America.gov-Middle East and North Africa

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

Amor Safi — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:02:28 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on the passage of a U.N. resolution calling upon the Government of Iran to address serious human rights violations.

End Distractions and Take Serious Steps, Obama Tells North Korea

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:03 -0500

President Obama says North Korea can have economic sanctions reduced and enjoy greater integration with the international community, but it must take concrete action on ending its development of nuclear weapons. Obama also urges Iran to accept a proposal from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Muslim Americans Prepare for Hajj

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:36:32 -0500

An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 American Muslims will participate in the Hajj in 2009. The number of Americans making the trip is down from previous years, according to tour operators who offer travel packages for the Hajj as well as Umrah trips to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina.

Statement by White House Press Secretary on Jerusalem

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:55:20 -0500

The United States is dismayed at the Jerusalem Planning Committee’s decision to move forward on the approval process for the expansion of Gilo in Jerusalem, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says.

IAEA Report Shows Iranian Nuclear Activities Have Expanded

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:40:39 -0500

A November 16 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency shows that Iran has violated its commitments to the international community regarding its nuclear activities. The State Department says it continues to hope that Iran will accept an IAEA uranium-enrichment deal.

Breast Cancer Network Thrives in U.S.-Middle East Partnership

Louise Fenner — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:58:19 -0500

The U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research launched in 2006 has expanded to six partner countries, plus a broader network of advocates from some 18 Middle Eastern and North African countries who share ideas through the partnership’s Web site, blog and social network.

Experts See Sustained Human Rights Movement Emerging in Iran

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:04:22 -0500

To overcome a legacy of suspicion and mistrust, the United States should inaugurate a process of long-term, patient engagement with Iran on a wide range of issues, according to a distinguished panel of scholars and diplomats appearing on Capitol Hill November 4.

U.S. Official Briefs on U.S. Foreign Policy in Middle East

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:10:35 -0500

Assistant Secretary of State Philip J. Crowley makes remarks on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

United States, Japan Cooperating on Global Nuclear Disarmament

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:21:49 -0500

The United States and Japan, the only countries to have either used or been attacked by nuclear weapons, share a joint commitment to stopping their spread and ultimately realizing the goal of a world without them. Both countries issued a pledge to work together on steps to further that goal.

Assistant Secretary Schwartz’s Travel to Iraq, Jordan and Syria

Janelle Simmons — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:50:21 -0500

The State Department releases a media note about Assistant Secretary Eric P. Schwartz’s travel to Iraq, Jordan and Syria November 13–19.

Obama Letter to Congress with Respect to Iran

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:14:33 -0500

The White House releases a letter from President Obama to Congress with respect to Iran.

Continuation of National Emergency with Respect to Iran

Amor Safi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:39:10 -0500

President Obama has ordered a continuation of the November 14, 1979, executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to Iran.

Remarks by Under Secretary William Burns on Middle East Policy

Amor Safi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:36:58 -0500

In an address to the Middle East Institute in Washington, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns describes President Obama’s policies for the the Middle East.

Iran’s Acceptance of Enrichment Deal Would Build World Confidence

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:02:06 -0500

The international community is serious in its offer to allow Iran to export uranium for enrichment in a third country to provide fuel for its medical research reactor, Secretary Clinton says, adding that Iran’s acceptance would help build confidence that it is not trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Relaunching Talks Is First Step in Middle East Peace Process

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:05:22 -0500

The critical first step in the Middle East peace process is to relaunch negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis without preconditions, says U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns. This means, Burns says, building on previous agreements and resolving the core issues of the conflict.

Statement on New Lebanese Government

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:16:19 -0500

The White House releases a statement on the new Lebanese government.

U.S., Germany Call for Greater Accountability in Afghanistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:04:59 -0500

The United States and Germany called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to implement measures to deliver services for the people of Afghanistan, root out corruption, and increase accountability and openness in the way the government works.

Muslim American Creates Foundation to Save Children from Violence

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:31:28 -0500

How does a father cope with his son’s murder at the hands of a gang member? Muslim American Azim Khamisa, an international businessman in San Diego, found the answer by establishing the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, a foundation named after his son that works to reduce community violence among youth.

Business Conference Seen as Marker of New U.S.-Iraq Relationship

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:10 -0500

The U.S-Iraq Business and Investment Conference, held in Washington October 20–21, is another marker of the transition in the bilateral U.S.-Iraqi relationship from a focus on security to an emphasis on development of the Iraqi economy, President Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki say.

Remarks by Spokesman Ian Kelly on Foreign Policy

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:08:09 -0500

The State Department releases remarks made to reporters by spokesman Ian Kelly in Washington.

Remarks by Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:26:14 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit make remarks at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt.

First Lady Honors After-School Arts Projects That Inspire Youth

Jeffrey Thomas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:40 -0500

First lady Michelle Obama honored 19 after-school programs at the White House November 4, presenting each with a Coming Up Taller Award. Youth programs in Mexico, China and Egypt were among the honorees. The programs exemplify how arts and humanities programs can affect the lives of young people.

