Bitcoin And The American Idea

From Baghdad To Bitcoin

“My first introduction to America,” Faisal Saeed Al Mutar says, “was a tank in front of my house.”

Al Mutar was born during the first Gulf War, and his first contact with the Americans was during the invasion of his country Iraq in 2003, when he was 12 years old.

He had grown up under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, in an education system whose goal was to “create as many ignorant people as possible,” teaching only “how to be loyal to the president.” He says you always had to worship, and you always had to say Saddam was right, no matter what.

About the Author

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is a social entrepreneur and founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, an organization advancing free thought, innovation, and policy reform in the Middle East. He has spoken on global platforms including TED and has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by Barack Obama and an honorary doctorate from Whittier College.