Bria Reel has a strong desire to improve U.S.-Middle Eastern relations, and she is fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Through George Mason University, she has had the opportunity to travel to the Middle East. As a senior Government and International Politics major in the Schar School of Policy and Government originally from Virginia Beach, Va., Reel has found her niche in Middle Eastern politics.
The aspiring ambassador recently returned from a fellowship in Qatar with Mason’s chapter of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. She visited the site of the 2022 Soccer World Cup, the Qatar Financial Center, and the International Affairs Ministry.
“It was an indescribable experience,” she said. “The Qatari people were open to answering questions about the treatment of migrant workers and the fast pace of development in the country."
She was equally impressed with the education, science, and community development programs sponsored by the Qatari government. “We had the opportunity to visit Qatar’s Education City with the presence of American schools,” she said. “I loved seeing Qatar welcome a wide array of knowledge. It’s a side to the Middle East that is rarely seen.”
Reel’s fellowship in Qatar helped her better understand the organization of Middle Eastern governments.
The opportunity to learn inside and outside of the classroom has broadened her knowledge of the Middle East, she said.
During her time in the Schar School, Reel has found professors who share her passion for the culture, religion, and politics of the Middle East.
Heba F. El Shazli, assistant professor of international relations theory, is Reel’s role model and mentor. “She is an incredible influence on all students interested in Middle Eastern and north African politics,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to take all three of her classes.”
“When I think of Bria, I think joy of learning and discovery,” said El-Shazli. “She has a keen interest in exploration, discovery, and learning, plus—and most importantly—sharing. She loves sharing knowledge with others.”
That, combined with “an infectious smile that brings comfort,” the professor said, “having her in class was always a delight”
When asked how the United States could improve relations with the Middle East, Reel remarked, “The biggest obstacle we [the United States] face is the need to be ‘big brother.’ I think this need to help gets us in trouble.”
Reel spoke candidly about the challenges military operations face in the Middle East. She emphasized the need for decision-makers with a stronger understanding of the cultural and political structure of Arab states.
After graduation in May 2019, Reel plans to work for an agency specializing in Middle Eastern politics. Later, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in either Arab studies or international policy with a focus on the Arab world.