Clinton’s Interview with Fouad Arif of Al-Aoula Television

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:10 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Fouad Arif of Al-Aoula Television in Morocco.

Clinton’s Interview with Michel Ghandour of Al Hurra Television

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:46:36 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Michel Ghandour of Al Hurra Television in Morocco.

United States Still Opposed to Israeli Settlements, Clinton Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:34:11 -0500

Secretary Clinton says the United States continues to see Israeli settlement activity as illegitimate, but says Israel’s offer to halt new activity is “unprecedented.” She urges a return to final status talks for a two-state solution, which would ultimately remove the issue as a flashpoint.

Secretary Clinton’s Interview with National Public Radio

Janelle Simmons — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:22:19 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by Jackie Northam of National Public Radio in Cairo, Egypt.

Statement by President Obama on Iran

Amor Safi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:24:29 -0500

The White House releases a statement by President Obama on Iran upon the 30-year anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Initiatives to Bolster Science, Technology in Muslim Communities

Amor Safi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:12:08 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announces a new initiative to bolster science and technology collaboration with Muslim communities around the world. Clinton names three U.S. science and technology envoys to engage with international partners on environmental, scientific and health issues.

Global Partnerships to Advance Cairo’s “New Beginning”

Peggy B. Hu — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:46:55 -0500

The State Department outlines U.S. support for initiatives on a wide range of issues mentioned in Secretary Clinton’s address to the sixth Forum for the Future.

Secretary Clinton’s Address to Sixth Forum for the Future

Peggy B. Hu — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:58:01 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the sixth Forum for the Future.

Clinton Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Muslim Communities

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:58:41 -0500

In a speech to the sixth Forum for the Future, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirms the U.S. commitment to broad engagement with Muslim communities around the world and the equally strong U.S. commitment to comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

State Department on Civil Society 2.0 Initiative

Peggy B. Hu — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:43:02 -0500

The Civil Society 2.0 Initiative will help grassroots organizations around the world use digital technology to tell their stories, build their memberships and support bases, and connect to their community of peers around the world, the State Department says.

Clinton and Foreign Minister Fassi-Fihri Joint Press Availability

Peggy B. Hu — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:42:30 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri hold a joint press availability in Marrakesh, Morocco, before convening the sixth Forum for the Future.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Amor Safi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:41:51 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the press in Jerusalem.

Iranian Filmmakers Make First Hollywood Visit in 35 Years

Azam K. Gorgin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:56:31 -0500

Hollywood’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Tehran-based Khaneh Cinema carried out exchange visits between groups of Iranian and U.S. filmmakers in 2009 as part of efforts to improve cultural relations between the United States and Iran despite persistent challenges.

Young Leaders of Grass-Roots Movements Meet in Mexico City

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:42 -0500

When Web-based activists gathered in Mexico City recently for the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit, they spoke about their experiences in using the power of the Internet to achieve positive social change. As their stories reveal, technology now facilitates civic involvement around the world.

Senate Vote Marks Next Step in Complex Effort to Close Guantánamo

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:08:15 -0500

Efforts to close the detention facility at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Station reflect the complexity of ensuring due process as well as national security. The U.S. Senate votes to allow government transfer of prisoners from Guantánamo to U.S. federal courts for prosecution.

Smithsonian Museum’s Sackler Gallery Hosts Iranian Art Exhibition

Azam K. Gorgin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:21:21 -0500

The first exhibition of Iranian Falnama manuscripts opened at the Smithsonian Museum’s Sackler Gallery on October 24. These lively and vivid pieces, known together as the Book of Omens, enlighten viewers with their religious and cultural meaning as a historical form of future-telling.

United States Pursuing Comprehensive Peace in Middle East Region

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:47:05 -0500

The issues, opportunities and challenges that the United States faces in the Middle East are among the most consequential for its security and interests, Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman tells a congressional committee. Feltman describes for the panel U.S. policies across the region.

Statement on Secretary Clinton’s Travel to the Middle East

Janelle Simmons — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:53:22 -0500

The State Department releases a statement on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s upcoming travel to the Middle East.

Clinton Will Attend Forum for the Future in Morocco

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:08:43 -0500

Secretary Clinton will attend the sixth Forum for the Future in November in Morocco. The forum is an important regional conference that brings together government officials from the Middle East and North Africa and the major advanced economies, as well as civil society and private sector leaders.

Obama on Anniversary of Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty

Janelle Simmons — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:15:22 -0500

The White House releases a statement by President Barack Obama on the anniversary of the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel.

Statement by President Obama on Bombings in Baghdad

Janelle Simmons — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:49:57 -0500

President Barack Obama releases a statement condemning the bombings in Baghdad, Iraq.

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Bombings in Baghdad

Janelle Simmons — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:42:38 -0500

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton releases a statement expressing condolences to the victims of attacks in Baghdad and for the loss of Iraqi lives.

