For two decades, the late Dr. Anthony Shadid dedicated his career to informing international audiences about the Middle East, dismantling stereotypes and revealing the region’s true spirit. Born in Oklahoma City to Lebanese-American parents, Shadid earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin in 1990 and later became fluent in Arabic. Shadid’s powerful storytelling, marked by sensitivity and insight, made him a leading U.S. reporter on the Middle East, covering conflicts in Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria.

Known for his courageous reporting, he often worked on the front lines, facing risks that included being shot, kidnapped, and threatened. In 2012, Shadid tragically passed away while covering events in Syria. His exceptional work earned him two Pulitzer Prizes for International Reporting, and his articles were published in major outlets like the Associated Press, Washington Post, and New York Times. Shadid also authored three books, including House of Stone: A Memoir of Home, Family, and a Lost Middle East, inspired by the time he spent restoring his ancestral home in South Lebanon. This memoir reflects his journey of reconnecting with his roots and a vision of the Middle East as a land of grace and history.

Through his writings, Shadid left a lasting legacy, inspiring young people, especially those of Arab heritage, to see the Middle East in its complexity and beauty.