Khanfar was at the helm of Al Jazeera for eight years as Managing Director and Director General. During that time, the network transformed from a single channel into a media network. During this period, the Arab world witnessed historic transformation, including the Arab Spring. Khanfar, who resigned from the network in September 2011, has been named as one of Foreign Policyβs Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2011 as well as one of Fast Companyβs Most Creative People in Business of the Year. Khanfar has a diverse academic background with postgraduate studies in philosophy, African studies, and international politics. He is currently the President of Al Sharq Forum. He recently had his book translated into English: The First Spring: Political & Strategic Praxis of the Prophet of Islam (ο·Ί)