Laith Yousif

Techie • Writer • Comic — Blabbings from Baghdad to Brooklyn

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About

Laith Yousif was born and raised in Baghdad. After completing his Master's degree in Communication Engineering, he left Iraq with no clear plan, in search of new opportunities and hope. In 2001 he arrived in the United States and began working at the World Trade Center. Following the tragic events of 9/11, he faced a challenging political climate that restricted his ability to return home and see his family. In 2003 he sought asylum in the U.S., and over the years continued to advocate for Iraqi refugees, representing their plight to the UNHCR in 2006 and 2007. After years of separation, his family joined him safely in 2010.

Now a U.S. citizen, Laith works in technology and lives in Brooklyn with his wife, son, and daughter. He also writes — and performs stand-up comedy.

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Explore

Blabby Me Tech, productivity, and personal musings — the original blog. From Baghdad to New York Dispatches from the Iraq war years, written by an Iraqi in New York. Shahrazad Arabic poetry woven during a period of creative inspiration. Baghdad To Brooklyn An upcoming memoir — from the banks of the Tigris to the streets of Brooklyn.

In the Media

• Time Magazine (2008) — Laith Yousif: Iraqi 9/11 Survivor
• Dissent Magazine — No Refuge Here: Iraqis Flee
• ABC News — Interview on the eve of Saddam Hussein's execution
• The Wind of Amal (2012) — A documentary following the lives of three Iraqi refugees in the U.S., including Laith.