Author

Abby Sewell

@sewella

Abby Sewell is a freelance journalist based in Lebanon and former staff writer for the Los Angeles Times.

Syria's "selfie teen" highlights the devastation of war -- and the fog of war

Syria’s “selfie teen” highlights the devastation of war — and the fog of war

The blond, baby-faced 15-year-old has captured international attention with his videos and tweets, but it's hard to piece together the whole story
March 8, 2018
The evolution of wartime journalists in Syria: from activists to reporters

The evolution of wartime journalists in Syria: from activists to reporters

Six years ago, the staff of Enab Baladi bore (angry) witness to the devastation of their communities; today, they cover stories the international media can't
January 25, 2018
"The Uncounted": combining the power of narrative with an 18-month investigation

“The Uncounted”: combining the power of narrative with an 18-month investigation

For The New York Times Magazine, Azmat Khan and Anand Gopal humanize the victims as they reveal undercounts of Iraqi civilian deaths by U.S. airstrikes
January 11, 2018
In Arab world, an ancient tradition of oral storytelling gets a 21st century spin

In Arab world, an ancient tradition of oral storytelling gets a 21st century spin

In the past, "hakawati" would recount legends or fables; today, Moth-like events often tackle social issues or process trauma from war
June 6, 2017

The roadblocks, and the dangers, for investigative journalists in the Arab world

As the Arab Spring ushered in less openness rather than more, a Jordan-based group supports reporters taking chances in this fledgling movement
May 11, 2017
5(ish) Questions: Rania Abouzeid and "The Jihad Next Door"

5(ish) Questions: Rania Abouzeid and “The Jihad Next Door”

The Beirut-based writer talks about the dangers of reporting her Politico piece on extremists in Iraq and Syria, and why on-the-ground reporting is vital
March 23, 2017