While governments around the world tighten restrictions on press freedom, the Doha Debates openly dissect the vital issues of the Middle East in front of its people and on global television, once a month on BBC World News.

The Doha Debates are chaired by the award-winning former BBC correspondent and interviewer Tim Sebastian, who founded them in 2004 and secured their editorial independence.

The Doha Debates are an initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development which is headed by Her Highness, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned.

Past speakers have included President Bill Clinton, Shimon Peres, Amre Moussa, Ayad Allawi, Mahmoud Al Zahar and Sir Malcolm Rifkind.

Most Debates are held at the Qatar Foundation headquarters in Doha.