America.gov-Middle East and North Africa

Secretary Clinton on Attacks Against Iraqi Shi’a Pilgrims

Amor Safi — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:25:07 -0500

The State Department releases a statement by Secretary Clinton on the bomb attacks against Shi’a pilgrims in Iraq.

Egyptian-American Businessman Promotes Peace and Understanding

M. Scott Bortot — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:23:17 -0500

California entrepreneur Kais Menoufy uses his knack for business to bring the cause of Middle East peace directly to his community. Menoufy sees it as his duty to help those less fortunate in his community and to promote exchanges of culture and ideas between the United States and the Muslim world.

Statement on Contribution to U.N. Agency for Palestine Refugees

Amor Safi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:44:51 -0500

The State Department releases a media note on the U.S. contribution of $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.

Podcasts on the Middle East and North Africa

Carla Higgins — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:35:38 -0500

Obama’s speech in Cairo June 4, 2009, has had widespread impact in the Middle East. America.gov podcasts provide brief news programs about specific topics from his speech.

Clinton and Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Khalifa After Meeting

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:36:28 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa make remarks after their meeting.

Iran Urged to Inform U.N. Agency of Position on Nuclear Deal

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:40:15 -0500

If Iran has agreed to enrich its uranium supplies through a foreign country for use in its medical research reactor, it needs to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency, the State Department says. The United States also wants to resolve the fate of its citizens in Iranian custody.

Sudan Tops Foreign Policy Concerns in Obama YouTube Appearance

Jeffrey Thomas — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:25:03 -0500

President Obama takes part in the first presidential YouTube interview February 1, responding to the questions that received the most votes among 11,000 submitted to the popular video Web site. Sudan topped the foreign policy questions, followed by al-Qaida, Afghanistan and Guantánamo.

Statement on President Obama’s Call with King Abdullah of Jordan

Janelle Simmons — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:54:02 -0500

The White House releases a statement on President Obama’s call with King Abdullah of Jordan.

Statement on Biden’s Meeting with Iraqi Vice President al-Hashimi

Amor Safi — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:10:39 -0500

The White House releases a statement on Vice President Biden’s meeting with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi on Iraqi elections, refugees, and political and economic developments.

2010 Census Spurs Muslim-American Community Groups to Action

M. Scott Bortot — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:36:49 -0500

Muslim Americans from around the United States are volunteering to educate their communities about the importance of the 2010 census by partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau. They are informing other Muslims about how participating in the census benefits them and their country.

United States Condemns Unjust Executions of Iranian Dissenters

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:20:33 -0500

The Obama administration says Iran’s execution of two citizens who were accused of being involved in protests after the 2009 presidential elections is “unjust” and marks a “low point” in the government crackdown against its people’s peaceful exercise of rights to free speech and free assembly.

The Struggle for Internet Freedom

Jeff Baron — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:18:59 -0500

Residents of Iran and the Arab world are connecting to the Internet in greater and greater numbers, but it is far from the uncensored source of information advocated in a recent speech by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

A Look Through the Lens at the Real Iran

Jeff Baron — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:35:45 -0500

If one movie can provide a view into a life, an Iranian movie festival should provide a view of life in Iran, says Carter Long, organizer of the annual Boston Festival of Films from Iran. Museum film programmers Tom Vick and Marian Luntz also look at the cross-cultural resonance of Iranian stories.

Unity, Stability Are Urgent Priorities for Yemen

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:14:51 -0500

Bringing unity and stability to Yemen is an urgent priority for the United States and the nations in the Middle East region, but ending corruption, internal conflict and strife and improving the rights of women in Yemen are also crucial, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton, Miliband and Al-Qirbi on International Support for Yemen

Amor Safi — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:38:40 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Abdullah al-Qirbi make remarks on the international community’s support for Yemen’s sovereignty and independence.

Iranian Americans Respond to Earthquake in Haiti

Jeff Baron — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:44:41 -0500

Memories of the 2003 Bam, Iran, earthquake and pictures from Port-au-Prince have prompted an outpouring of support for Haiti from Iranian Americans. But one doctor who responded in Bam says the challenge in Haiti is greater.

