The MEC Analytical Group (MAG) comprises an experienced and knowledgeable observer group studying and analysing public affairs on an international scale. Originally a small carefully selected group of names with backgrounds in diplomacy, journalism, academia, banking and commerce interested mainly in the Middle East, it has now expanded to a point where it is capable of addressing and analysing many of the international issues of the day. The sole purpose of MAG, as expressed in its daily traffic, is the analysis of international events, and the creation of insights which throw light on the implications for national and international political, security, diplomatic and energy relationships. In addition to the assessment of political risk factors, MAG also seeks to address likely future developments in the international domain. MAG is not a commercial undertaking but its product may become available to MEC commercial clients offered membership of the group for their potential input. Since its foundation the group has consistently grown and operates in the English language.

The membership of the MEC Analytical Group list is international and is carefully selected from names who have made a reputation in government service, academia, commerce or journalism. Membership is free and may only be acquired by invitation. Names who form the active readership may be professionally active or retired but are likely to have a bedrock of international experience which will ensure an understanding of the major world issues today and a capability to input insights and comments on developments of the hour which affect our daily lives. Typical of such subjects are the current implications of regime change in Iraq.

Based originally on the collective experience of MEC International’s senior consultants there is a natural focus on mainly Middle East and Central Asian affairs and a desire to understand the march of events in those baffling, frustrating and ever fascinating regions of the world. We are small in numbers - a mere 250, but we do not seek expansion and will try to operate within that figure. We probably have a shadow circulation somewhat larger than that. As we operate in English we endeavour to be an open forum - we have no programme, prejudices, or political affiliations and we leave it to our readers to drive the thrust of our commentaries. We are also a first name club which seeks to cultivate an informal style amongst ourselves. Our wish is to keep a steady flow of interesting analysis in circulation and to ensure that the tone remains quiet, friendly and informative.

We are an international organisation in the sense that while based In London our readership is entirely international. Our readers come from Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Americas and they comment from their respective viewpoints. We are now ready to move on to our next stage of activity. While not seeking additional membership we have started the search for expanded activity. We would welcome thoughts and proposals from readers on this subject. We are thus seeking to add value to our product and find innovative ways of developing and utilising it. Our only requirement for such future developments is an open mind and a consuming but balanced interest in the way in which the world runs. We would welcome your thoughts on this and nominations of a few suitable candidates in our readership who might be expected to play an active role in furthering the quality of our debate. Above all we would welcome suggestions on how we might add value to what we have on offer.