Kim Ghattas, a contributing editor for the Financial Times, appeared on the television program Morning Joe to discuss her latest work. The author examined the themes of her book, titled 'The Best Kind of American: A True Story of Murder, War, and America's Undoing in the Middle East.' Ghattas explored the historical roots of conflict within the region during the broadcast on 13 October 2026.
During the segment on Morning Joe, Kim Ghattas provided insights into the research process behind her publication. As a contributing editor for the Financial Times, she has spent significant time analyzing the intersection of international policy and individual lives. The book, 'The Best Kind of American: A True Story of Murder, War, and America's Undoing in the Middle East,' serves as an investigation into how specific events have shaped the trajectory of American involvement in the region.
The Murder of Malcolm Kerr
Malcolm Kerr served as the president of the American University of Beirut. His tenure at the institution placed him in a leadership role within the city during a period of significant regional volatility. As president of the American University of Beirut, Malcolm Kerr was tasked with maintaining the operations of the school while navigating the complexities of the environment surrounding the campus.
Assailants murdered Malcolm Kerr in 1984. The attack occurred while he was working in Beirut, marking a moment of violence that affected the academic community and the institution he led. The death of Malcolm Kerr remains a central focus of the narrative presented by Kim Ghattas in her recent work. By examining the life and death of Malcolm Kerr, Ghattas notes the personal costs associated with the broader themes explored in 'The Best Kind of American: A True Story of Murder, War, and America's Undoing in the Middle East.'
The discussion on Morning Joe emphasized the importance of understanding the specific circumstances surrounding the 1984 event. Kim Ghattas noted that the murder of Malcolm Kerr provides a lens through which readers can view the historical developments of the region. The American University of Beirut, under the guidance of Malcolm Kerr, functioned as a focal point for the academic and social life of the city. The loss of such a prominent figure in 1984 created a profound shift for those associated with the university.
In her appearance, Kim Ghattas detailed how the archival research for her book allowed her to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy. She explained that the title, 'The Best Kind of American: A True Story of Murder, War, and America's Undoing in the Middle East,' reflects the multifaceted nature of the historical account. By focusing on the life of Malcolm Kerr, the author aims to provide a clear perspective on the challenges faced by individuals operating within the region during that era. The conversation on Morning Joe concluded with a reflection on how the history of the American University of Beirut continues to be relevant to current discussions regarding the region. Kim Ghattas maintains that by documenting the experiences of those like Malcolm Kerr, the historical record is better preserved for future examination.
