Karim Alrawi: Journalist, Playwright, and Now, Mideast Director

Mark Hubbard

Karim Alrawi is Internews’ Regional Director for the Middle East, overseeing media development projects in fourteen countries. For the past 25 years, he has worked as a journalist and magazine editor covering the Middle East and North Africa. He is also a well-known playwright who has also had over thirty of his plays professionally produced. Alrawi was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt and is currently based in Washington, DC and “on United Airlines.”

What possessed you to make the switch from a career in journalism and playwriting to a career in program management?

It was [Internews President] David Hoffman who talked me into joining Internews. When he called, I was already thinking of what I should be doing next with my life, especially in light of the events of September 11th. My decision was therefore not solely due to David’s eloquence.

What has it been like to start projects in over a dozen countries, more or less simultaneously?

Fairly impossible, but then I love trying the impossible. I remember as a kid being told something that has stood me in good stead. “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is: “One bite at a time.” That is how I decided to do the project - one small step at a time.

What particular challenges does Internews Network face as a US-based organization in a region where America is now viewed with deep mistrust?

The challenges are essentially of two kinds: Firstly, we need to build credibility as a non-governmental organization that operates independently from the US administration. We therefore operate in the region as Internews Arabic Network, and we partner with respected local NGOs.

Secondly,it is vital that we ensure the safety and security of our staff and partners.

How can you tell if Internews’ work is making a difference on the ground?

I set up a simple measuring system when I started the project. I count and read articles by trainees before and after their training. I look for improvements in style and content as well as an increase in the number of articles published. The hundreds of articles we have collected bear evidence of the success of the training so far. This has been one of the most gratifying experiences I can think of.