IBB Bulletin: From Civil War to Civil Discourse
IBB's new website is live, our first book is for sale, Faisal received an honorary doctorate and is preparing to take the stage at the Oslo Freedom Forum, and more
Dear Friends and Supporters of IBB,
As we jump into the second half of 2024, we have exciting updates to share. I’ll get right to it:
🌐 New Website Alert!
Dive into our brand-new digital space! We’ve launched a sleek new website designed to keep you connected with our latest projects and initiatives. It’s user-friendly, it’s engaging, and it’s waiting for you. Explore and let us know what you think!
📖 Book Launch: The Untold Stories of the Middle East
Ever wonder about the stories not told? The positive, hopeful ones that often get lost in the 24-hour news cycle? Our first in-house authored book, The Untold Stories of the Middle East, is here to shed some light on the positive developments in the region we hear so little about. In places where traditional international aid often falls short due to corruption and inefficiency, Ideas Beyond Borders' Innovation Hub program offers a transformative alternative. This initiative empowers local entrepreneurs in the Middle East by providing them with microgrants directly. These grants help locals start and scale businesses, fostering self-sufficiency, community, and private-sector employment. The Untold Stories of the Middle East explores the compelling narratives of individuals using these resources to positively transform their societies, illustrating the profound impact of investing directly in the ingenuity and resilience of the MENA region's people.
Our first review is in:
“This book is an inspiring reminder that the hunger for ideas cannot be repressed even in the most repressive societies. It is encouraging and empowering to learn about the green shoots in the Middle East that could some day grow into a vibrant ecosystem of intellectual and economic freedom.”
- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and the author of Enlightenment Now and Rationality.
🎙️ Faisal Received an Honorary Doctorate and is Preparing to Take the Stage at the Oslo Freedom Forum
Faisal—excuse me—Dr. Faisal recently received an honorary doctorate from Whittier College. His parents are finally proud, and so is our team. Congratulations, Doctor!
Next stop, Norway. Faisal will deliver what promises to be a groundbreaking keynote speech at the Oslo Freedom Forum next week titled “From Civil War to Civil Discourse.” He will explore his upbringing in Iraq, the journey that led him to the work he does today, and his vision for a Middle East that people want to visit rather than run from. You can livestream it here.
Our team will be on the ground in Oslo with copies of the book for sale. If you’re there, please make sure to stop by and snag a copy while we still have inventory. If you’re not in Oslo, make sure to snag yours online. As always, thank you for your continued support. Until next month!
Yours,
Reid Newton
Lead Editor, Ideas Beyond Borders
80% of every dollar we receive goes directly towards supporting our programs, including Substack subscriptions!
Faisal al Mutar: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Commencement Speech
“In my field of international affairs and development, I am continuously reminded that even when things appear to be going well, they can always take an unexpected turn, so be prepared for anything. We live in a world marked by conflict and upheaval, where the shadows of conflicts and wars loom large. My own life, shaped by such a conflict, has taught me the preciousness of peace and the importance of resilience.
To the graduates standing on the threshold of a new beginning: the world outside is fraught with challenges, yet it is also ripe with opportunity. It is sometimes hard to find the hope you need—so you must create it. Nurture it within yourself and inspire it in others.” - Faisal al Mutar, Honorary Doctor of Letters, Whittier College Commencement Speech
Smuggled Wisdom
Habib Zreik's story from reading forbidden books to translating them into Arabic
A childhood friend once snitched on me to the teachers for mentioning a banned religious sect in school, reminding me of the severe consequences of open inquiry. That incident, where I was forced to swear fealty to a lie for the first time to avoid punishment and save my family from embarrassment, left a lasting impact on me. Through IBB, I help provide translations that offer crucial perspectives often missing in the Arabic world. The impact of these translations extends far beyond the individual. They spark discussions, ignite curiosity, and challenge established ways of thinking. This ripple effect of knowledge paves the way for a more open and informed society, a future where critical thinking flourishes. This is the future we are committed to building, one translation at a time. - Habib Zreik, Translator
Grantee Spotlight: TEDx Kabul University
As a representative of TEDx Kabul University, we are incredibly grateful for the support provided by Ideas Beyond Borders. Since joining the program, we have seen a significant impact on our ability to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in Afghanistan. The financial support and networking opportunities offered by Ideas Beyond Borders have helped us expand our reach, enhance our programming, and strengthen our impact on the community.
Looking ahead, we believe that Ideas Beyond Borders' support will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our future aspirations and goals. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility among students and young professionals, we are confident that our work will contribute to the development of a more inclusive, tolerant, and prosperous society in Afghanistan. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to continuing our partnership with Ideas Beyond Borders to achieve our shared vision for a better future. - Shahab Sharifi, Innovation Hub Grantee
