Khamsin (magazine)

The establishment of a publication by the Matzpen, an Israeli socialist and anti-Zionist organization, first discussed in a meeting of Moshé Machover, Eli Lobel, Emmanuel Farjoun, Leila Kadi and Sadik Jalal Al Azm in London in October 1974.[2] As a result of this meeting Khamsin was launched and started its publication life in Paris, France, in 1975.[1] It was coedited by Lebanese Leila Kadi and Israeli Eli Lobel.[3] The latter was a member of the Matzpen.[1] The first four issues of Khamsin were published in French by the Editions Fraçois Maspero based in Paris.[1] In 1978 the editorial board of the magazine expanded with the addition of Avishai Ehrlich, Moshé Machover, Mikhal Marouan and Khalil Toama.[1] From the fifth issue the headquarters of Khamsin moved to London where it was published in English until 1989 when it folded with the publication of the issue numbered 14.[3]

Khamsin declared its aim in the fifth issue as to be part of the struggles for social liberation and against nationalist and religious mystifications instead of expressing and supporting only some views.[1] The ultimate goal was reported to be the establishment of a united socialist Arab world.[1]

Khamsin featured articles containing political, economic, social analysis and book reviews.[2] From the issue 5 it published specific content for each issue: Oriental Jewry (issue 5), Women in the Arab World (issue 6), Communist Parties in the Middle East (issue 7), Politics of Religion in the Middle East (issue 8), Politics of Religion/Development of Capitalism in Egypt (issue 9), Israel and its War in Lebanon (issue 10), Modern Turkey: Development and Crisis (issue 11), and The Gulf [Iran–Iraq] War (issue 12).[1]