The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
“Lebanon at a Crossroads:
U.S. Leadership in a Time of Crisis”
featuring:
Philippe Nassif, COO
American Task Force on Lebanon
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am
About the Program
Join the San Diego World Affairs Council for a timely virtual conversation with Philippe Nassif, Chief Operating Officer of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), as he unpacks the rapidly evolving crisis in Lebanon—and what it means for U.S. policy and regional stability.
Drawing on extensive experience at the intersection of foreign policy, advocacy, and U.S.–Middle East relations, Philippe will provide an inside perspective on the political, economic, and security challenges facing Lebanon today. He will also outline a practical and constructive role the United States can play in supporting stability, reform, and sovereignty.
This discussion will explore:
- The key drivers of Lebanon’s current instability
- The broader regional and international implications
- Opportunities for effective U.S. engagement and leadership
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insight into one of the Middle East’s most urgent and complex challenges.
About Philippe Nassif
Philippe Nassif serves as the Chief Operating Officer at ATFL. With nearly two decades of experience in Washington D.C. advocacy, U.S. foreign policy, and nonprofit leadership, Philippe has dedicated his career to advancing global human rights, democracy, and conflict resolution—particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.
Before joining ATFL, Philippe was a Vice President at The Cohen Group, an international strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. Previously, Philippe served as the Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA, working with U.S. government representatives in Congress and the executive branch on a bipartisan basis to protect human rights and civil society across the region.
Philippe’s career includes roles at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Executive Director of In Defense of Christians in the Middle East, as well as positions at CARE USA, The Obama Presidential Campaign, The White House advance team, and the Houston Mayor’s Office. He also ran for Houston City Council in 2015.
A Next Generation Latino Foreign Policy and National Security Leader, Philippe has been recognized by the New America Foundation, the Penn Kemble Fellowship at the National Endowment for Democracy, the Aspen Institute, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Recognized for his impact, Philippe was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Of Lebanese and Mexican heritage, Philippe grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, in a trilingual household where Arabic, Spanish, and English were spoken. Philippe holds a B.A. in International Studies from the University of St. Thomas and an M.A. in International Law and Conflict Resolution from St. Mary’s University in Texas.
*Free to attend. Zoom link to be sent after registration.*
