Author Archives: Arab America

Anyone interested in Lebanon’s art scene knows Shafik Abboud. What they may not know is that the Lebanese modernist once wrote a children’s book. “La Souris” (The Mouse), was the artist’s take on the local folktales that he claimed were the inspiration behind much of his artistic output. Abboud, whose grandmother was the village hakawati, … Continued

Egyptian actor and film-maker Amr Waked, equally at home in Cairo and Hollywood, says the time is ripe for a host of other Arab stars to make it big abroad. Waked, an established celebrity in Egypt, has also appeared in a string of global hits alongside George Clooney in Syriana, Kristin Scott Thomas in Salmon … Continued

Throughout my career at the World Bank, and at the UN, I have come across many war zones but none compare to this. Last week, I visited the Palestinian territories. I wanted to hear firsthand from the people of Gaza and understand the scope and magnitude of the recent conflict. I am now back from … Continued

The American Federation of Ramallah Palestine is Seeking: Motivated individuals with a desire to lead and have an impact Individuals with sense of purpose (personal vision / goals) Individuals with a confidence that they can make a difference (not arrogance) Assertive Individuals who have the willingness to assert themselves to compete Psychologically fit individuals who … Continued

The Outstanding High School Senior Awards program is a technology scholarship program designed to recognize outstanding high school seniors in good standing in the AFRP Family for their contributions to their schools and local communities. Outstanding High School Seniors will be named based on community service activities, leadership skills and an essay describing the importance … Continued

The American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), a coalition of major national Islamic organizations, today applauded President Obama’s Monday address to the Turkish parliament. A statement issued today at a press briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., read in part: “We applaud President Obama’s remarks and hope that they … Continued

Social justice, immigrant rights, and liberties for all women are what America fights for. Yet, the U.S. government is currently putting a Palestinian American woman and long-time social activist and advocate, Rasmea Odeh, on trial for procuring her citizenship unlawfully by allegedly omitting an answer on her citizenship application 10 years ago. Fittingly, the contentious … Continued

A 70-year-old American man who came to the United Arab Emirates to speak at a conference on creative thinking was arrested last month for taking a photograph of a subject deemed off-limits by authorities, his daughter and a friend said Monday. Robert Alan Black is the latest foreigner to be arrested for breaching rules limiting … Continued

The traditional Arabic greeting of “ahlan wa sahlan” communicates much more than a simple welcome. “Ahlan” at a literal level means family, and “Sahlan” describes a piece of land full of fruits to be shared. When combining the ideas of family and generosity, a community comes to life, resembling the environment that the Arab Student … Continued

With a Cairene music scene that has matured over the past decade, independent music enthusiasts started turning their heads towards other independent music markets to explore. Among several Arab bands, whose popularity has been on the rise over the previous couple of years, is the Jordanian band, Jadal. Now, it’s one thing to listen to … Continued

“My parents believed in the promise of a democracy that transcends ethnicity. I still retain that dream, but it is tested every time I go home. I am a citizen of Israel, married to an American Jew, yet I am not welcome in Israel. For I am Palestinian,” is what Rula Jebreal wrote in a … Continued

This year’s edition of Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras will see models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio sporting mirror-image sapphire, ruby and diamond bra sets designed by Lebanese jewelers Mouawad and worth $2 million apiece, People magazine reported over the weekend. “Words can’t describe how excited I was when I received a call from Victoria’s Secret … Continued