David John Hirst (1936–2025) was a leading British journalist and long-time Middle East correspondent for The Guardian. Based in Beirut for much of his career, he was widely regarded as an authoritative voice on the region, particularly on the Arab–Israeli conflict. His books include The Gun and the Olive Branch and Beware of Small States.

Charles Glass was ABC News chief Middle East correspondent from 1983 to 1993. Since 1973, he has covered wars in the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. He is the author of Syria Burning, Tribes with Flags, The Tribes Triumphant, Money for Old Rope, The Northern Front, Americans in Paris, The Deserters, They Fought Alone and Soldiers Don't Go Mad: A Story of Brotherhood, Poetry, and Mental Illness During the First World War. His website is www.charlesglass.net.