Author Archives: Arab America

Thousands gathered Friday for a third day of violent demonstrations in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, in an unprecedented challenge to the mercurial 41-year reign of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Human rights groups said 24 people had been killed across the North African country, though activists say the count may be far higher. The escalating unrest bears … Continued

When Mahtab Ahmad began leading her class on the Quran six years ago, her only student was a friend’s daughter. Today, she teaches about 10 children each weekday at the newly established Brentwood Muslim Community Center. “We are forming a new community here,” she said. “We come from different countries, with different languages and food, … Continued

Paintings acquired by shadowy anonymous buyers paying record prices now hang in the light of day in Qatar in the world’s first museum devoted to modern Arab art. The masterpieces are displayed among other treasures making a collection of almost 6,500 pieces in Mathaf (museum in Arabic), which has gathered works of Arab modern art … Continued

Running for public office is not something that women are encouraged to do in male-dominated Arab Muslim culture. But five of the seven Arab Muslim candidates running for local office in Chicago’s Southwest suburbs are women. The Southwest suburbs, which include towns such as Orland Park, Burbank and Bridgeview, are home to large pockets of … Continued

New anti-government protests are springing up in the Middle East in the wake the massive protests and leadership change in Egypt. And that presents both opportunities and obstacles for U.S. foreign policy in the region. One country, one people’s demand for change. The U.S. government initially reacted with caution to the Egyptian protests — until … Continued

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Al-Jazeera was one of the only TV networks paying attention when the Egyptians began rising up against now-ousted President Hosni Mubarak in January. As unrest spreads to other countries in the region, the network and its English-language offspring Al-Jazeera English is again an essential resource. However, most Americans don’t have easy access to Al-Jazeera English, … Continued

The celebrations continued Saturday among Arab-Americans in Metro Detroit. Dozens gathered in Dearborn in front of City Hall to celebrate the toppled 30-year autocratic regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after protests erupted in the country nearly three weeks ago. A group of men held a large vinyl banner that read “Let Freedom Ring” while … Continued

After Tunisia and Egypt, it is time to celebrate. For decades, the Arabs have been on a course of misguided politics. It is high time to allow talent to lead, privilege to spread and freedom to shine. Millions of young people dream of a better future. Citizens are no longer scared to think, to ask … Continued

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As protesters in Tahrir Square faced off against pro-government forces, they drew a lesson from their counterparts in Tunisia: “Advice to the youth of Egypt: Put vinegar or onion under your scarf for tear gas.” The exchange on Facebook was part of a remarkable two-year collaboration that has given birth to a new force in … Continued

As reported by CBS News, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has stepped down following many days of street protests. Following Friday’s announcement, many Metro Detroiters with family in Eqypt were reacting to the news. Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, civil rights lawyer Shereef Akeel, who has family in Egypt, said he hopes what happened there … Continued