America.gov-World Regions: Middle East and North Africa

Rice Condemns Terrorist Group Hezbollah’s Attacks in Lebanon

Author Name — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:11:53 GMT

The United States continues to offer full support to the legitimate Lebanese government and condemns the armed attack by Hezbollah and its allies, says Secretary of State Rice. "We condemn the use of force by illegitimate armed groups and call upon all parties to respect the rule of law," she says.

U.S. Backs Peaceful Solutions, Democratic Leaders in Middle East

Author Name — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:57:57 GMT

U.S. policy for the Middle East is predicated on support for peaceful solutions and a strengthening of democratic leaders against extremists who use violence, repress fundamental freedoms and seek to undermine U.S. and allied interests, a State Department official tells Congress.

Bush Prepares for a Six-Day Middle East Visit

Author Name — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:16:37 GMT

President Bush will use his six-day trip to the Middle East to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and to meet separately with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

Improvements in Palestinians’ Lives Would Aid Mideast Diplomacy

Author Name — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:50:38 GMT

A Middle East peace settlement by January 2009 remains possible, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, if negotiators redouble their efforts to translate diplomatic progress into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Palestinians. Rice concluded visits to London, Israel and the West Bank to evaluate the progress of the peace talks.

Rice Urges Arab States to Do More to Help Palestinians

Author Name — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:13:37 GMT

As Mideast peace talks continue, nations must join the United States in efforts to improve the daily lives of Palestinians and help them to build a future state, says Secretary of State Rice. Countries with resources and an interest in the establishment of a Palestinian state need to provide those resources now, she says.

Democracy Possible for Iran, Says Dissident Iranian Journalist

Author Name — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:13:54 GMT

Democracy can take root in Iran, but it won’t grow American style, says Arash Sigarchi, an Iranian journalist who was imprisoned for his outspokenness. In a recent interview with America.gov, he says democracy can flourish among the Iranian people with the help of increased education and public awareness.

Palestine Investment Conference Set for May 21-23

Author Name — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:42:22 GMT

The Palestinian Authority is convening the Palestine Investment Conference May 21-23, in an effort to improve economic and social conditions in the territories, which is a critical component of the broader Middle East peace process. The conference is intended to help increase investment in the Palestinian economy.

Rice Plans Full Agenda During Middle East Trip

Author Name — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:05:48 GMT

In a five-day trip to Britain and the Middle East, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice aims to shore up Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and discuss financial aid for the Palestinian Authority with allies. Rice will travel to Britain, Israel and the West Bank from May 1-5, the State Department says.

Syria Did Not Disclose Building Nuclear Reactor

Author Name — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:48:33 GMT

Syria did not tell the International Atomic Energy Agency it was building a nuclear reactor in a remote area of eastern Syria with help from North Korean nuclear scientists and engineers, and after the reactor was destroyed in September 2007, made every effort to bury the evidence, White House press secretary Dana Perino says.

Arab Americans Present “Spirit of Humanity” Awards

Author Name — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:05:27 GMT

Hundreds of Americans, many of Arab origin, attend the Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards ceremony. The awards, created to celebrate the life of Arab-American writer Gibran Kahlil Gibran, recognize individuals and groups whose work "promotes inclusion, cultural understanding and cooperation across ethnic, racial and religious lines."

Palestinian State Remains Leading U.S. Priority, Says Bush

Author Name — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:18:33 GMT

Tough negotiations remain ahead for Palestinians and Israelis working for peace, but President Bush remains confident they still can set the stage for a two-state solution by January 2009. “The Palestinian state is a high priority for me and my administration,” Bush says in welcoming Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the White House.

Poetry of Rumi a Unifying Force of Civilizations

Author Name — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:26:50 GMT

The 13-century Persian poet, philosopher and mystic known as Rumi is one of the most widely read poets in the United States. In an interview with SPAN, surgeon and translator Dr. Nevit Ergin says Rumi's popularity may be due to American “spiritual hunger” and the inadequacy of material comforts alone in the pursuit of happiness.

Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovative Solutions

Author Name — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:41:01 GMT

What would you do if you were offered $1 million to build a robot vehicle that could drive at speed, park, avoid pedestrians and cars driven by professional racers, and obey traffic laws? A Virginia Tech student jumped at the chance to team with professional engineers outfitting a car with electronics and computers to do just that.

Sada Cumber Discusses New Role as U.S. Special Envoy to OIC

Author Name — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:09:27 GMT

Sada Cumber, U.S. special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, authors an op-ed for the pan-Arab newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat on the United States, Islam and the future of the American and Muslim communities. Cumber, an American Muslim investor and entrepreneur based in Texas, was appointed by President Bush in February.

Meetings Signal Iraq's Regional Reintegration, Rice Says

Author Name — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:12:44 GMT

The expanded Iraq neighbors meeting has emerged as a forum for the international community to address political, economic and security challenges facing Iraq and the region. Secretary Rice says that the United States remains committed to fostering a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbors.

