IBB Bulletin: Regardless of the Results
Which presidential candidate is better for the Middle East? Either way, IBB's work continues.
Dear Friends and Supporters of IBB,
Last week, Faisal presented his TED talk at TEDNext in Atlanta, challenging the status quo of international aid and development in the Middle East. He offered a bold new vision grounded in the principles of supply and demand, tailored to the genuine needs of people in the region. He said, “You might be wondering why I’m talking about aid, development, and innovation while the Middle East is at war. The answer is that the old methods are actually what got us here. By focusing on the future, by focusing on aid and entrepreneurship, I believe we can transform the region from a place filled with conflict and war into a region where people decide to stay and invest in, instead of a place people wish to escape.”
The results of the upcoming presidential election will have serious implications for the Middle East. Depending on the outcome, we may see either a focus on disengagement and domestic priorities or a return to traditional foreign policy approaches, potentially increasing involvement in the region while risking strategies that have often proven ineffective or even counterproductive. We have worked through various administrations before and are prepared for either outcome.
At Ideas Beyond Borders, we’re committed to an approach that transcends political cycles and prioritizes individual empowerment, entrepreneurship, and development that aligns with the aspirations and tangible needs of local communities. We’ve seen that our approach works. Our partners on the ground are doing the hard work to transform their societies, and we have a front-row seat. As Faisal mentioned in his TED Talk, our innovators are creating jobs, fostering purpose, and reviving ingenuity in places often overlooked by the media. Our mission remains the same regardless of election outcomes—to support a new generation of Middle Eastern leaders who can shape their future on their own terms.
As we move forward, we invite you to join us in reshaping the Middle East's narrative—one where hope, opportunity, and prosperity replace conflict and stagnation. Regardless of the election results, IBB’s work continues.
With urgency and hope,
Reid Newton
Lead Editor, Ideas Beyond Borders
Peace in the Middle East through Capitalism
Faisal Saeed Al Mutar argues that there is "no better independence than economic independence." Nick Gillespie talked with Faisal about IBB's new book, The Untold Stories of the Middle East, which celebrates entrepreneurs in Kurdistan, Afghanistan, and elsewhere whom IBB has given startup grants; how the October 7 attacks on Israel and fighting in Gaza and Lebanon will affect the region for decades; and what it was like to grow up in Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, various Islamic terrorist groups, and the U.S. occupation.
Translating the Holocaust: Building Bridges of Understanding in the Arab World
Faisal Saeed Al Mutar and Omar Mohammed from George Washington University discuss Ideas Beyond Border’s initiative, aiming to revive translation in the Arab world by adapting pivotal works, such as Holocaust literature, into Arabic. The conversation explores translating Holocaust narratives into Arabic to counter the lack of balanced historical knowledge and challenge prevailing antisemitic sentiments in Arabic-speaking regions. This effort connects Arab youth to global perspectives, inspired by Baghdad’s historical Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom). They highlight the complexities of translation in regions with censorship and entrenched biases, where historical, political, and cultural factors shape educational limitations.
To book Faisal as a speaker, click here.
Lebanon’s Sovereignty Hinges on Amplifying Voices That Love Their Country
The solution for Lebanon lies in the hands of those who care about the country’s future. These are individuals and groups not motivated by sectarian interests or driven by the military ambitions of countries like Iran and Israel. Instead, they are people with a vision for a truly sovereign Lebanon—one that integrates itself back into the region as a peaceful nation, capable of fostering economic growth and tourism without posing a threat to any of its neighbors. This change has to come from within. The lessons of the Iraq war and subsequent conflicts have made it painfully clear that we cannot bomb freedom and democracy into countries. They have to want it and see it come to fruition for themselves; the good news is, so many Lebanese people believe in that vision.
Innovator Spotlight: Rasha Shukr and Nahida Tawbe
Co-founders of the artisan Beirut boutique Atelier Hartouka are channeling all of their energy and resources into helping vulnerable families who have no means of supporting themselves in the wake of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
Translation Highlight: Holocaust Education
The project has translated more than 70 articles about the Holocaust. Some notable examples include discussions on various concentration and extermination camps, the impact of the Holocaust in different countries, significant controversies, and the remarkable stories of survival and resistance. These translations play a crucial role in broadening access to historical knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of this pivotal and tragic period in history.