Seven Years of Championing Sanity and Human Dignity
Seven Years of Championing Sanity and Human Dignity
As turmoil spreads in MENA, Ideas Beyond Borders recommits ourselves to working toward peace, prosperity, and sanity.
Dear friends and supporters,
As we celebrate the seventh anniversary of Ideas Beyond Borders, I am reminded of the critical juncture at which we stand—a crossroads not simply defined by good and evil, far-right or far-left, but rather as a profound battle between sanity and insanity. At IBB, we are and have always been driven by the stalwart belief that ideas have the capacity to change the world. This north star guides us as we fight extremism and polarization not only in the Middle East but also here at home in the United States, steadfastly rejecting the divisive snares of cultural warfare.
Our work goes beyond a battle of ideas and gets to the root cause of the conflicts in the Middle East we are witnessing unfold today. I believe, despite what you may see on the news, that these issues are indeed solvable. That the region can one day become a place that people want to visit rather than escape from. By working directly with people on the ground, we have an intimate understanding of what is truly needed to inspire lasting change—and how to empower locals to bring that prosperous reality to fruition.
Our mission is more vital now than ever, rooted in principles that champion human dignity, individual rights, free speech, and free markets. These are not just abstract ideals; they are the bedrock of who we are and what we do. We don't just talk about ideas. We get stuff done. Through projects like the House of Wisdom 2.0, the largest classical liberal platform in the region, which now engages over 8.5 million subscribers, and our Innovation Hub, which has already supported 200 startups, we are laying down the foundation—brick by brick—for a future upheld by knowledge, freedom, and ingenuity.
Why continue our work as the region seems to be freefalling into chaos? Because our way works, and we can prove it. IBB is reimagining international development by equipping populations with the resources and skills necessary to become self-sufficient in the long term and reduce dependency on external aid. Negative perceptions of the Middle East don’t change the fact that the average, everyday citizens in these countries are hungry for a positive alternative. We are here to give it to them and to, one day, cease to exist once our work is done.
Your support and belief in our cause are what sustain these efforts. As we reflect on our journey thus far and look to the future, the choice is clear—we can either double down on our commitment to deradicalization and sustainable development or step back at a time when our resolve is needed most. I believe in our collective power to forge ahead, creating pathways that lead not just to survival, but to thriving communities across the Middle East and beyond.
Thank you for standing with us.
Yours,
Faisal al Mutar
Founder and President, Ideas Beyond Borders
80% of every dollar we receive goes directly towards supporting our programs, including Substack subscriptions!
Defending Jordan's Sovereignty is Not a Betrayal, but a Necessity
This isn't about choosing between Israel and Iran; it's about preventing Jordan from becoming a casualty of regional power plays, much like Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and my homeland, Iraq.
Critics also charge that Jordan's actions betray the Muslim world, the Ummah. However, equating the diverse political interests of Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Iran is simplistic and inaccurate. The notion that all Muslim nations share uniform political objectives is as flawed as suggesting that Christian-majority countries like Russia and Ukraine, or Venezuela and Poland, have aligned interests. Jordan's alliances, particularly with the United States and through its peace treaty with Israel, are strategic and based on mutual benefits rather than religious solidarity. The kingdom has chosen peace and pragmatism over conflict and ideology—a stance that has preserved its stability in a tumultuous region. - Faisal al Mutar
Witnessing Kabul’s Fall From Atakule
A story of distance and solidarity: how the view from Ankara's Atakule became a window into Afghanistan's heartbreak and resistance.
This vision for a free and prosperous Afghanistan will take time to build. The country is being intentionally torn apart by the Taliban using language, religion, and ethnicity to stoke division and prevent the opposition from coalescing. However, if one can dream it, one can achieve it, and the only way forward is to help the cause with everything we have. If I have learned one thing over the last three years, it is this: Afghans cannot rely on outside forces to defend their rights. We must do it ourselves, brick by brick, to build a better future for ourselves and our children that will stand the test of time. - Ahmad Mansoor Ramizy, Director of Operations, Afghanistan
“Joining the program and receiving support from Ideas Beyond Borders had a profound and positive impact on my future aspirations and goals. It has not only provided me with invaluable resources and knowledge, but also bolstered my confidence in bringing about meaningful change. I perceive the long-term impact as a continuous source of inspiration, fuelling my commitment to promote enlightenment and progressive ideas in my community. This experience has been instrumental in refining my vision and has equipped me with the necessary tools to make a significant contribution to society.” - Jamshid Wakili, Founder of Enlightenment Magazine, Innovation Hub Grantee
Each project has been transformative, challenging me to confront my own preconceptions and expand my understanding of various cultures. Through this work, I've come to see translation as a powerful tool for empathy and connection, bridging disparate worlds through the shared experience of language. The impact of our work is tangible and contagious. This cultural shift is gradually enabling individuals to challenge injustices, reject extremism, and embrace diverse viewpoints. - Diana Naous, Translator
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