The Arab American News
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What does al-Maliki really want?
The July deadline for Iraq and the United States to sign a security agreement for the long-term status of U.S. troops in Iraq is stumbling to a close. Officials of both the Bush administration and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki's government are now admitting that meeting a deadline that would allow Iraq to restore full...Iraq is poised to explode
While everyone's looking at Iraq's effect on American politics and whether or not John McCain and Barack Obama are converging on a policy that combines a flexible timetable with a vague, and long-lasting, residual force let's take a look instead at Iraqi politics. The picture isn't pretty. Despite the optimism of the neocons,...Wiggles to wow ’em on Palace stage
Since the group began in Sydney, Australia in 1991, The Wiggles have become "the world's most popular preschool band." With a popular TV show, millions upon millions of DVDs and CDs sold, and successful tours under their belt, the group has left a huge impression on the hearts and minds of kids across the world. On Tuesday, August...
Leaders reject Wygonik statement
August 1st, 20080 Representatives of the Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO) met in Dearborn July 25 at the request of the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) to address accusations that a local judge made disparaging remarks about Arab Americans. Judge Richard Wygonik of 19th District Court allegedly made the comments...Sahara Festival offered something for everyone
LIVONIA Another of a series of local Arab American summer festivals attracted hundreds last weekend at the Basilica of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Livonia. The first annual "Sahara Fest" featured live Arab and American musical performances, a carnival, a video arcade tent, vendors of authentic imported goods and fresh Middle...Ellison addresses Muslim females
WASHINGTON Female Muslim attorneys, leaders and students from all over the world and the United States descended on Washington, D.C. last week for an intensive summer program on law and leadership. Rep. Keith Ellison spoke with the group near the end of the program, imparting words of wisdom and sharing his own experiences....Yale University hosts first session between prominent Muslims, Christians
Quest for understanding, commonality Top-tier religious leaders in the Muslim world are emerging as major proponents of dialogue with Christians and other world faiths. With two distinct initiatives this month, they are breaking new ground and sending signals to Muslims and others globally that interreligious understanding and joint...
AAPAC endorses local candidates
July 26th, 20080 DEARBORN The Arab American Political Action Committee voted on Tuesday to make endorsements for the upcoming August 5 primary elections. The group's endorsement committee held interviews on July 12 and 15 with candidates for various local offices who had submitted written requests for AAPAC's support. After the committee reported...
The wall at the end of history
July 26th, 20080 Beginning around 100 BC, the fabled Silk Road brought goods and travelers from China and Central Asia, through the lands of Persia and Mesopotamia, and over to Palmyra in Syria. One branch of the road then turned south, crossing through Bethany, the Biblical village on the outskirts of Jerusalem, as it headed west from Jerusalem to...
Candidate for treasurer touts change
July 26th, 20080 Wayne County Commissioner and candidate for county Treasurer Phil Cavanagh For the incumbent Wayne County Prosecutor, Sheriff, Clerk and Register of Deeds, there's little comptetion this election. But the primary race for county Treasurer is heated, as residents sweat over record numbers of property foreclosures and scary...Activists welcome Snoop show cancellation
After receiving pressure from Palestinian, Israeli and other activist groups, rap legend Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus) canceled his September show in Israel. He cited contractual differences, according to YNet News, as to why he will not extend his September "Ego Trippin" tour in Europe to Israel. Initially, the concert was...
LebFest promises good times for all
July 26th, 20080 BIRMINGHAM The second annual Lebfest will descend upon Birmingham, Michigan for a two-day celebration of Lebanese culture. Running from noon-10 p.m. on Friday, August 1 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, August 2, the festival is expecting big things with its impressive lineup of attractions. Both food and entertainment will be...Islam bullish in a bear market
The funny thing about faith-based mutual funds is, well, that there's anything called a faith-based mutual fund. For one thing, scripture is full of exhortations against accumulating wealth. The New Testament, especially, repeatedly reminds followers of Christ that earthly wealth means nothing in heaven. "It is easier for a camel to...
