Dear Readers,

Welcome to the new Al-Monitor. When I launched Al-Monitor five years ago, I wanted to create a media organization that would bridge the gap of information available to both those in the Middle East as well as those with a desire to better understand a region so rapidly changing. 

I am very proud of what we achieved over the last five years. We have brought together more than 160 of the world’s leading Middle East editors, analysts, reporters and contributors to bring you unique insights that can’t be found anywhere else.

Now, with the relaunch of Al-Monitor it is my hope that we will be able to engage and introduce an even wider, international audience to the people, politics and culture of the Middle East. In addition to our award-winning coverage of news and politics, the expanded Washington section will have unparalleled reporting of the relationship between developments in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East. Our new culture section will introduce our readers to the many vibrant stories of art, culture, film, music, food and history from the region that crosses borders and unites people.