Middle East International: A History of the Authoritative Pro-Arab Journal
For over three decades, Middle East International (MEI) served as a critical voice in the landscape of international relations. Published bimonthly from London between 1971 and 2005, the journal sought to provide intelligent, authoritative, and independent analysis of the Middle East, aiming to correct prejudices and distortions regarding the region.
Established by Christopher Mayhew and a cohort of senior British diplomats and politicians, the publication became known as one of the best-informed journals on current Middle East affairs, eventually producing a total of 761 issues.
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Key Facts
- Founder: Christopher Mayhew.
- Publication Period: 1971 to 2005.
- Frequency: Bimonthly.
- Total Issues: 761.
- Primary Focus: International relations and Middle East affairs.
- Headquarters: London, UK, with an additional office in Washington, DC.
Origins and Foundation
The seeds of Middle East International were sown in 1969 during a meeting between Christopher Mayhew, Harold Beeley (the recently retired Ambassador to Egypt), and Nadim Dimechkie, the Lebanese Ambassador to London. The group discussed the necessity of presenting the Arab point of view more effectively within Britain.
To secure financial backing, Beeley utilized his connections in Geneva to establish the Arab Non-Arab Foundation (ANAF). The foundation's board included Mayhew, Dennis Walters, Helen von Bothmer, and Hubert Argod, the French Ambassador to Senegal. The initial funding was secured in 1970 when Sheikh Zayed, the leader of the United Arab Emirates, donated £50,000 to establish the ANAF, along with a commitment for further annual funding for the first seven years.
Editorial Leadership and Format
The first editor was Tom Little, a former foreign correspondent for al-Ahram, The Times, and The Economist. Little had also headed the Arab News Agency (ANA), which was operated by the Information Research Department (IRD), a secret entity set up by Mayhew in 1947. The inaugural issue was printed in April 1971, featuring a 56-page format and an annual subscription price of £3 (or $12 internationally).
Over the years, the journal was led by several distinguished editors:
- Michael Adams (1971–1981): A former Guardian foreign correspondent.
- Michael Wall (1981–1995): A veteran correspondent for The Economist and World in Action.
- Steven Sherman (1995–2005): The final editor before the journal's closure.
The publication was simultaneous in New York and London. While it attracted high-profile advertisers in its early years—including Pan Am, Arab Bank, and Standard Chartered—it was never a purely commercial operation. It relied heavily on donations to bridge the gap between sales and expenditure.
Influence and Recognition
Middle East International was cited by numerous prominent reporters and intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, David Hirst, and David McDowall. While praised for its depth, it was also viewed through a political lens; the Jewish Chronicle archive described it as the "authoritative voice of the pro-Arab lobby."
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0047-7249 |
| OCLC | 781574154 |
| Publisher | Middle East International Publishers |
| Language | English |
| Indexing | Periodicals Index Online / University Microfilms International |
Financial Struggles and Closure
The journal faced two major financial crises. The first occurred in 1981, and the second in 1995, when it nearly closed due to a collapse in donations. This decline was attributed to the economic fallout of the 1990–91 Kuwait crisis and the shifting political landscape following the Oslo agreement.
Despite a successful appeal for £200,000 led by chairman Dennis Walters in 1995, the journal eventually succumbed to the digital age. In his closing statement, Walters noted that the rise of the internet provided free news and commentary, which eroded circulation. Additionally, donors shifted their priorities due to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. The final issue was published in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Middle East International?
The journal was founded by Christopher Mayhew, along with a group of senior British diplomats and politicians, including Harold Beeley.
How was the journal funded?
It was funded primarily through the Arab Non-Arab Foundation (ANAF), which received an initial grant of £50,000 from Sheikh Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, as well as subsequent private donations.
What was the primary goal of the publication?
Its aim was to provide intelligent, authoritative, and independent news and analysis on the Middle East, specifically seeking to repair damage caused by prejudice and distortion in the region.
Why did Middle East International stop publishing?
The publication closed in 2005 due to falling circulation caused by the rise of free internet news and a decrease in financial donations from supporters.
Who were some of the notable editors of the journal?
Notable editors included Tom Little, Michael Adams, Michael Wall, and Steven Sherman.