U.S. Adopters of Foreign Orphans Undergo Tough Scrutiny

Author Name — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:53:56 GMT

The United States adopts more children from abroad than all other countries combined. This is because of a culture of adoption in America, where a child does not have to be genetically linked to its parents to be loved, experts say. Strong institutional safeguards protecting children’s rights and well-being also play a role.

U.S., Allies Want Iran to Abandon Nuclear Weapons Research

Author Name — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:59:28 GMT

From its location at the crossroads of the Middle East and South Asia, Iran could threaten three continents and eventually the United States in the next decade if it had nuclear weapons. However, its greatest threat is to moderate states within the region. The U.S. goal is to convince Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions forever.

U.S. Marks Anniversary of 1983 Beirut Embassy Bombing

Author Name — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:24:06 GMT

President Bush marks the 25th anniversary of the 1983 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, by calling on nations to condemn terrorism. "All nations should condemn such brutal attacks and recognize that the purposeful targeting of civilians is immoral and unjustifiable," the president says.

Bush, Great Britain’s Brown Call for New Iran Sanctions

Author Name — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:24:18 GMT

New international sanctions are needed to convince Iran to suspend its controversial nuclear program, join international talks and benefit from a standing offer of support for a civil nuclear program, say President Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at a joint press conference in Washington.

High Food Prices, Urban Migration Make It Hard to Help the Poor

Author Name — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:53:39 GMT

The dynamics of development and humanitarian assistance are changing, according to Henrietta Fore, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. At a major international food aid conference, Fore and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer discuss new challenges posed by high food prices for donors and recipients.

Iraq Needs More Support from Neighbors, Rice Says

Author Name — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:59:12 GMT

Iraq's fellow Arab states must fulfill their promises to increase their engagement -- diplomatic, economic, social and cultural -- with Iraq's government and people, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says on the eve of her departure for an Iraq neighbors’ conference in Kuwait.

Food Crisis Has Long-Term Global Challenges, Rice Says

Author Name — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:03 GMT

President Bush is seeking an additional $350 million from Congress to provide immediate emergency food assistance, but the current food crisis has long-term global challenges, says Secretary Condoleezza Rice. "We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge," she says.

Support for Displaced Iraqis Urged by U.S. Official

Author Name — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:03:39 GMT

Iraqi families displaced by conflict need more help, says a U.S. diplomat recently returned from the Middle East and Europe, where he urged nations to join the United States in lending continued support. “This is a shared responsibility and the stakes are high,” says James Foley, State Department coordinator for Iraqi refugee issues.

U.N. Calls for New Food Donations, Predicts Long-term Success

Author Name — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:49:55 GMT

U.N. World Food Programme Director Josette Sheeran asks donor countries to increase aid for the world’s hungry. At the same time, she says at the 10th annual International Food Aid Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, that her organization is making progress in building long-term solutions by helping farmers in developing countries.

U.S. Committed to Building New Security Partnerships

Author Name — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:22:02 GMT

America’s diplomats and military personnel are coming together in new ways to help friends and allies better safeguard their countries, improve area livelihoods and build regional security. Civilian and military experts are "building partner capacity" in many areas, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

Bush Orders $200 Million for Emergency Food Relief

Author Name — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:43:45 GMT

Responding aggressively to a worsening global food crisis, President Bush orders some $200 million in emergency U.S. food assistance to address the impact of rising commodity prices on U.S. emergency food aid programs, meet unanticipated food aid needs in Africa and elsewhere, and help relieve political instability in some regions.

Rising Global Food Prices Likely to Continue, Say Experts

Author Name — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:15 GMT

Sharply rising costs for food staples and fuel are leading to deadly clashes in impoverished countries and likely will continue for some time, international experts say. Rising prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production, low food stocks, drought and higher energy and transportation costs.

Surge Puts Iraq Back on Track, Says Bush

Author Name — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:26:35 GMT

Improving security conditions in Iraq reflect a “major strategic shift,” says President Bush, which is setting the stage for Iraqis to continue making political and economic progress and the United States to transition toward a supporting role. “Our job in the period ahead is to stand with the Iraqi government,” Bush says.

Assessment Needed Before Reducing Iraq Troops, U.S. Officials Say

Author Name — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:21:15 GMT

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, military commander of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, emphasize in a press briefing that there are significant political and security components to be evaluated before deciding how rapidly and how many forces can be withdrawn from Iraq.

Bush Administration Seeks $37 Billion To Bolster Diplomacy

Author Name — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:11:52 GMT

President Bush is seeking more than $37 billion from Congress in fiscal year 2009 spending to strengthen U.S. diplomacy by helping countries build democracy, recover from conflicts and improve lives and livelihoods by confronting disease and poverty. Speaking before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Secretary Rice outlines key priorities.

Recent Developments Signal Progress in Iraq, Envoy Crocker Says

Author Name — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:52:34 GMT

There has been progress in Iraq over the past seven months, though immense challenges remain and gains have been uneven and frustratingly slow, says U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker. "Sustaining that progress will require continuing U.S. resolve and commitment. What has been achieved is substantial, but it is also reversible," he says.

Iranian-American Researcher Explores Technology Frontiers in U.S.

