Lyse Doucet Longlisted for 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Amid Tehran Assignment
London, 15 February 2026 – Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, has been named on the longlist for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. The announcement comes as Doucet continues a high-profile reporting assignment in Tehran, marking the broadcaster’s first return to the Iranian capital since a major crackdown on anti-government protests. Her latest literary work, The Finest Hotel in Kabul, has been praised for its immersive portrayal of Afghan history through the lens of the Inter-Continental Hotel.
Literary Recognition and The Women’s Prize
On 11 February 2026, the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction unveiled its 16-strong longlist for the £30,000 award. Doucet is in contention for the prize alongside notable authors such as Arundhati Roy and Lea Ypi. Her book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan, explores the country’s turbulent decades by focusing on a single landmark. Judges described the 2026 longlist as “compelling” and “hopeful,” noting the strength of narrative non-fiction in this year’s cycle.
Reporting from Tehran
Doucet is currently reporting from Iran, where she has observed rallies marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Her reporting highlights a nation still reeling from recent civil unrest, with Doucet noting that “the pain is still raw” following the authorities’ use of force against protesters. A significant condition of her visit, as stipulated by Iranian authorities, is that none of her reporting material may be used on the BBC’s Persian Service. During her assignment, she interviewed Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who indicated that Iran remains open to discussing compromises regarding its nuclear programme.
Career and Background
Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Lyse Doucet has spent over four decades with the BBC. She began her career as a freelancer in West Africa before becoming a permanent correspondent. Known for her expertise in Middle Eastern and Asian affairs, she has received numerous honours for her services to journalism and international broadcasting.
Key Facts: Lyse Doucet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | BBC Chief International Correspondent |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Latest Publication | The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan |
| Honours | Order of Canada (C.M.), Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) |
| 2026 Recognition | Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction |
| Current Location | Tehran, Iran (as of February 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lyse Doucet’s new book about?
Her book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul, is a people’s history of Afghanistan centered on the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul, illustrating the resilience and hope of the Afghan people through decades of conflict.
Why is her reporting in Iran restricted?
The Iranian government permitted the BBC to report from Tehran on the strict condition that the footage and reports are not broadcast on the BBC’s Persian Service, which is banned in the country.
What awards has she won recently?
In addition to her 2026 Women’s Prize longlisting, Doucet has previously received an honorary degree from Keele University (January 2024) and holds both the CM and OBE for her contributions to international journalism.