Edward Said (1935-2003), one of the leading dissident intellectuals of our time, has written widely on literature, music, history and Palestinian politics. His book, Orientalism is now regarded as a worldwide classic. Diagnosed with leukaemia in 1991, Said, in his last writings, vigorously denounced the war on Iraq and its many apologists. He argued for freedom from violence and from lies. He knew that the dual occupation of Palestine and Iraq had made peace in the region even more remote. His voice is irreplaceable, but his legacy will endure. He has many lives ahead of him.