Loubna Mrie

Joanna Morrissey

Loubna Mrie is a Syrian journalist, photographer, and writer, and a frequent commentator on Syrian and Middle Eastern affairs. The recipient of fellowships and residencies from Magnum Foundation, Ucross Foundation, and MacDowell, she has published work in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, The Nation, Time, and London Review of Books. Her new memoir is "Defiance," her story of growing up in Syria under the Assad regime.

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Communities: Middle Eastern / North African (MENA), First-generation immigrant, Diaspora / Exile, Arabic-language background,International / Global South author, Memoirist, Women of color

Lessons from the Middle East

The Middle East has long been a cauldron of conflict and differing perspectives. Learn how multiple administrations addressed it, and the personal toll of those decisions. What was it like to experience a hijacking? How did a member of the Syrian elite become an activist during the Arab Spring?

Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337)  
Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Loubna Mrie, Mimi Nichter, Daniel Zoughbie
Moderator: Bruce Wright

Activism in Action

What becomes possible when wealth is given away? How do brave souls fight the forces that act with disregard for our earth and its residents? How can we take action to oppose negative forces? Three authors explore bold action, persistent hope and the power of ordinary citizens to make meaningful change.

Student Union Santa Rita (Seats 110)  
Sat, Mar 14, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: David Gelles, Loubna Mrie, Alan Weisman
Moderator: Phineas Anderson

When Truth Is Dangerous: Stories of Defiance

Meet authors Ha Jin and Loubna Mrie who’s books will pull readers inside acts of courage that defy silence. Blending history, journalism and lived experience, they will discuss the high stakes of truth-telling and the personal bravery required to speak when power insists on quiet.

Koffler Room 216 (Seats 89, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Multigenre
Signing area: Sales & Signing Koffler/Commons (following presentation)

Panelists: Ha Jin, Loubna Mrie
Moderator: Nick Droege

Book:

Defiance

A Memoir of Awakening, Rebellion, and Survival in Syria
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Penguin Group
February 2026
ISBN 9781984880000
432 pages