The Star Jordan's Former English-Language Weekly

The Star was a prominent English-language weekly newspaper published in Amman, Jordan. Serving as a critical voice for both local intellectuals and the international community, it provided a unique blend of political, economic, and cultural analysis that distinguished it from the mainstream Arabic press.

History and Evolution

The publication's journey began in 1966 as the Jerusalem Star, debuting in Jerusalem in a broadsheet format. After a brief six-month run, it was published by the Jordan Press and Publishing Company. The paper underwent several transformations in its format and frequency, resuming weekly publication in 1982 as a tabloid and returning to a broadsheet format in 1993.

The newspaper faced significant challenges, including a government clampdown on the press in 1988, which led to its closure. However, it resumed publication in 1990 under the leadership of Osama El Sherif, the son of its first editor-in-chief, Mahmood Al Sherif. By 1993, the paper shifted toward a more serious, analytical outlook, targeting local intellectuals, businessmen, and politicians.

Editorial Direction and Content

Under the direction of Osama El Sherif, a US-educated journalist, the paper adopted a professional, investigative approach. The editorial team aimed to provide a higher ceiling of discourse than the Arabic dailies, navigating the "unspoken red lines" of Jordanian censorship while pushing for transparency and truth.

Key Features and Columns

• Analytical Columns: The paper introduced regular Q&A interviews with politicians and activists, and columns such as "People and Politics" and "Middle East Beat."
• Cultural Coverage: The Star was highly regarded for its local art reviews, which were particularly popular with the diplomatic corps and foreign residents.
• Specialized Reporting: The publication tackled social issues such as violence against women and street children, as well as economic features on banking and the stock exchange.
• Satirical Edge: The "Press Cocktail" column, which analyzed the Arabic weekly press, often had a satirical tone that increased its popularity.

Digital Pioneer

The Star was a pioneer in the Jordanian media landscape, becoming one of the first English newspapers in the country to establish an internet presence. Starting in late 1994, its website became a vital source of information for Arab expatriates in the US and Europe. During its peak in the 1990s, the site reportedly attracted up to 100,000 visitors per month, leading to its content being quoted by major international outlets like The Guardian, The New York Times, and the Jerusalem Post.

Final Years and Closure

The Star followed a specific American style of spelling and distinct pagination, including a compiled stylebook in 1998. After years of serving as a bridge between Jordan and the international community, the newspaper published its final edition in late August 2011, following a decision to suspend publication.