Author Name — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:51:16 GMT

Computer displays that fit into contact lenses, machines that assemble themselves, tools that let a doctor see precisely which of your cells has cancer, and nanodevices that monitor your health and dispense medicines are just some of the projects that Iranian-American scientist Babak Parviz and his research team are pursuing.

U.N. Peacekeeping Vital to International Security

Author Name — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:29:06 GMT

U.N. peacekeeping operations serve as crucial tools in addressing a wide array of threats to international peace and security, especially where direct military involvement by the United States is not necessary or appropriate, a senior U.S. diplomat says at a congressional hearing on U.S. support and funding for such operations.

Program Improves Living Standards for Disabled Palestinians

Author Name — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:55:46 GMT

Disabled children from across the West Bank are benefiting from a USAID-funded outreach program for isolated Palestinians with mobility problems and children with special needs. The program supports clinical services in Jenin and allows therapists to travel to remote villages to treat patients.

New Agreement May Improve Palestinian Livelihoods, Says Rice

Author Name — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:30:57 GMT

A new Israeli-Palestinian agreement easing border restrictions for Palestinians in the West Bank will improve the livelihoods of area residents and may help negotiators make further progress toward Mideast peace, according to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

University of Georgia Partners with Tunisia on e-Learning Project

Author Name — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:42:04 GMT

A Tunisian engineering professor at the University of Georgia establishes an award-winning UGA-Tunisian Educational Partnership to help her native country achieve national educational goals and to support online course development through the Virtual University of Tunis.

Bahrain, United States to Cooperate on Nuclear Energy

Author Name — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:54:47 GMT

The United States and Bahrain will cooperate in a civil nuclear energy program that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet future energy needs and prevent the spread of nuclear technology that could be used in making weapons. The new pact is discussed by President Bush and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa at the White House.

Kennedy Center to Showcase Artistic Traditions of Arab World

Author Name — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:32:11 GMT

“The best way to learn about other people,” says Michael Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, “is through their culture.” Kaiser has spent the past four years shaping a three-week festival on the arts and culture of the Arab world. The festival will take place at Washington’s Kennedy Center early in 2009.

Egyptian-American Exchange Is Theme of TV Reality Show

Author Name — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:47:30 GMT

After an exchange of visits arranged for a pioneering television program, the participants -- two Americans and two Egyptians -- sharply revised their views of each other’s culture. During the reciprocal two-week visits in the United States and Egypt, camera crews followed the four as they immersed themselves in the other country’s culture.

Bush Calls Success in Iraq a Strategic Victory Against Terror

Author Name — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:07:41 GMT

Five years ago the United States led an international coalition into Iraq to topple a brutal dictator and free 27 million people. Many challenges remain in building a new democracy, but the United States will stand with the Iraqi people because Iraq’s success will be a strategic victory against extremists, says President Bush.

U.S. Will Take Relations with Muslim World to “Next Level”

Author Name — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:55:19 GMT

America.gov interviews Sada Cumber, newly named U.S. special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

American Doctor Teams with Marines to Save Iraqi Girl

Author Name — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:09:24 GMT

U.S. Marines on a routine patrol in Haditha, Iraq, were looking for signs of enemy activity when they found something entirely different: a 2-year-old Iraqi girl with a serious and potentially fatal heart defect. Their compassionate actions helped save her life.

Provincial Reconstruction Teams Reconnecting Afghanistan

Author Name — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:31:17 GMT

Security operations may dominate the news from Afghanistan, but behind the headlines are the diplomats, soldiers and civilian experts of the provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) who are helping the people of Afghanistan make unmistakable progress rebuilding the country after decades of violence and oppressive rule.

Kosovo Independence Significant in Muslim World, Envoy Says

Author Name — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:28:35 GMT

Kosovo may be Europe’s newest nation, but its significance extends well beyond the region. “To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation, one with the other,” says a U.S. diplomat.

What Kosovo Means for the Muslim World

Author Name — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:21:37 GMT

“To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation,” says U.S. Special Envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner in an America.gov interview.

Bush Reaffirms U.S. Support for Afghanistan, Iraq

Author Name — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:02:54 GMT

The United States remains committed to helping the people of Afghanistan and Iraq confront the forces of extremism and build effective democracies. “The effect of a free Iraq and a free Afghanistan will reach beyond the borders of those two countries,” President Bush says.

Bangladeshi American Is First Muslim Chaplain in Marine Corps

Author Name — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:50:52 GMT

A man who once was a student in the United States from Bangladesh is the first Muslim chaplain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Abuhena Saifulislam represents America as Muslim military chaplain abroad and at home, helping U.S. service people understand Islam and counseling individuals, most of whom are not Muslim.

From an Iranian Childhood of More Work than Play, a Tycoon Rises

Author Name — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:36:36 GMT

Were you to talk to Isaac Larian about his childhood in Iran, he would not wax nostalgic over childhood games or playthings. In fact, he would tell you that, when his friends and cousins played or went on vacation, he did “constant, hard work” helping his father run a retail textile business. Today, Larian is president and chief executive of the largest privately held toy company in the world, MGA Entertainment, based in Van Nuys, California -- and he has been named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by a leading accounting firm.