NABIL KHOURI

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a memoir of hope positivity and optimism

Image: Olive Branch

The Young Terrorist

Journey from Arab Militant to Proud American

The Young Terrorist: Journey from Arab Militant to Proud American, a completed memoir, relates the events of my youth in the beautiful and unsettled countries of Jordan and Lebanon, coming of age during a political era where anti-American sentiment turned school boys into eager foot soldiers.  The story follows my adolescence in a politically turbulent war-torn homeland, to the first tastes of western culture and customs as an adolescent in Spain, and to an unexpected return to Lebanon and raging civil war.  Immigrating to America to escape death’s grasp, and initially encountering relentless cultural and financial challenges, I ultimately experienced the opportunities and freedoms of American life and education, unlocking my own “American dream.”   

This work provides a rare look at the beliefs and traditions that shaped a generation of Middle-eastern people.  It breaks down representations of the Arab world and addresses the cross-cultural rewards and challenges in transitioning from life in the Arab world to the west.  The Middle East continues to fascinate people for its religion, its culture, and its rich history.  This story makes the region accessible for a wide readership across America, as well as to educators interested in global literature, cultural studies, and Middle-eastern studies.  My narrative also resonates with the Arab reader.  It recaptures an important period of Middle-eastern history, and demonstrates the possibilities that two disparate cultures may appreciate and learn from one another.

This is a memoir of hope, positivity, and optimism.  I use my personal story to offer insight into the lifestyle, culture, and political workings of the Arab world in an effort to broker compassion, understanding, and dialogue.  It is my hope that my extraordinary experience of how navigating these very different belief systems and ways of life changed me irrevocably for the better and will encourage people to take time to learn about and explore ideas and customs different than their own.