I am a Beirut-based journalist and columnist on regional issues. I am a former News Editor at Al-Akhbar English, and have also contributed to Global Voices Online, as member of the Middle East and North Africa team covering the blogosphere and online activism in the region.

I have also been published in a number of media outlets, including ABC’s The Drum, Sydney Morning Herald, Crikey, as well as media appearances on Al-Jazeera English television and BBC World radio.

Born in 1985 to Lebanese migrants in Melbourne, Australia, I have always maintained a special interest in the Middle Eastern conflict. My blogging path – formerly known as Lebanese Chess – gained momentum during the Israel-Lebanon War 2006, where I blogged live from Beirut.

The conflict was also an eye-opener, encouraging me to pursue a career in international affairs.

As such, I undertook a Master of International Affairs at the Australian National University (2010), majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies in conjunction with the International Peace Research Institute of Oslo, Norway (PRIO).

I also hold a Bachelor of Media Studies from LaTrobe University (2007), majoring in print-media journalism, including a semester exchange to l’Université Lyon 2, France.