Childhood and Education Journey of Fareed Zakaria in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Fareed Zakaria. From birth to education, explore key events.

Fareed Zakaria is a prominent Indian-American journalist, political commentator, and author. He hosts CNN's *Fareed Zakaria GPS* and pens a weekly column for *The Washington Post*. Previously, he held influential editorial positions at *Newsweek* and *Time*, solidifying his presence in international affairs and political analysis. Zakaria's work focuses on global issues, foreign policy, and the evolving world order, making him a respected voice in contemporary discourse.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1920: Birth of Rafiq Zakaria

In 1920, Rafiq Zakaria, Fareed Zakaria's father, was born. He was a politician associated with the Indian National Congress and a scholar interested in Islam.

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1936: Birth of Fatima Zakaria

In 1936, Fatima Zakaria, Fareed Zakaria's mother, was born. She was the editor of the Sunday Times of India for a time.

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January 20, 1964: Fareed Zakaria Born

On January 20, 1964, Fareed Rafiq Zakaria was born in India. He is now an American journalist, political commentator, and author, known for hosting CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS and writing for The Washington Post.

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1986: Zakaria Graduates from Yale

In 1986, Fareed Zakaria graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University. During his time there, he was the president of the Yale Political Union and editor in chief of the Yale Political Monthly.

1993: Zakaria Earns PhD from Harvard

In 1993, Fareed Zakaria earned a PhD in government from Harvard University, where he studied under Samuel P. Huntington and Stanley Hoffmann.

1997: Marriage to Paula Throckmorton

In 1997, Fareed Zakaria married Paula Throckmorton, a jewelry designer.

2000: Annual Orator of the Philomathean Society

In 2000, Fareed Zakaria was the Annual Orator of the Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania.

2003: Initial Support for the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Fareed Zakaria initially supported the invasion of Iraq, suggesting that "any stirring of the pot is good." He advocated for a UN-sanctioned operation with a larger force but later became a critic of the war plan and the Bush administration's handling of the occupation.

2003: George Stephanopoulos on Zakaria's Political Views

In 2003, George Stephanopoulos commented on Fareed Zakaria's political views, noting his broad knowledge and difficulty in being pigeonholed politically.

2003: Kissinger's Praise of Zakaria

In 2003, Henry Kissinger told New York Magazine that Fareed Zakaria "has a first-class mind and likes to say things that run against conventional wisdom."

2005: Death of Rafiq Zakaria

In 2005, Rafiq Zakaria, Fareed Zakaria's father, passed away. He was a politician associated with the Indian National Congress and a scholar interested in Islam.

March 2007: Opposed Iraq Surge

In March 2007, Fareed Zakaria opposed the Iraq surge, arguing it would work militarily but not politically, leaving Iraq divided. He advocated for a political settlement and a reduction of forces.

February 2008: Zakaria on Conservatism and New Thinking

In February 2008, Fareed Zakaria wrote about the rise of conservatism in the 1970s and 1980s, emphasizing the need for new thinking in a new world.

2008: Zakaria Endorses Obama

Before the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Fareed Zakaria endorsed Barack Obama on his CNN program.

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2010: Wieseltier's Description of Zakaria's Views on Iran

In 2010, Leon Wieseltier described Fareed Zakaria as a "consummate spokesman for the shibboleths of the [Obama] White House" regarding foreign policy objectives related to Iran.

May 2011: Obama Seeks Zakaria's Input on Middle East Issues

In May 2011, The New York Times reported that President Obama had consulted Fareed Zakaria and Thomas L. Friedman on issues related to the Middle East.

2011: Zakaria Listed as Over-Rated Thinker

In 2011, The New Republic listed Fareed Zakaria as one of the "over-rated thinkers," suggesting he was too perfectly in tune with the times.

April 2017: Zakaria Supports US Missile Strike in Syria

In April 2017, Fareed Zakaria supported the U.S. missile strike against a Syrian government-controlled airbase, stating that it was the moment President Donald Trump "became president of the United States."

July 2018: Divorce Filing

In July 2018, Fareed Zakaria's wife, Paula Throckmorton, filed for divorce.

July 2020: Signed Harper's Letter

In July 2020, Fareed Zakaria was one of the 153 signers of the "Harper's Letter," expressing concern about increasing restrictions on the free exchange of information and ideas.

2021: Death of Fatima Zakaria

In 2021, Fatima Zakaria, Fareed Zakaria's mother, passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the editor of the Sunday Times of India for a time.