization of the Arab world, and globalization and laissez-faire capitalism, while sometimes remarking on their potential pitfalls. His books address various aspects of international politics, from a centrist perspective on the political spectrum.

Early life

Friedman was born in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he lived until he went to college at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. As a child, he attended a Jewish summer camp where a young Abe Foxman was a counselor. In high school, Friedman wrote for his school's paper The Echo, including one article in which he interviewed then Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon. After college, Friedman attended Oxford University on a Marshall Scholarship, receiving an MA in Middle Eastern studies. Friedman lists Professor Albert Hourani among his important academic influences.

Related Topics:
St. Louis Park - Minnesota - Brandeis University - Massachusetts - Jewish - Summer camp - Abe Foxman - Ariel Sharon - Oxford University - Marshall Scholarship - Middle East - Albert Hourani

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