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 an influential Indian-American journalist, political commentator, and author. He hosts CNN's *Fareed Zakaria GPS* and is a columnist for *The Washington Post*. His career includes prominent roles at *Newsweek* and *Time* magazine, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in global affairs and political analysis.

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.

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January 20, 1964: Fareed Zakaria's Birth

On January 20, 1964, Fareed Rafiq Zakaria was born. He is an Indian-born American journalist, political commentator, and author, and the host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS and a weekly columnist 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 from Yale University, where 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: Gained PhD from Harvard University

In 1993, Fareed Zakaria gained a PhD in government from Harvard University, where he studied under Samuel P. Huntington and Stanley Hoffmann, as well as international relations theorist Robert Keohane.

1997: Marriage to Paula Throckmorton

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

2003: Supported the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Fareed Zakaria initially supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, saying that any stirring of the pot is good and America's involvement in the region is for the good.

2003: George Stephanopoulos on Zakaria

In 2003, George Stephanopoulos described Fareed Zakaria as someone who is "so well versed in politics, and he can't be pigeonholed."

2003: Kissinger's Comment on Zakaria

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

March 2007: Opposed the Iraq surge

In March 2007, Fareed Zakaria opposed the Iraq surge, writing that it would work militarily but not politically, still leaving Iraq divided among its three communities.

February 2008: Zakaria on Conservatism

In February 2008, Fareed Zakaria wrote that "Conservatism grew powerful in the 1970s and 1980s because it proposed solutions appropriate to the problems of the age", adding that "a new world requires new thinking".

2008: Endorsed Barack Obama

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

January 2009: Listed Among Most Influential Liberals

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

2010: Wieseltier's Description of Zakaria

In 2010, Leon Wieseltier described Fareed Zakaria as a "consummate spokesman for the shibboleths of the [Obama] White House" regarding foreign policy and human rights.

2011: Included in list of "Over-rated thinkers"

In 2011, the editors of The New Republic included Fareed Zakaria in a list of "over-rated thinkers" and commented, "There's something suspicious about a thinker always so perfectly in tune with the moment."

April 2017: Supported U.S. Missile Strike Against Syria

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

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" (also known as "A Letter on Justice and Open Debate") that expressed concern that "the free exchange of information and ideas, the lifeblood of a liberal society, is daily becoming more constricted."

March 2021: Criticized the Size of the U.S. Military Budget

In March 2021, Fareed Zakaria criticized the size of the U.S. 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 a Washington Post article titled "Forget pronouns. Democrats need to become the party of building things", arguing that the Democratic Party needs to focus on practical issues more than cultural issues.