Communication and the Culture of Democracy: Global Media and Promotion of Democracy in the Middle East
Author(s)
Al-Obaidi, Jabbar
Abstract
The Middle East in general and the Arab world in particular have long held an important place in world affairs, as reflected in the selective attention given to the region in the western media and economic relations with the region, and the alternative policies and actions available. Perhaps, the most four important issues that draw much of the mid 1990s’ selective attention of the western media were: proved reserves of oil, the peace process in the Middle East, the teaching of democracy in the area, and the issue of a more defined future of geopolitical relation with the West so that to keep such a healthy regional and global interaction with the concerned countries in the region. One must think that this is a positive sign for the region to have been considered by the global media and the world leaders and politicians. In fact, these four issues ate truly valid. The Middle Eastern countries should take great pride in their strategic locations and their cultural heritage and civilization. In addition, maintaining the notion of an unbroken continuity between ancient and modern Middle Eastern region is an essential element in the preservation of their self-image.
