Asharq Al-Awsat: History and Evolution of a Pan-Arab Daily
Launched in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat has established itself as a prominent voice in Arabic-language journalism. Often described as the premier pan-Arab daily—a category of newspapers targeting a broad Arab audience from an offshore base—it is printed across 14 cities on four continents. While it has historically claimed the largest circulation among its peers, including its chief competitor Al-Hayat, reliable circulation data became primarily available from the early 2000s onward.
Founding and Early Years
The vision for the newspaper originated with Hisham Hafiz and his brother Mohammed Ali Hafez, who proposed the creation of an Arabic-language daily based in London. Together with the paper's first editor-in-chief, Jihad Khazen, the brothers worked to demonstrate the viability of the project through trial issues presented to the then-crown prince (and later king) Fahd. Although King Fahd initially showed interest before losing enthusiasm, verbal approval was eventually secured during the prince's official visit to England, aided by the Saudi ambassador to London and the deputy minister of information.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Rise to Prominence and Early Controversies
The publication quickly gained notoriety through high-profile reporting. Its first major scoop concerned the formation of the U.S. Central Command for the Middle East, but it truly made its name during the turmoil surrounding the Egypt–Israel peace treaty and the Camp David Accords (the 1978 agreements between Egypt and Israel).
Internal friction arose when staff and contributors criticized Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, leading to the resignation of Cairo bureau chief Salah al Din Hafez. In a subsequent press conference, President Sadat attacked the newspaper's stance on the peace process, questioned the bureau chief's salary, and accused Prince Fahd of using the publication as a political weapon against Egypt. Former editor Jihad Khazen later noted that this public confrontation provided the paper with immense free publicity, attracting the attention of foreign governments and global media.
Editorial Leadership and Legal Challenges
Over the decades, Asharq Al-Awsat has been led by several influential figures. Beyond Jihad Khazen, notable editors include Erfan Nizameddine, Othman Al Omeir (who later founded Elaph), and Abdul Rahman Al Rashed, who served as the general manager of Al Arabiya from 2004 to 2014. More recently, Tariq Alhomayed led the paper until January 2013, when he was succeeded by Adel Al Toraifi, who served until July 2014.
Reporting Disputes (2004–2008)
The tenure of Tariq Alhomayed was marked by significant controversy, particularly regarding reports on the State of Qatar. Between 2004 and 2008, the paper published articles that were later deemed vindictive. Most notably, in August 2006, the paper claimed that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani held secret discussions with Israeli ministers during a trip to Beirut. Despite denials from the Prime Minister, the paper repeated the claims in 2007.
In July 2008, Alhomayed apologized at the High Court in London, admitting the allegations were untrue. The newspaper published this apology in both print and digital editions, acknowledging that no such secret discussions took place. The matter was settled amicably out of court without payment for damages.
Recent Controversies and Notable Columns
The publication has faced further scrutiny over its reporting accuracy. In 2016, the paper published a report alleging that Iranian pilgrims during the Arbaeen commemoration in Iraq had sexually harassed women, citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The WHO condemned the story as "unfounded," stating no such report existed. Consequently, the newspaper sacked its Baghdad correspondent following condemnation from the Iraqi prime minister and other Shiite leaders.
Conversely, the paper has provided a platform for provocative social commentary. In April 2019, journalist and businessman Hussein Shobakshi published a column condemning antisemitism within Islamic culture. Shobakshi argued that racist education and "Jew-hatred" in the Arab world had driven the exodus of Jewish citizens from Arab and Muslim countries following the establishment of the State of Israel.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1978 in London.
- Reach: Printed in 14 cities across four continents.
- Founding Figures: Hisham Hafiz, Mohammed Ali Hafez, and Jihad Khazen.
- Key Competitor: Al-Hayat.
- Notable Former Editors: Jihad Khazen, Othman Al Omeir, Abdul Rahman Al Rashed, Tariq Alhomayed, and Adel Al Toraifi.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1978 |
| Headquarters | London |
| Classification | Pan-Arab Daily |
| Distribution | Global (4 continents, 14 cities) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Asharq Al-Awsat founded?
The newspaper was launched in London in 1978.
Who were the primary founders of the newspaper?
The initial idea was proposed by Hisham Hafiz and his brother Mohammed Ali Hafez, who worked with the first editor-in-chief, Jihad Khazen, to establish the daily.
What was the controversy regarding the State of Qatar?
Between 2004 and 2008, the paper published false claims that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani held secret talks with Israeli ministers. The paper later apologized in the London High Court in 2008.
How did the WHO respond to the 2016 report on Iranian pilgrims?
The World Health Organization condemned the report as unfounded, stating that they had never published the data cited by the newspaper, and considered legal action.
Who is the chief competitor of Asharq Al-Awsat?
Its chief competitor in the off-shore pan-Arab daily category is Al-Hayat.