The Arab American News
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Right-wing Israel lobby riding high in election run-up
WASHINGTON — Despite the growing international condemnation and isolation incurred by the government of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the right-wing leadership of the so-called "Israel Lobby" here is riding high in the U.S. Congress. So far this week, it has chalked up a key victory on Capitol Hill in its longstanding effort to...Switch to Petraeus betrays Afghan policy crisis
WASHINGTON (IPS) — Despite President Barack Obama's denial that his decision to fire Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal as commander in Afghanistan and replace him with Gen. David Petraeus signified any differences with McChrystal over war strategy, the decision obviously reflects a desire by Obama to find a way out of a deepening policy...Peace groups slam high court ruling on “terror support”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the court's ruling "thwarts the efforts of human rights organizations to persuade violent actors to renounce violence or cease their human rights abuses and jeopardizes the provision of aid and disaster relief in conflict zones controlled by designated groups."NEW YORK ...Israeli war crimes and piracy
On June 8, 1967, two squadrons of Israeli warplanes bombed, napalmed and machine-gunned the U.S. intelligence-gathering ship, USS Liberty, in international waters, killing 34 U.S. sailors and wounding another 172. The assault took place on a sunny afternoon, with the U.S. flag and identifying markers clearly visible. The...Tax on tanning beds could save lives
On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons. Not only does tanning bed use greatly increase the risk of developing melanoma, but indoor tanners are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer.NEW...Israel cannot conduct its own investigation
Last week the government of Israel announced the launch of an investigation into the events surrounding the deadly Memorial Day flotilla raid which left nine activists dead. Many international bodies including the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), as well as human rights groups like Amnesty International, are calling for...
Michigan’s Arizona-like immigration bill debated
June 25th, 20100 DETROIT — Information on newly proposed Michigan HB 6256 known as the "Immigration Law Enforcement Act" was gathered during a hearing administered by the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights June 18 inside Wayne State University's (WSU) Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium. The bill is similar to Arizona...Evangelists challenge arrests at Arab festival, claim free speech rights
The group is alleging that their free speech rights were violated after their video cameras, which were used to record various conversations at the festival, were confiscated by police. They are requesting the return of their cameras and tapes.DEARBORN — A total of four Christian evangelists who were reportedly attempting to...Lebanese honored for philanthropy
LANSING — Ghassan and Manal Saab, Lebanese-Americans, were awarded the 2010 Russell G. Mawby Award for Philanthropy, Michigan's most esteemed philanthropy award. The Saabs accepted the award at the Michigan Nonprofit Superconference held May 19 at the Lansing Center. The Saabs were nominated for the award by the Community...Israeli ship blocked from unloading in U.S. port
Oakland, CA — Longshoremen were prevented from unloading an Israeli ship by hundreds of protestors who formed a picket line blocking gates operated by Stevedore Services of America at the Port of Oakland in California. No Israeli ship has been blocked in the U.S. before. The protest was a response...Dearborn State House seat up for grabs
DEARBORN —With State Representative Gino Polidori at his term limit, five Democrats and a Republican will be contending for his seat as Representative of the 15th State House district. George T. DaranyThe 15th State House district is part of Wayne County and covers Dearborn, excluding a few precincts in the northeast part of the...Bouchard receives two major endorsements
MIKE BOUCHARDDETROIT - The Detroit Regional Chamber (DRC) and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce recently endorsed Republican candidate for governor Mike Bouchard. DRC is the largest chamber in the U.S. with a membership estimated at 20,000. Bouchard said he is honored chamber business leaders are supporting his campaign. If...Dillon supported by Spanish Speaking Democrats
Andy DillonDETROIT - In other election news, Speaker of the House and Democratic candidate for governor of Michigan, Andy Dillon, was endorsed by The Michigan Spanish Speaking Democrats. Dillon said he's looking forward to working with the organization while laying out his plans for job creation, improved education and economic...
