Ahmed Albasheer Shares His INCREDIBLE Story & Explains Why Humor is so important to Iraqis

Hagar Chemali had the EXTREME pleasure of interviewing the absolutely hilarious and world famous Iraqi comedian, political satirist, and activist Ahmed Albasheer, at the Human Rights Foundation's Oslo Freedom Forum in Miami (Oct 4-5, 2021).

How can comedy be a powerful vehicle for political activism? Ahmed has millions of viewers on YouTube and Snapchat. And his Deutsche Welle Arabic show, the Albasheer Show, played a significant role in fueling Iraqi protests against corruption, as well as a lack of basic services and human rights, in October of 2019 onward. Ahmed’s convos with guests, his news updates and impersonations are LOL-worthy. Think Iraqi Jon Stewart.

This interview, in particular, is special because Ahmed makes us both laugh and gets personal: he shares some of the war trauma he and his family endured (they experienced, among other things, horrific kidnappings, killings and a suicide bombing) and how that history influences the incredible work he does today.

Watch our hilarious and heartwarming conversation with Ahmed, and then be sure to check out his other geeky, giggle-icious ‪@albasheershow‬ on YouTube, Snapchat and Deutsche Welle Arabic.