Lebanon

In the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the Lebanese hastened to escape the burden of the recent past, either erasing the memory of the war or longing for the re-establishment of life as it was before the war.

On Sunday, May 2nd in Le Skyroom at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), audience members were graced with the thoughtful poetics of author Elias Khoury in a conversation moderated by Neil Gordon (novelist, literary editor, reviewer and professor of literature at Eugene Lang College of The New School University in New York City). 

For policymakers seeking an entry-point to engage the Middle East in dialogue, there may be an opening created by the apparent disillusionment of many ME societies with both Islamist groups and Muslim leaders.

Filmmaker Khalid Mohtaseb puts together a stunning visual on everyday life in Egypt and Lebanon. It only runs a little over two minutes, so if you have that time to burn, consider this something that deserves your attention.