The Arab American News
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Fighting hunger — A matter of faith
ROME (IPS) — The world's major religions might disagree on theology and matters like the foods we ought to eat and the days we should rest on, but when it comes to fighting hunger, they see eye to eye. The holy books say that those who do not have enough to eat must be helped, which, if you are a believer, makes food insecurity a...Amnesty International criticizes Israel for latest response to Gaza violations
Amnesty International has said that Israel's most recent response to the U.N. on its investigations into alleged violations of international law by its forces in Gaza a year ago is totally inadequate. Crucial questions about the conduct of attacks in which hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands were made homeless, are not...Polls find little evidence Iranian public sees government as illegitimate
Indications of fraud in the June 12 Iranian presidential election, together with large-scale street demonstrations, have led to claims that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not actually win the election, and that the majority of Iranians perceive their government as illegitimate and favor regime change. Supporters of defeated Iranian...
DIA to reopen Islamic Gallery
February 13th, 20100 The Gallery of Islamic Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts will reopen on Sunday, Feb. 28 in a new and impressive presentation. The new gallery will showcase selections of Islamic art from different periods and in a variety of media: manuscripts, calligraphy, pottery, sculpture, metalwork, glasswork, textile, carpets and other...“The Future of Islam”
Some books have perfect timing. This is one of them. According to a recent Gallup World Religion Survey, a majority of Americans have little or no knowledge about Islam. Also, the study revealed a disturbing American bias against Muslims. The contagious disease of Islamophobia can be cured, and a strong antidote may be found in John L....
Dearborn football star earns free ride to CMU
February 13th, 20100 DEARBORN — Like many kids growing up in America from Middle Eastern families, Nores Fradi began his athletic career as a soccer player. Fradi signs scholarship to Central Michigan University for...HPV virus: Time to face reality
I recently contacted the Dearborn, Michigan Health Department to see if they provide the HPV vaccine. The receptionist said yes, but that it is only recommended for women ages 11-26. Beyond age 26, health insurance will not cover the vaccine and it is pricey. Depending on the clinic, the cost could range from $140-$180 per shot...Valentine’s Day parties throughout region offer Middle Eastern entertainment
Couples can dance and romance at a number of Middle Eastern-themed Valentines Day parties scheduled this weekend in the Detroit area. Singer Zak Baalbaki performs on Saturday in West Bloomfield at Al Oumara Restaruant, 6123 Haggerty Road, at 10:30 p.m. Call 248.960.0511. Jad Soudah and Mohamad Abu Sumaya perform in Dearborn on...AIPAC duplicated stolen classified policy documents before returning to U.S. government
WASHINGTON — Top officials of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee duplicated a stolen classified U.S. government policy document before returning it under order of the U.S. Trade Representative, according to a newly released FBI document. The document is available for download here. Testimony about AIPAC's executive director...Voters’ rights advocate seeks secretary of state seat
As candidate fields become clear and campaigns gear up months ahead of November elections, several major candidates have been reaching out to Arab Americans for support, including Democratic candidate for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Jocelyn Benson Benson is scheduled to meet with local Arab American...
Iran and Israel: Reining in ‘rogue states’
February 13th, 20100 For two decades, the world has been counting on diplomacy to stop Iran's apparent quest for nuclear weapons – a diplomacy shot through, however, with the menace of ultimate recourse to the military alternative. Now, a more serious stage has been reached with the passing of the year-end deadline that President Obama had set for the...Conference explores conflict resolution among Arab American students
DEARBORN — Just about everyone is familiar with the United States Department of Defense, which was formerly known as the Department of War. But few know that there is also a grassroots movement to start a "Department of Peace" as well. Noor Kirdar from USIP presenting on women and peace building. While that movement hasn't...
