Author Archives: Arab America

In the battle against religious extremism, there seems to be no unified front among Muslim voices of authority as to what the PR strategy is and how best to execute it. Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam — one of the world’s most widely respected authorities on Islam — has made strong statements condemning the group … Continued

Tunisia, that tiny North African nation, is the cradle of an infinite spectrum of unconventional and spectacular musical projects, each one passionately carving its own path, creating a vividly colourful musical canvas in the country. Comprehending the prosperity of Tunisian music nowadays cannot be done unless we dig deep into its history and understand the … Continued

George W. Bush, former president of the United States, gave a speech six days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks where he spoke against harassment of Arabs and Muslims in the US, and about the need for his fellow-Americans to respect Islam. He even quoted from the Qur’an when he referred to the fate that awaited … Continued

As Muslims get ready for a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, some are concerned they could get attacked by extremists like a group from Dearborn did last year. Muslim groups in Michigan and across the U.S. are asking the State Department to ensure that Muslim-American pilgrims are protected in Saudi Arabia while on the pilgrimage, … Continued

“We would love you to come on PalFest 2014. What do you think?” That was the e-mail I got from Ahdaf Soueif, writer and Founding Chair of Palestine Festival of Literature. Another e-mail from Omar Robert Hamilton, producer of Palfest, suggested staying on after the festival to teach a four-day workshop on cultural journalism, organised … Continued

We have every reason to be concerned with the fate of the Christian communities of the Arab World. From Egypt to Iraq, these ancient churches have not only survived through centuries of hardship, foreign invasions, and domestic repression, they have also played an important role contributing to Arab culture and Islamic civilization. Given the unsettling … Continued

For the first time in the history of Toastmasters International, an Arab national was elected as its president at its annual convention held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was also the first time that the annual convention was held outside the United States.Emirati national Muhammad Murad, a former police officer, is excited to head Toastmasters … Continued

Arab League chief Nabil Al-Arabi on Sunday called for a military and political confrontation with Islamic State jihadists and other militants he said threatened the existence of Arab states. “What is needed is a clear decision for a comprehensive confrontation, militarily and politically,” Arabi said at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers, a day after … Continued

When Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was preparing the cover shoot for her very first issue back in 1988, she chose an Israeli model — Michaela Bercu — to grace the front of the glossy magazine. This summer, as Wintour prepared for the relaunch of the magazine’s website, she chose a Palestinian-American model — Gigi Hadid … Continued

Award-winning photography course now open to middle school students across metro Detroit Annual student exhibition runs Sept. 13-Nov. 2 @ AANM Dearborn, MI (August 28, 2014) – How do today’s young people view their families, friends and their neighborhoods? How can a camera help kids learn a new skill and see the community around them … Continued

THE State Department estimates that up to 100 American jihadists are fighting in Iraq and Syria. A video appearing to show a second American journalist being beheaded by the Islamic State is circulating. You might think this would be a difficult time to hold the annual conference of America’s largest Muslim organisation. Yet the Islamic … Continued

Arab American Association of New York director Linda Sarsour says she was walking with a colleague in Bay Ridge on Wednesday when a man approached them, began hurling Islamophobic epithets, and threatened to behead her. The man, identified as Brian Boshell, 45, also allegedly threw a metal trash can at the two women. Sarsour, a … Continued