AP Journalist Mona Ziade Passes Away at 65, Leaving Legacy

URGENT UPDATE: Renowned journalist Mona Ziade, who played a pivotal role in shaping The Associated Press’s Middle East coverage during the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 65 from complications related to lung cancer. She passed away at her home in Beirut on Tuesday after months of treatment, as confirmed by her daughter, Tamara Blanche.

This sudden loss resonates deeply within the journalism community and beyond. Ziade was instrumental in covering major historical events, including the taking of Western hostages during Lebanon’s civil war and crucial Arab-Israeli peace talks, leaving an indelible mark on the field of journalism in the region.

Born on December 23, 1959, in Benghazi, Libya, Ziade began her career with United Press International in 1978 before joining the AP in 1982. Over her career, she became known for her exceptional sourcing and reporting skills, particularly while covering the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) during its operations in Lebanon and later in Tunisia.

Ziade was present at the historic signing of the peace accord between Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin at the White House in 1993, a testament to her commitment to reporting significant events in real-time. Former AP Middle East regional editor, Robert H. Reid, praised her as “a firecracker,” noting her strong sources were invaluable to both breaking news and ensuring the safety of AP’s reporters.

Throughout Lebanon’s tumultuous civil war, which lasted 15 years, Ziade faced considerable challenges. Notably, her colleague, AP’s chief Middle East correspondent Terry Anderson, was kidnapped in 1985 and held for seven years. Following this incident, the AP relocated its Middle East headquarters to Nicosia, Cyprus, where Ziade continued her reporting and later married fellow journalist Ed Blanche.

After leaving the AP in 1996, she returned to Beirut with her family and contributed significantly to the relaunch of Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper, which had ceased publishing during the civil conflict. She initially served as the national editor before becoming the managing editor until 2003. Subsequently, she took on a role as a communications officer for the World Bank’s Lebanon office.

Tamara Blanche highlighted her mother’s impact on future generations, stating, “Mom carved the path for a lot of women to pursue careers in journalism and social justice.” This sentiment underscores Ziade’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the field.

Ziade is survived by her daughter Tamara and Ed Blanche’s two sons from a previous marriage, Jay and Lee. The journalism community mourns the loss of a dedicated reporter whose work has influenced many and contributed to a better understanding of complex issues in the Middle East.

As the news of her passing spreads, many will remember her as a formidable force in journalism, whose contributions continue to inspire. The AP and the broader media landscape will feel her absence deeply, marking the end of an era for those who admired her tenacity and talent.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.