Obama opens local campaign office
July 26th, 20080 DETROIT Barack Obama's presidential campaign held its grand opening of their Michigan Headquarters on Wednesday at the offices of the The Detroit Federation of Teachers, 2875 West Grand Boulevard. Hundreds of supporters gathered to sign up as volunteers as elected officials expressed their support as campaign workers distributed...
Hamtramck activist running for state post
July 26th, 20080 Abdul Algazali A Yemeni American Hamtramck City Councilman, who has worked on several issues in that city making national headlines, is running for state congress. Abdul Algazali hopes to represent residents of Hamtramck, Highland Park and parts of Detroit, which make up the 5th district, in Michigan's state House of......
New Detroit receives grant to improve multicultural leadership
Southfield Comcast, as part of its ongoing community service and outreach efforts, has announced its donation of a New Detroit, Inc. grant in the amount of $15,000 from The Comcast Foundation. The grant supports the Multicultural Leadership Series, which highlights the histories, cultures and socioeconomic issues of communities of...Ford employees get help to complete their degrees
Southfield Lawrence Technological University is waiving fees and offering new payment schedules to Ford employees who no longer receive educational assistance from the company. This spring Ford Motor Company notified employees that it is suspending the tuition assistance program and the salaried dependent scholarship program ......
Rethinking Afghanistan
If elected, Senator Barack Obama has the possibility of reengaging a world which seeks an America not defined by Abu Ghraib or Guantαnamo but a familiar America that is defined by the democratic ideals to which we aspire. His election, allied with smart and humane policies, could help restore this country's global reputation and...Book looks at jihad and modernity
Noorani's book hits many of the commonly-made points. The extremism among some Muslims as a consequence of the creation of Israel and the ongoing depredations of Israel against the Palestinians. The primacy of the greater jihad over the lesser. The scriptural limitations on the lesser jihad (war), limitations which relate...Arab artist featured at Lebanese festival
Ottawa's St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church held its annual Lebanese festival from July 16 to 20, with food, drink, and music. Also present was Ibrahim Shalaby, displaying his art work. Shalaby brought his wife and five children to the festival. Originally from Amman, Jordan, he spent much of his life in Jerusalem...Hamdan case to test military tribunals
NEW YORK (IPS) As the long-awaited trial of Guantanamo detainee Salim Ahmed Hamdan opened this week at the U.S. naval base in Cuba, human rights groups filed suit demanding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) produce documents related to the U.S. government's ghost detention, torture and extraordinary rendition program.......
Arab and Chaldean festival celebrates 37th year
July 26th, 20080 DETROIT While rain on Saturday caused the attendance to drop a little bit, the spirit of the 2008 Arab and Chaldean Festival was not compromised at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit this past Saturday and Sunday. From food to the gallery of art and artifacts to concerts and other performances, crowds of many different nationalities...Obama in Iraq
Baghdad Government officials in Baghdad make two contradictory points about the state of Iraq. On one hand, they say the government is much stronger, having largely crushed the Sunni insurgents last year and severely weakened the Mahdi Army Shi'a militia in the past six months. They claim journalists like myself do not give them......
Bodies swap is uneasy triumph
BEIRUT (IPS) The image of 199 coffins covered with Lebanese, Palestinian and Hizbullah flags neatly aligned in a southern Beirut compound was broadcast last week on all national Lebanese TV stations. On Tuesday this week, 144 of these remains were transferred to Syria, their final place of rest. Such images have stirred varying...
Bush, U.S. military pressure Iraqis on withdrawal
July 26th, 20080 WASHINGTON (IPS) Instead of moving toward accommodating the demand of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a timetable for U.S. military withdrawal, the George W. Bush administration and the U.S. military leadership are continuing to pressure their erstwhile client regime to bow to the U.S. demand for a long-term military......
