Jacob Wirtschafter - Journalist Profile | Connect with top journalists

Beats

Biography

.Journalist with 30+ years covering the Middle East and North Africa, focused on how economic and cultural trends reshape political power and social dynamics. In the Levant, I’ve chronicled Syria’s post‑war balance of power—Israeli strikes, Iranian deepening, and Turkish interests—as well as Gaza’s humanitarian toll, ceasefire diplomacy, and dissent under Hamas. I’ve also reported from Israel and Jordan on national politics, refugee strain, and social change. In Turkey, I’ve explored President Erdoğan’s domestic consolidation, recalibrated foreign policy, and Ankara’s pivot into electric‑vehicle manufacturing and tech partnerships. In Egypt, I’ve analyzed megaprojects like the new administrative capital, covering their economic stimulus and political symbolism under Sisi, and assessed Egypt’s balancing act in Gaza diplomacy. Across the Gulf, I’ve tracked Qatar’s diplomatic soft power and mediation role; Dubai’s crypto, real‑estate surge, and global business allure; and Saudi Arabia’s cultural liberalization and political realignment under MBS. I co-founded Syria Direct in Amman, where I trained local journalists. My formative training began at ABC News, working in the Washington, Los Angeles, London, and Jerusalem bureaus—and serving as Deputy Middle East Bureau Chief in Jerusalem, managing Israeli and Palestinian teams. I hold a master’s in Middle East area studies from SOAS, funded by a UK FCO scholarship and a journalism degree from USC Annenberg. My on‑air work includes analysis and reporting for MSNBC, RT, i24 News, and Arise News. Print and digital bylines include USA Today, VOA News, The National (UAE), Moment Magazine, Monocle, and The Washington Times. I’m a UC Berkeley Knight Fellow.

Content

Total articles 371

• Available on paid plans

  Israel and Turkey Trade Blows Over Syria as Proxy Conflict Expands

  By Ahmad Qweidar, Jacob Wirtschafter Verified

  Apr. 06, 2025

• Available on paid plans

  A House in Exile: Fire, Memory and the Enduring Spirit of Villa Aurora

  By Jacob Wirtschafter Verified

  Apr. 04, 2025

• Available on paid plans

  Arab plan to rebuild Gaza, head off Trump faces hurdles, skepticism

  By Jacob Wirtschafter Verified, Waseem Abu Mahadi

  Mar. 18, 2025

As seen in

Company Info

ARA

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company based in the United States. The company is dedicated to addressing critical national issues to enhance safety, security, and public interest. ARA specializes in research and development, offering services in national security, infrastructure, health solutions, and energy and environmental sustainability. ARA provides a variety of services, including vulnerability assessments for national security and solutions for infrastructure management. The company is also involved in health-related research, focusing on traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. ARA develops innovative products for defense, first responders, and commercial markets, such as the Silent Sabre Directed-Energy Weapon, MRZR X Unmanned Ground Vehicle, and the ARC4 Augmented Reality System. With a diverse structure that includes multiple divisions, ARA is well-equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges across various sectors, serving government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial clients.