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 is a weekly columnist for 'The Washington Post'. His career includes notable positions such as columnist for Newsweek, editor of Newsweek International, and editor at large of Time, marking him as a significant voice in global affairs and political analysis.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

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.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Graduation from Yale University

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

1993: PhD from Harvard University

In 1993, Fareed Zakaria obtained a PhD in government from Harvard University. He studied under Samuel P. Huntington, Stanley Hoffmann, and Robert Keohane.

November 29, 2001: Meeting of Middle East Analysts

On November 29, 2001, Fareed Zakaria attended a meeting of Middle East analysts convened by Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.

2003: Initial Support for the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Fareed Zakaria initially supported the invasion of Iraq, but soon became a critic of the war plan and the 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 versatility and difficulty to categorize politically.

2003: Kissinger on Zakaria's Mind

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."

2006: Woodward's Book on Middle East Analysts Meeting

In 2006, Bob Woodward's book 'State of Denial' described a November 29, 2001, meeting of Middle East analysts, including Zakaria, but Zakaria later clarified his limited role in the meeting and its subsequent report.

State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III

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March 2007: Opposition to the Iraq Surge

In March 2007, Fareed Zakaria opposed the Iraq surge, suggesting a political settlement and a reduction in forces instead.

February 2008: Zakaria's Views on Conservatism

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

2008: Zakaria Endorses Barack Obama

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

January 2009: Forbes Names Zakaria Influential Liberal

In January 2009, Forbes referred to Fareed Zakaria as one of the 25 most influential liberals in American media.

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 Iran and foreign policy.

May 2011: Obama Consults Zakaria on Middle East Issues

In May 2011, The New York Times reported that Barack Obama had "sounded out prominent journalists like Fareed Zakaria ... and Thomas L. Friedman" concerning Middle East issues.

2011: The New Republic on Zakaria as Overrated Thinker

In 2011, the editors of The New Republic included Fareed Zakaria in a list of "over-rated thinkers," commenting on his alignment with the moment.

April 2017: Support for U.S. Missile Strike in Syria

In April 2017, Fareed Zakaria supported the U.S. missile strike against a Syrian government-controlled airbase, praising President Donald Trump's action.

July 2018: Fareed Zakaria's wife files for divorce

In July 2018, Paula Throckmorton, the jewelry designer wife of Fareed Zakaria, filed for divorce, marking the end of their marriage.

July 2020: Signer of the "Harper's Letter"

In July 2020, Fareed Zakaria was one of the signers of the "Harper's Letter," which expressed concern about the constriction of free exchange of information and ideas.

March 2021: Criticism of US Military Budget

In March 2021, Zakaria criticised the size of the US military budget, comparing the cost of the F-35 fighter jet program to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

July 2022: Washington Post Article on Democratic Party

In July 2022, Fareed Zakaria wrote an article in The Washington Post arguing that the Democratic Party needs to focus on building things and making government work for people, rather than focusing on cultural issues like pronouns.