Ambassador Wolff’s Remarks at Security Council Debate on Mideast

Amor Safi — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:56:54 -0500

Ambassador Alejandro Wolff, U.S. deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, makes remarks at an open U.N. Security Council debate on the Middle East.

Statement on Special Envoy George Mitchell’s Meetings

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:37:03 -0500

Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell completed a series of meetings in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Egypt, State Department acting deputy spokesman Mark Toner announced January 26.

Secretary Clinton on Multiple Bombings in Baghdad

Amor Safi — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:44:26 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemns the multiple bombings in Baghdad, Iraq, that took the lives of many innocent Iraqis.

Clinton to Attend Yemen Security Conference in London

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:21:41 -0500

Supporting Yemen as it faces security challenges from al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is a significant part of the U.S. strategy with leaders of that nation, but there are also efforts to help with economic, governance and social issues, the State Department’s top counterterrorism official says.

Muslim-American Aid Groups Continue Haitian Disaster Relief

M. Scott Bortot — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:34:43 -0500

By partnering with local Haitian and international organizations, Islamic Relief USA and the Zakat Foundation continue to provide assistance to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. As the scale of humanitarian relief needs becomes clearer, both Muslim-American groups see long-term commitments to Haiti.

U.S. Extends Condolences for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Crash

Charles W. Corey — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:24:15 -0500

On behalf of the American people, the United States extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409, assistant secretary of state for public affairs Philip J. Crowley announced January 25.

Muslim-American Doctors Volunteer for Haiti Disaster

M. Scott Bortot — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:04:39 -0500

Muslim-American doctors are answering the call to serve as volunteers in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The Islamic Medical Association of North America is partnering with relief organizations to ensure they have the support they need once they arrive.

Muslim-American Doctors Treat Haitian Earthquake Victims

M. Scott Bortot — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:21:33 -0500

Doctors from the Islamic Medical Association of North America are enthusiastically volunteering to treat Haitians in the earthquake-stricken country. Their medical expertise, dedication and compassion are making a positive impact in and around the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince.

White House on Vice President Biden’s Trip to Iraq

Amor Safi — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:40:25 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the arrival of Vice President Joe Biden in Iraq. Biden is expected to meet with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad and visit with U.S. troops.

Remarks by Clinton with Yemeni Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:37:58 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Yemeni Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi make remarks after their meeting in Washington.

Haitian-American Muslim Collects Relief Supplies for Haiti

M. Scott Bortot — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:45:39 -0500

A member of the Haitian American Muslim community, Abu Bakr Xavier is doing his part to help earthquake victims in the land where his parents were born. In Xavier’s view, now is a time for people from all faiths to unite to help those in need in Haiti.

Yemen-based Group’s Designation as Foreign Terrorist Organization

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:29:11 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on the designations of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and senior leaders on the foreign terrorist organization list.

Ambassador Rice on Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula Sanctions

Amor Safi — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:04:11 -0500

Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, comments on the U.N. announcement of three new al-Qaeda designations linked to Yemen, which includes the group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

American Christians, Jews, Muslims Join to Promote Peace

Carrie Loewenthal Massey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:01:40 -0500

The National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (NILI) works to foster a fair, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Statement on Egyptian Arrests

Janelle Simmons — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:58:45 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on the arrest of individuals traveling to the Egyptian town of Naga Hammadi to express their support for those killed and injured during Coptic Christmas celebrations on January 7.

Muslim Americans Strive to Help Earthquake-Ravaged Haiti

M. Scott Bortot — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:02:54 -0500

Muslim Americans work to alleviate suffering in the face of the Haitian tragedy. Their grass-roots efforts are raising earthquake relief funds to support and partner with U.S. churches and nongovernmental organizations to bring aid to Haiti.

White House on Travel of General Jones in Middle East

Amor Safi — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:09 -0500

The White House releases a statement by National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer on the travel of National Security Advisor Jim Jones in the Middle East.

U.S. Works to Enhance Mideast-North Africa Vocational Education

Steve Holgate — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:11:06 -0500

As the Middle East and North Africa region faces a future where jobs may be scarcer for its booming youth population, the United States is working with local governments and organizations to prepare students for economic opportunities through vocational education and training.

