What is the impact of the political systems in the Middle East on media? Cases of Lebanon and Iran

My objectives were to give a clear image of how politics in the Middle East affect its media and the way in which freedom of speech is treated in that region, focusing on Lebanon and Iran. This topic was chosen as it is an interesting issue in my view, considering the recent events that have happened in the Middle East. The problem of freedom of speech in Lebanon and Iran is a relentlessly captivating subject as it is an intriguing matter that only few people may attempt to resolve.;The most relevant literature I have read is relevant articles from Middle Eastern newspapers as they translate the true meaning of journalistic freedom in the region.;Firstly, the position of media in regards to politics in the Middle East will be discussed and how it is dealt with focusing on Lebanon and Iran as case studies. Events that have occurred in the past years in Lebanon and Iran form the perfect example to justify how media is affected in most Middle Eastern countries. The first part will deal with the numerous pressures Arabic journalists face due to politics however the main focus of the dissertation, second and third sections, will focus on Lebanon and Iran and their respective media. The main body of the fourth and fifth parts will outline the disastrous consequences of the correlation between media and politics in the Middle East in order to further our understanding of the current situation, and the problem resulting from the link between media and politics. The emphasis of the effects on freedom of speech will also be mentioned---examples demonstrating how scarce freedom of speech has become will be analysed. Relevant newspaper articles and books are quite vital as they are strong supports that manage to verify the arguments made in regards to the limited extent of freedom of speech in the Middle East, and how difficult it is for journalists to deal with it. The thesis will conclude by the possible solutions that will allow a more objective freedom of speech to prevail.