The
1999 M.T. Mehdi
Courage in Journalism/Writing Award
NAAJA is proud to sponsor the 1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Writing Award, and to present the award through the cooperation of the Mehdi family.
This year's M.T. Medhi Courage in Journalism/Writing Award winners are:
Salim Muwakkil:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
Senior editor for In These Times Magazine, and a columnist
and Editorial Board
writer for the Chicago Tribune, Salim Muwakkil could have turned away from the emotion of
many issues that color Middle East politics, but instead he has fearlessly grabbed the
bull by the horns. He was one of the only writers on a major American newspaper to write
about reports that Israel was conducting vicious experiments to develop an "ethnic
bullet" that would allow them to enhance their policies of human rights violations
and torture against Palestinian civilians suspected of alleged crimes but also denied the
right to a legal due process.
The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs Staff:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Writing Award recipient
Each month, from modest offices in Washington DC that fronts for a small book store, this
magazine insists on providing the truth about events in the Middle East. Published in
English, and dedicated to principles of professional journalism, the WRMEA provides
balance to the deluge of false writings and the bias that dominates the American news
media. Constantly harassed by well-funded activists for the Zionist Organization of
America and other anti-Arab hate-mongering organizations, the WRMEA continues its struggle
to make American journalism honest.
Stephen Franklin:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
This Chicago Tribune writer has shown a consistent
understanding and a unique fairness in writing about the Middle East. Unlike many of his
colleagues, Franklin's writings demonstrate a deep understanding of the real issues behind
the Middle East conflict and its many tragic stories. His writings are balanced and fair,
a characteristic lacking in the writings of others on Middle East issues. His most recent
series in the Chicago Tribune on the lives of the Palestinians offer a badly needed
perspective that is missing from most other newspaper reports.
Charley Reese:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
His columns in the Orlando Sentinal reach hundreds of thousands of readers across America,
and like Salim Muwakkil and others, he is fearless in writing the truth and dedicating his
column to exposing lies and distortions. His columns spotlighting the suffering of the
people of Iraq take tremendous courage and stamina, as others insist on ignoring this
continuing human tragedy. Each week, thousands of young Iraqi children are dying as a
result of the American imposed UN Embargo against Iraq, almost a decade since the US war
against Iraq ended. Reese refuses to abandon writing about these injustices and he insists
on reminding Americans that the suffering of the young Iraqi children is their
responsibility.
The Beirut Times Newspaper Staff:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
For many years, this newspaper has fought to provide a complete picture of Arab American
communities, reporting not only on the politics of the Middle East conflict, but also by
serving as a newspaper of record for many Arab American developments, events and
activities. Through its pages you can find a consistent quality of news reporting that
equals and surpasses that found in mainstream American newspapers. While it provides one
of the few voices for social reporting, it also has allowed itself to serve as a forum for
a mixed view of opinions on controversial topics. This dedication to diversity in
viewpoints it ranks among the nation's top 10 Arab American newspapers and publications.
RAWI:
1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
Founded by Barbara Nimri Aziz, this organization continues to strive to provide
professional guidance to Arab American writers through their New York based network of
contacts. The goal they set to achieve is one that we all must work to support, regardless
of our political orientations. It's writing base continues to grow.
Joseph Zogby
999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award recipient
Although many often think first of his Arab American activist father, young Joseph Zogby
found himself the focus of a vicious anti-Arab campaign led by the Zionist Organization of
America and their anti-Arab hate mongers. Why? Because he happened to be Arab American. He
happened to have views on American policy in the Middle East. And, he happened to work for
the US Government as an intern. Zogby became one of the first to be targeted in a racist
campaign led by the ZOA and other anti-Arab bigoted groups. Despite the notoriety to which
he did not seek, he continues to write his views joining a growing legion of young
Americans who happen to be of Arab heritage in exposing the lies of the ZOA and other
anti-Arab groups in this country.
Please join in congratulating this year's winners of the 1999 M. T. Mehdi Courage in Writing Award. While there are many publications and individuals who also deserve recognition for their works and their achievement, this year we salute the seven individuals and publications above for their demonstrated courage. And, we hope that this award serves to strengthen their resolve to continue to pursue the truth despite overwhelming odds and opposition in American journalism.
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