The Philip Shehadi New Writers Award was established in memory of Philip Shehadi, a contributing editor of Middle East Report since 1985, who was killed in Algiers in 1991. The purpose of the award is to generate new thinking on the Middle East and to provide a forum for the growing numbers of writers and students specializing in the Middle East.

The award includes a $500 prize and publication in Middle East Report. This year's deadline for submissions August 1, 2000. Students are encouraged to submit, but the contest is open to all those who are not professional journalists, who have not written for MER before, and who are not officially affiliated with the magazine.

Submissions must focus on the Middle East or the region's contemporary relations with other Middle East states and societies, and should address the general public as well as those with expertise and professional interests in Middle Eastern affairs. Papers should reflect an innovative approach, fresh ideas and an ability to communicate ideas effectively. We seek clear, direct, readable writing. Sentences should be short, crisp and in the active voice. Sexist language should be avoided.

Topics include questions of political and social transformation, state and society, popular culture, gender relations and environmental issues.

Submissions should be mailed to the above address and should include the following:

• Four copies of the manuscript. The name should NOT appear on the manuscript (to insure anonymity with the judges).
• A separate cover letter, including name, address and phone number.
• A one-page abstract summarizing the major arguments and findings.
• The submission should be typed, double-spaced and 3000 to 5000 words long.

The winner will be asked to send a copy of the submission on diskette.