This book offers a uniquely comprehensive and comparative analysis of the War on Terror through the lens of Arab media—a perspective that remains significantly underrepresented in current scholarship. By focusing on two influential but ideologically divergent media blocs—Al Jazeera Arabic and the grouping of Al Arabiya with state-aligned Egyptian outlets—the book provides critical insights into how media narratives are shaped by political alignment, ownership, and regional rivalries.

What makes this book distinctive is its integration of media analysis with geopolitical inquiry. The book not only decodes the frames and discourses used to portray terrorism and counterterrorism but also contextualizes these within broader power struggles in the Arab world, including the Qatar–Saudi/Egyptian axis and their ties to U.S. policy. It bridges disciplines by combining the analytical tools of media studies with the political frameworks of international relations and security studies. It will appeal to all those interested in political science, media studies, Middle East politics, international relations, and journalism.

Widyane Hamdach is a Professor of Political Science and UN Programs Coordinator at Saint Peter’s University, USA. She earned her PhD in Global Affairs from Rutgers University, specializing in global governance, Middle Eastern studies, and international relations. With over 17 years of experience as a TV reporter and producer, she has covered international affairs at the United Nations for various media outlets.