State Department Invites Filmmakers, Producers to United States

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:22:23 -0500

The State Department releases an announcement on filmmakers and producers from sixteen nations and the Palestinian Territories taking part in a three-week exchange program entitled “Film in the U.S.” January 11–30.

United States, Allies Exploring Further Sanctions Against Iran

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:01:32 -0500

The United States believes that the most effective way to convince Iran to abandon nuclear weapons efforts is to impose highly targeted sanctions against the Iranian leadership’s political and commercial base, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton tells reporters.

Statement on the Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:43:55 -0500

Assistant Secretary of State Philip J. Crowley releases a statement on the persecution of religious minorities in Iran.

U.S. Partners to Address Water Scarcity in the Middle East

Carrie Loewenthal Massey — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:20:58 -0500

America’s partnerships on water-related issues exemplify the type of relief to which the new global fund, announced at COP-15, can contribute. The United States intends to partner with other developed countries to raise $100 billion a year to help developing countries address climate-change needs.

Remarks by Sec. Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:17:25 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit make remarks before their meeting in Washington.

Increased Efforts for Mideast Peace in 2010, Clinton Says

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:46:29 -0500

The world is hungry for the resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says, and 2010 will show increased commitment and effort by the Obama administration to achieve the goal of a negotiated two-state solution.

Federal Court Dismisses Indictment against Blackwater Contractors

Amor Safi — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:40:40 -0500

The State Department releases a statement by Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Philip Crowley on the Federal District Court dismissal of the indictment against Blackwater contractors deemed responsible for the September 16, 2007, shootings at Nisour Square in Baghdad.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton and Jordanian Foreign Minister Judeh

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:37:07 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh makes remarks after their meeting.

Intelligence Not Fully Analyzed Before Airline Attack, Obama Says

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:53:35 -0500

President Obama says the United States remains determined to defeat the al-Qaida terrorist network in the wake of an attempt to bomb a U.S.-bound flight. The State Department says that, despite increased security, the United States is not closing its doors to international visitors.

Allies Want Nuclear Talks with Iran to Stay Open

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:59:00 -0500

The United States and its allies are trying to keep talks with Iranian officials over its nuclear development program open and moving forward, but additional pressure and sanctions may be appropriate, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Embassy in Yemen Temporarily Closed Due to Security Conditions

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:20:43 -0500

The United States Embassy in Yemen is closed due to security threats to the facility. Secretary Clinton says instability in the country has global effects in the wake of an attempt by a Nigerian man trained in Yemen to bomb a U.S.-bound airliner on December 25, 2009.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Qatar Prime Minister Al-Thani

Terry Somerville — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:14:42 -0500

Remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani after their meeting in Washington.

President Obama’s Weekly Address

Terry Somerville — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:05:39 -0500

In his weekly address, President Obama outlines steps taken to protect the safety and security of the American people.

USDA and Iraqi Farmers Team to Improve Agriculture

Carrie Loewenthal Massey — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:13:41 -0500

Fellowship programs that connect American universities and professionals to scientists and agricultural leaders in the Middle East and North Africa, are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and help advance agricultural practices in the region.

Obama on Attempted Terrorist Attack, Violence in Iran

Peggy B. Hu — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:00:04 -0500

President Obama makes remarks on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the situation in Iran.

Iranian Demonstrators Have Admiration of the World, Obama Says

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:25:02 -0500

President Obama says the anti-government demonstrations in Iran stem from the Iranian people’s aspirations for justice and a better life, adding that the world has watched unfolding events in the country “with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people.”

Deadline for Iranian Response to Nuclear Offer Is Real, U.S. Says

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:28:51 -0500

Iranian officials face a “very real deadline” and need to respond to an offer by the International Atomic Energy Agency to allow Iran to receive enriched uranium that can only be used for civilian purposes. Iran’s failure to respond to engagement efforts is causing much international concern.

Statement on Passing of Iranian Cleric Grand Ayatollah Montazeri

Terry Somerville — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:03:08 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the passing of Iranian cleric Grand Ayatollah Montazeri.

