Shehryar

I quite like Chomsky, at least on international relations and Zionism, and Edward Said often made perceptive points. However, despite my obvious bias towards their points of view, I would be wary of categorising either them in that way; both were leading left-wing intellectuals, but surely also very very controversial...?

thetruth

As a person who is equally well read (although I am not the biggest fan of Thomas Friedman). I advise you to view the video posted earlier, it is quiet interesting.

W10

I don't think that anyone - even Thomas Friedman - would dispute their status as two of the most important thinkers of modern times. Whether you agree with their points of view or not, it doesn't lessen their importance.

Chomsky is also very famous for his studies on language...

Grace O Malley

I will def view the video!

Shehryar

Fair enough, I guess you are right (though the likes of the AEI, or the PNAC, or the AIPAC, or any other neocons would disagree with you - and would also question Friedman's credentials in this regard, he being considered another 'NYT lefty'.)
Absolutely - he is a linguist of great repute and standing, quite aside from his political views. A bit like Paul Krugman (another NYT lefty) - universally acknowledged as a great econometrist, but way more controversial on politics.