Omar El Akkad

Omar El Akkad, an Egyptian-Canadian novelist and journalist, discusses the moral shortcomings of industrialized nations regarding their treatment of Palestinians. He critiques the hypocrisy of land acknowledgments, highlighting how they often perpetuate colonial narratives. El Akkad also addresses the euphemistic language used in media which allows audiences to distance themselves from brutality. Central to the conversation is the tension between activism and journalism, underscoring how societal complicity shapes our understanding of suffering in conflicts.

Omar El Akkad, an award-winning novelist and journalist known for "American War," dives deep into his provocative nonfiction debut, which critiques Western complicity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses his impactful transition from journalism to fiction, revealing how contemporary crises shaped his writing. The conversation addresses the moral responsibilities of writers and the complexities of language in discussing violence, exploring how liberalism often sanitizes injustice. El Akkad also critiques the narratives of the American dream, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling amidst oppression.

David Miliband, former British Foreign Minister and head of the International Rescue Committee, dives deep into the deadly consequences of USAID cuts on vulnerable populations in conflict zones. Author Omar El Akkad critiques Western complacency in modern warfare, spotlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President of the Trust for Public Land, highlights the urgent need to protect America's green spaces amid federal funding cuts. Together, they explore the dire implications of these funding reductions on global health and community welfare.