U.N. Calls on Iran to Address Serious Human Rights Violations

Amor Safi — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:19:56 -0500

The State Department releases a statement by deputy spokesman Robert Wood on the United Nations’ final passage of the resolution calling on Iran to respect its human rights obligations fully.

Surveys Show Broad Consensus in U.S., Mideast on Global Warming

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:42:39 -0500

A survey by Pew Research Center finds that all 25 nations surveyed considered global warming a serious problem, and majorities in 15 of them rated it “very serious.” The Pew Center’s data also reveals that viewpoints did not necessarily split along the developed-developing nation.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Aminatou Haidar

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:10:47 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomes Morocco’s decision to readmit activist Aminatou Haidor on humanitarian grounds. Clinton also joins U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in calling for a fifth round of formal, U.N.–sponsored Manhasset talks on the Western Sahara conflict.

Ambassador Rice on Adoption of Resolution 1904

Amor Safi — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:41:50 -0500

Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, makes remarks to reporters upon the adoption of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1904.

United States, United Arab Emirates Sign Nuclear Agreement

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:25:10 -0500

The United States has agreed in a new accord to provide cooperation and technical assistance to the United Arab Emirates as it develops a program to build a civilian nuclear power system to meet rising demands for energy.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Qatar’s National Day

Amor Safi — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:37:36 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodman Clinton offers warm wishes to the Qatari people as they celebrate their National Day on December 18.

Global Partnerships Bring Polio Eradication Within Reach

Carrie Loewenthal Massey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:02:18 -0500

The United States is partnering with the Organization of the Islamic Conference on a campaign to eradicate polio. The effort, announced by President Obama in Cairo in June, is launched officially at U.N. headquarters in New York in early December.

Clinton Says Iranian Actions Have Heightened Concerns

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:25:38 -0500

Recent actions by the Iranian regime have served to heighten concerns about the regime’s real intentions regarding nuclear fuel reprocessing and the need for further international actions, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Bahrain National Day

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:13:49 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton releases a statement on Bahrain National Day 2009.

U.S.–Israel Joint Economic Development Group Midyear Review

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:40:39 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on U.S.– Israel Joint Economic Development Group midyear review.

Remarks by President Obama, Lebanese President Sleiman

Amor Safi — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:23:40 -0500

The White House releases remarks by President Obama and President Sleiman of Lebanon after their December 14 meeting in the Oval Office at the White House.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Hassan Abbas of Watandost.Com

Janelle Simmons — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:27:54 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Hassan Abbas of Watandost.com.

White House Statement on European Council Declaration on Iran

Amor Safi — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:06:29 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the European Council’s declaration on Iran.

U.S. Says al-Qaida Has Been Degraded, but Is Still a Threat

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:50:31 -0500

The terrorist group al-Qaida remains a significant security threat to the United States but is finding it tougher to raise money, train new recruits and plan attacks outside of South Asia, says Daniel Benjamin, the U.S. coordinator for counterterrorism.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with Al Jazeera TV English

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:57:53 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Riz Khan of Al Jazeera TV English.

Statement by Ambassador Rice on Iran and U.N. Resolution 1737

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:35:51 -0500

Ambassador Susan Rice, the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, makes remarks to the U.N. Security Council on Iran and Resolution 1737.

Statement on Passage of Iraq’s Revised Election Law

Janelle Simmons — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:11:26 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the passage of Iraq’s revised election law.

White House Statement on Iraqi Election Law

Amor Safi — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:38:23 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the resolution adopted December 6 by Iraq’s Council of Representatives to hold national elections within the constitutional framework.

MENA Organizations Work to Abolish Violence Against Women

Carrie Loewenthal Massey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:42:46 -0500

Violence against women, a truly global issue, crosses cultural, economic and political lines. At least one of every three women in the world has suffered some form of violence. Local and international NGOs in the Middle East and North Africa are working to end violence against women.

Statement on Rewards for Justice for Husayn Muhammed al-Umari

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:08:24 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on a reward offer for information about terrorist suspect Husayn Muhammed al-Umari.