Virtual Library

This WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources is an Internet directory of over 2000 annotated links to high-quality English-language sources of information and analysis in many international and global studies topics. Sites are carefully selected for their long-term value, favoring those with cost-free, authoritative information and analysis online.

MIDDLE EAST

 

News and Blogs about the Middle East


News Sources in English on the Middle East-- Middle East Eye, The New Arab, The Majalla, New Arab (London), Arab News (Saudi Arabia), Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia), Al Jazeera (Qatar and regional), Al-Ahram (Egypt), Jordan Times (Jordan), Tehran Times (Iran), Financial Tribune (Iran), Kuwait Times (Kuwait), Times of Oman (Oman), The Peninsula (Qatar), Khaleej Times (Dubai), Gulf News (Dubai), Al Arabiya (Dubai), The National (Abu Dhabi), Jerusalem Post (Israel), Haaretz (Israel), Times of Israel, Hürriyet (Turkey), Daily Sabah (Turkey), Muftah (regional), Google News,  BBCCNN, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post, New York Times, Associated Press, The Guardian, Reuters, Al Jazeera


Insightful Blogs about the Middle East-- Al-Monitor, Syria Direct, Diwan (Carnegie Endowment), Syria Source (Atlantic Council), Iran Source (Atlantic Council), Voices and Views: Middle East and North Africa (World Bank), Sada (Carnegie Endowment), MENA Source (Atlantic Council), Turkey Analyst, Turkish Policy Quarterly, Insight Turkey

Other Sources about the Middle East


Al Jazeera Center for Studies-- "A think-tank extension of the Al Jazeera Network..., conducts in-depth analysis of current affairs at both regional and global levels. Its research agenda focuses primarily on geo-politics and strategic developments in the Arab world and surrounding regions." Posts many studies.


Arab Barometer-- Multinational project to "produce scientifically reliable data on the politically-relevant attitudes of ordinary citizens [of the Arab countries], to disseminate and apply survey findings in order to contribute to political reform, and to strengthen institutional capacity for public opinion research." Surveys cover "a wide range of topics pertaining to governance, political life and political, social and cultural values." The project posts "country and regional comparative reports, in addition to thematic analyses..."

Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies-- Based in Doha, aims to play "a proactive role in the Arab region, not confining its work to scholarly research but translating it practically into various activities and initiatives. In effect, it would not merely function as a "think tank", but would also produce analyses, outreach papers for the general public and public opinion makers, plans of action and Arab working proposals." Posts much of its work.


Arab Media & Society-- "The primary reference for understanding the role of media in shaping Arab societies and the broader Muslim world." Covers "all forms of media and their interaction with society-at-large, from politics and business to culture and religion, as well as the way in which Arab media change resonates in the broader Muslim world."


Arab Reform Initiative-- Multinational (Arab world, Europe and the United States) project that is engaged in "producing knowledge of the Arab region through in-depth research projects, engaging in collaborative work, building capacity of teams in different countries in data collection and survey research and developing a vast network of scholars, activists and practitioners who share the reform vision... [as] a regional hub for democratic transformation and to serve the region's civil society." Posts studies and papers-- be sure to check the archive section.


Arab States-- From the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the United Nations Development Programme, an extensive site about development issues in the Arabic-speaking countries, including the Arab Human Development Report.

Arabian Business-- Comprehensive business news and analysis site for Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf Arab states, with contributions from scores of journalists, a company directory, press releases, briefings, financial markets, currencies, video/audio, and more.

Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies-- "Seeks to contribute to the advancement of Middle East peace and security by conducting policy-relevant research on strategic subjects, particularly as they relate to the national security and foreign policy of Israel." Posts many research papers of various types.

Carnegie Endowment Middle East Program-- "Combines in-depth local knowledge with incisive comparative analysis to examine economic, sociopolitical, and strategic interests in the Arab world [through] detailed country studies and the exploration of key crosscutting themes."

CSIS Middle East Program-- From the Center for Strategic and International Studies, this program posts articles, publications, and presentations that cover "all aspects of U.S. policy toward the region, concentrating especially on identifying new voices, framing emerging challenges, and developing opportunities for positive change..."

H-Mideast-Politics-- "Academic discussion forum where substantive information and analysis can be presented of Middle East current affairs and of its relevance to the foreign policy of states outside the region. The list takes the entire area from Morocco to Malaysia and from Kazakhstan to Somalia as its purview. The emphasis is on contemporary politics."


Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs-- Independent, non-profit institute for policy research and education, located in Jerusalem and focusing on Israeli foreign affairs, security issues, Middle Eastern diplomacy, and international law.

Media Line-- "Unique [American] non-profit news organization established to enhance and balance media coverage in the Middle East, promote independent reporting in the region, and break down barriers to understanding in the Arab and Israeli journalism communities," offering "written pieces as well as audio and video reports produced by The Media Line’s staff of seasoned journalists speaking the languages of the region."

Middle East Institute-- "Important conduit of information between Middle Eastern nations and American policymakers, organizations and the public. We strive to increase knowledge of the Middle East among our own citizens and to promote understanding between the peoples of the Middle East and America." Posts policy briefs, press releases, country briefs, and other items.

Middle East Media Research Institute-- "Explores the Middle East through the region's media... providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends in the Middle East." Posts in several languages, with archives.


The New Humanitarian-- From the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, providing news items on crises in the Middle East and North Africa.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia-- News, information, many statistics, and many online reports are available free in full-text from this United Nations regional organization. Great source for authoritative online economic and social information about the eastern part of the Middle East.

World Bank Middle East and North Africa-- Papers, discussion notes, and reports on economic, environmental, and social issues in the Middle East and North Africa today.


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This section of the WWW Virtual Library system was created, and is edited and maintained, by Dr. Wayne A.Selcher, Professor of International Studies Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2288  U.S.A., as a volunteer and non-profit public service. This website copyright 1997-present by Wayne A. Selcher. E-mail: wayneselcher@comcast.net