In which Marcia talks about her difficulties being interviewed; we discuss genre (sci-fi, fantasy, and especially noir) writing in Arabic; and we question whether translation into English “empowers” women writers from the Arab region.Show notesThe Asymptote interview with MLQ, conducted by Claire Jacobson.On voices at various margins: Midaq Alley, by Naguib ... Show More
Jul 16
Books by Rabih Alameddine, May Ziadeh, Samar Yazbek, Lamia Ziadé and More
Marcia is publishing the first English translation of early 20th century woman of letters and feminist icon May Ziadhe; Ursula has been working on a review of the award-winning Lebanese novelist Rabih Alameddine. We also talk about a devastating book based on interviews with Gaz ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 2026
Unlocking Palestine: Sara Yasin on editing The Key
The Key is a new online publication dedicated to covering Palestine as “the core issue at the heart of the modern world.” We’re joined by its editor-in-chief, Sara Yasin, former managing editor of the LA Times. The Key is an outgrowth of PalFest, an annual traveling literature f ... Show More
1h 15m
Oct 2015
011: We’re Here for the Anal Probe
In this episode we talk to WSJ journalist Ahmed Al-Omran and uber new media geek Lou Kay. We talk about journalism in the Middle East and Saudi, the future of newspapers in Saudi, news consumption, the ‘filter bubble,’ WhatsApp journalism, and many other new media topics. Oh and ... Show More
1h 29m
Jul 2023
Human Rights, Social Justice, and Islamophobia in a Challenging Era
Dr. Sahar Khamis and her guest Dr. Maha Hilal discussed important topics about the current human rights and social justice issues impacting Muslims, in general, and American Muslims, in particular.
Dr. Maha Hilal is a Muslim Arab American and an expert on institutionalized Islam ... Show More
1h 7m