About Near East Quarterly
Near East Quarterly aspires to provide readers with wide-ranging, fair and thoughtful articles on the region’s politics, economics and culture, publishing on-line content four times per year in February, May, August and November.
We are dedicated to providing quality analysis and comment on the most topical and important issues facing the region today.
The journal’s writing style mixes scholarly and journalistic approaches enabling us to reach and inform a wide variety of audiences; from politicians to the discerning reader, academic and student alike. Contact Near East Quarterly here or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Within the Near East region we are dedicated to focusing on the following territories and issues:
Iraq
The results of the March 2010 election have threatened to send Iraq back several years and into chaos. Yet a slim victory for Ayad Allawi’s al-Iraqiyya alliance arguably stands as the country’s greatest political achievement. Near East Quarterly attempts to make sense of post-war Iraq and the damage the past seven years have wrought.
Israel
Israel has engaged in much introspection over the last number of months as information on government and military preparedness in the lead up to the May 2010 flotilla raid come to light. Meanwhile, uncertainty pervades the country’s relationship with the Obama administration. NEQ intends to discuss and analyse the pressures on this relatively young state and how relations with its revolutionary Arab neighbours and allies are developing, as well as how its own society is changing.
Lebanon
Following the formation of a consensus government in September 2009, Lebanon has again fallen into a political nadir. Near East Quarterly addresses issues of interest to Lebanon’s internal politics and society while assessing the country’s role in Near East stability.
Palestine
There is no all-out conflict in the Palestinian territories, but peace has seldom been further from realisation. Divisions among political leaders inside the Palestinian Authority, Hamas’ growing political clout outside the Gaza Strip and a stagnant ‘peace process’ mean that the chief motivations of the people of the territories; stability, prosperity and a nation-state, remain a distance off.
Syria
Syria was one of the least likely countries to fall to the wave of popular revolt sweeping the region. Today it stands at the unknown, with segments of its population rising up against strong-handed attempts to silence dissent. Syria has entered a new stage with past prescriptions consigned to history. Damascus has few options but to yield to a growing sentiment calling for more freedoms. But sectarian violence is a real threat to the country’s stability.
Turkey
With a growing will to enter the Middle East’s political scene, Turkey’s attempts to reassess its regional position mean a new view of this once-EU aspirant is required. Ankara has also failed to pacify its Kurdish population, something which has presented a distinct problem through the Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq, all making Turkey today an integral ingredient in near east affairs.
Interview
Events in the Middle East regularly change at a moment’s notice, and often with significant consequences for the wider region. Each issue’s Interview Section will see a leading voice interviewed on an important aspect of debate.
Culture
Near East Quarterly does not restrict its reach and scope to politics alone. We are determined to provide insightful articles discussing relevant developments on culture and society in the Middle East. Middle Eastern film, music, literature and the arts more widely are all recognised as essential indicators of the values and mood of the region, as well as vital means of better understanding its people and history.
Review
In this section our reviewers evaluate the contents of a particular recent publication, performance, record or film in the light of the wider context in which it has emerged. As such, our reviews aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the piece’s place in Near East society and discuss how its ideas may be challenging or challenged.
Photo Essay
The Middle East is a vibrant, diverse region of varying cultures, languages and traditions, often best portrayed through the lens of a camera. In each issue our Photo Essay section focuses on a particular topic, ranging from cultural celebrations to political events to stories of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