San Francisco community commemorates Gaza attacks, organizes activist efforts
February 13th, 20100 BURLINGAME, Calif.— Israel's first prime minister David Ben Gurion once said about displaced Palestinian refugees "the old will die and the young will forget." Mariam El Shafei, 16, lost an eye during the Dec. 2008-Jan. 2009 bombardment of Gaza. She was brought to the U.S. by the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund. El Shafei...
Development recognized as crucial for stability in Yemen
February 13th, 20100 WASHINGTON (IPS) — Amid growing concerns here over the threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a consensus is emerging among U.S. experts that Washington and other donors to Yemen must place at least as much or greater emphasis on promoting sustainable development in the Arab world's poorest country as on...2010 Census hits the road with “Be Counted” message
In January, the Census Portrait of America Road Tour started its journey across the United States to educate communities about the 2010 Census. One national and 12 regional vehicles drive around targeting high-attendance events, celebrations and ethnic community gatherings to reach out to the diverse U.S. population. To connect with......
Peaceful Palestinian resistance paying off
February 13th, 20100 For many, the idea of Palestinian resistance is synonymous with terrorism, conjuring up images of suicide bombings and rockets. This is a distortion shaped by the media and our politicians. Beyond the headlines, Palestinian resistance has always included nonviolent tactics. Today, in rural villages from Bilin and Jayyous to Nilin...Christian Arabs remain the best situated to combat the demonization of Islam
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves…" Matthew 7:15. According to Christian tradition the above quote is attributed to Jesus of Nazareth by Matthew as part of the famous Sermon on the Mount, a compilation of Jesus' sayings epitomizing his moral teachingindus.......
UN report challenges Israeli version of attack on civilian building in Gaza war
JERUSALEM — A new Israeli report defending the military's conduct in the Gaza war was challenged this week after evidence emerged apparently contradicting one of its key findings. Palestinian children play soccer in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 31, 2010. Soccer has always been popular in the Gaza Strip but...Keffiyeh war ahead
First it was the hummus war. Then it was the tabouleh war. Now get ready for the keffiyeh war. A self-described "Jewish music label and promotion company" in the United States has begun marketing a version of the traditional Arab headdress complete with blue embroidered stars of David, the symbol of the state of Israel. Shemspeed,...
Shi’a pilgrims targeted as Iraq bombings intensify
February 6th, 20100 A female suicide bomber walked into a tent full of Shi'a pilgrims on Monday, killing at least 46 people and wounding another 100 in the latest attack in the run-up to Iraqi elections next month. Iraqis mourn relatives during a mass funeral for victims of a suicide attack, northeast of Baghdad February 2, 2010. A suicide...Iraqi Vice President to visit Detroit area
Iraq VP Tariq Al-Hashimi The Chaldean Federation of America announced on Thursday that Vice President of Iraq, Tariq Al-Hashimi, is expected to visit Detroit this weekend. Al-Hashimi is scheduled to speak on Iraqi issues including upcoming elections at the Shenandoah Banquet, Golf and Conference Center, 5600 Walnut Lake Rd.......
Forum seeks to clarify rights
DEARBORN — The Arab Student Union and Muslim Students' Association held an event on Thursday, January 28 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn entitled "Know Your Rights," with an emphasis on clearing up important questions about law enforcement and civil rights. Detroit FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew Arena, L, local...Corrupt Arab regimes — Who is to blame?
RAMALLAH (IPS) — The Mideast continues to be plagued by autocratic Arab regimes where human rights, democracy and freedom of speech are a pipe dream for the average citizen. But who is to blame and what can be done to amend this situation? While progress towards democratization in previously autocratic regions — including Africa,......
Is Obama prepared to exert pressure on Israel?
The recent concerted push to restart the stalled peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis has been complicated by Israel's continual construction of settlements in the West Bank and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand that Israel maintain a military presence along the West Bank's border with...ADC holds annual MLK scholarship event
DEARBORN — One of metro Detroit's most cherished Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorations marked its 11th anniversary on Jan. 29 as the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan held its MLK Scholarship Awards Reception. ADC MLK Scholarship......
