Beirut, Lebanon – Award-winning journalist Dalal Mawad delves into the aftermath of the devastating August 4, 2020, explosion in Beirut in her newly released book “All She Lost: The Explosion in Lebanon, the Collapse of a Nation and the Women who Survive.” This powerful work focuses on the stories of women who survived the explosion, shedding light on the broader impact of the tragedy on Lebanon’s political and economic landscape, once filled with hope.
Joined by MEI US-Lebanon Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar, Mawad will lead a discussion highlighting the human narratives of survivors to underscore the complexities and repercussions of Lebanon’s ongoing crises, from the Beirut port explosion to the country’s severe economic collapse since 2019. The conversation, moderated by ATFL’s Patricia Karam, aims to explore Lebanon’s current economic and political challenges, while also discussing potential pathways for recovery, reform, and accountability amidst the multifaceted crisis.
Independent award-winning Lebanese journalist Dalal Mawad, the author of “All She Lost,” brings a wealth of journalistic experience to the table, having worked with major media outlets like CNN and the Associated Press. Focusing on video journalism, Mawad’s work has covered Lebanon and the wider MENA region, offering a unique perspective on the region’s complex dynamics.
Fadi Nicholas Nassar, the U.S.-Lebanon Fellow at the Middle East Institute, brings expertise in international humanitarian interventions, democratization, and U.S. foreign policy, enhancing the discussion with insights into conflict settings and Middle Eastern politics. As the Director of the Institute for Social Justice and Conflict Resolution at the Lebanese American University, Nassar’s academic background complements Mawad’s journalistic outlook, providing a comprehensive view of Lebanon’s challenges.
Patricia Karam, Senior Policy Advisor at Freedom House, adds a policy-oriented perspective to the conversation, drawing on her vast experience in promoting democracy and human rights in the Middle East. With a background in natural resource governance and transitional justice, Karam’s insights enrich the dialogue on accountability and reform in Lebanon amidst its ongoing crises.
Together, these experts will offer a nuanced understanding of Lebanon’s current landscape, exploring the stories of resilience and loss that have shaped the nation’s trajectory in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion. Through their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the panel promises to provide a comprehensive analysis of Lebanon’s challenges and possibilities for recovery and reform.