On August 14 2006, Beirut-based Al-Akhbar was launched as a “calculated adventure” by prominent Lebanese journalist Joseph Samaha and a team of like-minded colleagues. The late Samaha (1949-2007) envisioned a publication that would uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity while remaining true to the principles of anti-imperialist struggle, progressive politics, and freedom of express
ion. Hot on the heels of Israel's war on Lebanon, the launch of the Arabic edition coincided with the onset of a turbulent period in the history of Lebanon and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Five years later, al-Akhbar embarks on another calculated adventure amid another period of historic significance in the region - the year of the Arab uprisings. By providing much-needed in-depth reporting on the uprisings and other news in the region, al-Akhbar English will reflect the diverse and dynamic realities that make up the communities undergoing these transformations. The English edition also aims to make debates and analyses circulating in the Arabic media sphere accessible to English speakers worldwide. Currently the most visited Lebanese newspaper site, al-Akhbar depends on young and creative writers that challenge conventional forms of reporting and aspires to speak truth to power. Al-Akhbar English intends to preserve this tradition by translating selected articles from the Arabic edition to an international readership. The site will also feature original content of opinion, analysis, and field stories as well as photo blogs chronicling the latest developments across the Middle East.
