Al-Hewar Center was established by Al-Hewar Magazine in December 1994 in metropolitan Washington, D.C., as an independent forum for dialogue among the various members of the Arab community with the goals of finding common ground within the community as well as bringing about greater mutual understanding between the Arab community and American society at large. The Center is designed to facilitate the participation of a wide and diverse audience, and membership is open to all who are interested. The Center does not take positions, nor is it affiliated with any country, organization, political party or ideology; rather it provides a forum for respectful dialogue that is open to all opinions.