Africa united for World Cup but will it last?
June 25th, 20100 JOHANNESBURG — Perhaps Africa's World Cup began in earnest on Jun. 16, when a despondent green and gold-clad crowd began leaving the Loftus Versfeld stadium even before the end of South Africa's heavy defeat to Uruguay. Migrant African fans felt the first touch of cold post-tournament reality. In their final game on Jun. 22, Bafana...Restaurant offers halal Mexican classics
DEARBORN — With halal food choices still somewhat limited, many local Muslims find themselves unable to enjoy the same types of food that others do. But now, thanks to the opening of Fuego Grill in Dearborn earlier this month, Mexican food favorites along with the signature creations of head chef Sam Alvarado can be enjoyed at what he......
ADC holds annual convention in nation’s capital
U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., was the keynote speaker at the Annual Civil Rights LuncheonWASHINGTON — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee held its 30th annual convention June 4-10 here in the nation's capital. This year's theme was 30 Years of Advocacy and Achievement: Strngthening the Voice of Equality...Timing of leak of Afghan mineral wealth evokes skepticism
WASHINGTON (IPS) — The timing of the publication of a major New York Times story on the vast untapped mineral wealth that lies beneath Afghanistan's soil is raising major questions about the intent of the Pentagon, which released the information.Given the increasingly negative news that has come out of Afghanistan — and of U.S.......
Israeli flotilla attack may violate international, maritime laws
June 23rd, 20100 A photograph supplied by the Israeli Forces shows Israeli sailors in the navy base in Haifa as they prepare to set sail into the Mediterranean Sea on May 29, 2010 in order to track and intercept the Free Gaza Movement flotilla. Photo: EPAUNITED NATIONS (IPS) — When two widely-divergent investigative panels launch their probes on the...
Rights groups say Gaza blockade must go
June 21st, 20100 Palestinian boys sit in front of a mural depicting a Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail, during a summer camp organized by the Hamas movement in Gaza City June 17, 2010. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem RAMALLAH (IPS) — Under intense international pressure Israel declared last week that it would ease its crippling blockade on Gaza by...
The Nation Publisher: Isn’t there some room for Helen Thomas?
June 8th, 20100 White House correspondent Helen Thomas (2nd L) takes notes as former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson faces reporters during a news conference in the White House Oval Office, in this handout photograph taken on April 25, 1968 and obtained on June 7, 2010. Thomas announced her retirement on June 7, 2010 according to media...Memorial services to be held for Gaza aid flotilla victims
Demonstrators line up for funeral prayers on a main street leading to the residence of Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy in Ankara June 1, 2010. REUTERS/Umit BektasDEARBORN — The Congress of Arab American Organizations in Michigan is to hold memorial services to the humanitarians who lost their lives last week......
The Madness of Arrogance
Israel’s attack on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla on America’s Memorial Day was all too predictable, although the form it took surprised even me. And it confirms the old proverb that “Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad,” for the attack was the kind of madness only unbridled arrogance can assume.It wasn’t just...Guantanamo deaths in 2006 won’t go away
NEW YORK (IPS) — A leading good-government group is asking the U.S. Justice Department to disclose details of its investigation into the deaths of three Guantanamo prisoners in 2006. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Wednesday sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Justice Department......
Where the bikini meets the hijab
BEIRUT — Hijab or bikini? That is a question that Lebanon seems to be forever balancing. Both extremes make up the social fabric of the country, and the recent "Miss USA" pageant, which saw the election of Rima Fakih, a Muslim Shi'aa of Lebanese origin, has once again spotlighted the diversity and often paradoxical image of women...Egypt extends Emergency Law another two years
CAIRO (IPS) — The government's decision to renew Egypt's longstanding Emergency Law has drawn furious reactions from opposition figures and rights advocates. While government spokesmen say the law will only be used against terrorism and drug trafficking, critics say it is aimed primarily at stifling political dissent.Egypt voted in......
