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TIFA’s World in Other Words event series is back. Changing language or regional focus every few years, this is the second year spotlighting Arabic writers.

In an increasingly complex and turbulent world, what role do Arab writers in the West play? Are they inevitably drawn into activism? Do they bear the responsibility of translating their experiences and perspectives for a Western audience? Join us for a compelling conversation with Iraqi-American author Sinan Antoon and Palestinian-Canadian author Saeed Teebi as they explore the challenges and responsibilities of writing in times of crisis. This session will delve into how these authors navigate the delicate balance between their creative work and the demands of political engagement and activism.

Moderator: Nehal El-Hadi

The Book of Collateral Damage

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Sinan Antoon

Sinan Antoon is an Iraqi poet, novelist, translator and scholar. He has published five novels and two collections of poetry, the most recent is Postcards from the Underworld (Seagull Books, 2023).

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Saeed Teebi

Saeeed Teebi is a writer and lawyer based in Toronto. His story Her First Palestinian was shortlisted for the 2021 CBC Short Story Prize.

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Photo credit: Eduardo Martins