The Arab American News
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Our endorsements for the primary
Primary election day is Tuesday, August 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. It's summer and many people are away. But important local races are taking place. They will decide who is to be on the ballot in November when the general elections, including for president of the country, will happen. We urge everyone to...U.S. foreign policy morass outlined
This is an updated version of Guyatt's original product, with a new post-9/11 final chapter. In a word, the book is brilliant. It is an in-depth analysis of U.S. foreign policy since 1945, addressing such matters as its love affair with exporting neo-conservative economics to Third World countries and the former Soviet...Protesters want Khadr brought home
Demonstrations took place recently in major cities across Canada to demand Omar Khadr's return. On July 25 and 26, there were gatherings in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and on July 29 in Vancouver. Gina Hill, past president of Amnesty International Canada, addressed the Ottawa demonstration near the U.S. embassy and called...Israel attacks charities, orphanages
If you still think there are red lines that Israel has not crossed with regard to its treatment of Palestinians, don't be too sure. In recent days and weeks, the Israeli army has been vandalizing, ransacking and confiscating Palestinian civilian institutions in the West Bank's largest towns and cities, including Ramallah, the seat of...
In Israel, Obama looks to votes back home
August 1st, 20080 JERUSALEM (IPS) Lighting a remembrance flame at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Speaking against the backdrop of a pile of empty rocket casings in the southern town of Sderot. Standing solemnly, face close to the stones of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. These are the images that Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama...Top ten intellectuals all Muslim
Two prestigious Western magazines Foreign Policy in the United States and Prospect in Britain asked their readers to choose which among the world's 100 public intellectuals deserved the top honours. Over 500,000 people cast their votes via the internet. The results published this July were surprising. The first ten names on the...Iran in spotlight at Christian Zionist confab
WASHINGTON (IPS) The controversial Christian Zionist pastor John Hagee and thousands of supporters filled a convention center in downtown Washington this week for his Christians United for Israel (CUFI) organization's Washington-Israel Summit, where the "Iranian threat" was a recurrent theme. CUFI is a proponent of Christian...Despair driving attacks in Jerusalem
In one of the most beautiful songs in the Bible, the poet vows: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, / Let my right hand forget her cunning. / If I do not remember thee, / Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; / If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy!" (Psalms 137:5) For some reason, the poet did not write: "If I forget...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......