While there is a broad range of Arabic language media outlets reporting stories from and about the Middle East, there is currently no affordable and reliable means for English speakers to gain access to this content. As a result, many English speaking businesspersons, students, journalists and others who have an interest in the affairs of the region are largely unaware of what the Middle East media is covering and how they are covering these stories.
Mideastwire.com aims to close this gap by offering a daily menu of translations covering some of the key political, cultural, economic and opinion pieces appearing in the media of the 22 Arab countries and the Arab Diaspora. Through this effort, we hope to address at least one aspect of a global disconnect that continues to threaten a wide spectrum of socio-political and economic relationships, both here in the region and beyond.
It is also important to note that, since our founding in 2005, Mideastwire.com is wholly funded by the content license fees paid by individuals and organizations. As such, there is no government, commercial or non-profit support, an aspect that we believe provides a relatively independent platform for better understanding.
Our Corrections Policy: We adhere to an honest and open corrections policy. Please email info@mideastwire.com if you notice any typo or if you disagree with our translation choices. Since we do not produce our own content, we only will consider corrections that highlight typos or dispute our translations, not the veracity or accuracy of the original content. Accepted corrections are applied directly to the relevant translations as soon as they are approved by the editor and our database is updated accordingly for all subscribers.
Egypt (Asharq al-Awsat): Egypt is actively mediating between the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate regional tensions and protect Red Sea shipping, which has been disrupted by Houthi attacks. Egypt fears further militarization, viewing diplomacy as key to stability. Officials suggest Cairo aims to prevent Israeli escalation against Iran to protect Suez Canal revenues and regional calm.
Iraq (Al-Arab, Al-Mada): Muqtada al-Sadr may indirectly re-enter Iraq’s elections via proxy lists, despite publicly boycotting them. This tactic reflects his familiar political unpredictability. Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Halbousi could return as parliament speaker after judicial acquittal, possibly leading a new Sunni alliance despite a prior constitutional ruling against his reinstatement.
Lebanon (Asas Media, Nidaa al-Watan): President Abbas is expected to propose disarmament of Palestinian factions in Lebanon in exchange for state security guarantees—potentially ending the legacy of the Cairo Agreement. Separately, Hezbollah’s emerging “Vision 2030” includes a shift toward political containment and strategic ambiguity, while preserving its arms north of the Litani River.
Palestine (Rai al-Youm, Asharq al-Awsat): Fatah's internal conflict is intensifying after Hussein al-Sheikh’s appointment as Abbas’s deputy, seen by critics as externally imposed. Meanwhile, Israel escalated targeted assassinations of Hamas financiers, further straining the group’s finances and morale.