Iran Delays Answer on Draft Enrichment Proposal

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:33:58 -0500

The State Department says a proposed agreement that would enable Iran to get its uranium reprocessed for use in a medical research facility would help provide for humanitarian needs in Iran, while also helping to assure the international community that the uranium will not be used for weapons.

Muslim Prayer Day Illustrates Dynamics of Free Speech in U.S.

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:12:31 -0500

On the scale of events at the U.S. Capitol, it was unremarkable: several thousand Americans participating in an outdoor day of prayer. In another sense, the Muslim prayer service on September 25 served as a microcosm of how free speech and the right to protest function daily in American society.

Mideast Peace Requires Taking Risks, Rice Tells Israelis

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:32:47 -0500

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice urges a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations “without preconditions,” and explains that the Obama administration’s emphasis on multilateral action recognizes that the fate of the world’s people is becoming more and more interconnected.

Secretary Clinton at U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:17:34 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton makes remarks at the U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Washington.

Obama Praises Democratic Advances in Iraq

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:31:09 -0500

President Obama, after meeting in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, praises the democratic commitment of the Iraqi people and government as he also calls for the timely passage of a new Iraqi election law for January 2010 parliamentary elections.

Cisco Systems Helps Lebanon Rebuild Homes and Professions

Kathryn McConnell — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:12:34 -0500

U.S.-based Cisco Systems Inc., which makes integrated circuits for computing, helps Lebanese students with job skills, small businesses with expansion, and communities with computer access. Cisco is a finalist for the U.S. secretary of state’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence.

U.S. Disappointed by U.N. Council’s Vote on Goldstone Report

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:30:15 -0500

The United States votes against a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution concerning a report on the January conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying it comes too soon after the report’s release and needlessly polarizes the two sides while efforts to restart peace talks are under way.

Marriott in Jordan: Promoting Diversity, Tourism, Conservation

Lauren Monsen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:04:27 -0500

Marriott International in Jordan, nominated for the secretary of state’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence, is known for promoting regional tourism and supporting diversity in its Jordanian work force — while also implementing water-conservation efforts and other environmentally friendly policies.

Iranian-American Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo Wins 2009 Emmy

Azam K. Gorgin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:33:17 -0500

Tehran-born actress Shohreh Aghdashloo becomes the first Iranian American to win an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, receiving the honor September 20, 2009, for her supporting role in the original HBO miniseries House of Saddam.

Crucial Moment for U.N. Anti-Corruption Convention

Andrzej Zwaniecki — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:50:18 -0500

Failure by signatories of an international anti-corruption convention to agree soon on an effective implementation-review mechanism will damage the credibility of the pact, according to U.S. officials, businesses and nongovernmental groups. Signatories meet in Qatar in November to continue work.

Arab Students Explore Worlds of Imaginative Writing in Iowa City

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:42:28 -0500

Students from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Israel participate in a bilingual writing program in Iowa called “Between the Lines.” The program brings new and notable international writers to the University of Iowa each year for seminars and readings.

United States Working to Bridge Gaps in U.N. Human Rights Council

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:13:07 -0500

Assistant Secretary of State Esther Brimmer says the United States has used its initial participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council to work with other members on strengthening the right of free expression and reinforcing other universal human rights standards.

Eid Observances in America Share Common Theme of Family

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:41:44 -0500

Eid al-Fitr celebrations in America revolve around family, faith, food and children. Learn about how three Muslim-American families observed the traditions of Ramadan and Eid in 2009 and interacted with Muslims and non-Muslims in their communities.

Obama Says Iran Talks “Constructive” but Need Follow-Up Action

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:44:46 -0500

The first day of talks between Iran and the P5+1 one group in Geneva were a “constructive beginning,” President Obama says. But he says Iran needs to follow up on its pledges of cooperation, including allowing international inspectors to access its nuclear facilities within two weeks.

Ahead of Geneva Meeting, U.S. Says Burden of Proof Is on Iran

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:22:12 -0500

The United States and its partners in the P5+1 group that will meet with Iranian representatives in Geneva October 1 are looking for Iran to prove its claims that its nuclear activities are purely peaceful in nature by opening them up to “extensive investigation” by international inspectors.

Muslim Americans Mix Old and New Traditions in Eid Celebrations

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:26:54 -0500

Eid al Fitr in America is celebrated by Muslims like many other American faith communities — it combines faith, tradition, communities, families, sales, shopping and children.

United States Has Known of Iranian Facility “for Several Years”

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:14:51 -0500

Secretary Clinton says the existence of Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Qom is “an incredibly important disclosure that the world needs to digest,” and Obama administration officials say the facility has been watched by U.S., British and French intelligence “for several years.”

Iran Must Restore Global Confidence after Concealing Facility

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:26:11 -0500

President Obama, joined by the leaders of France and the United Kingdom, says the revelation that Iran has built a second covert uranium-enrichment facility is a challenge to the international community and shows the country’s continued unwillingness to meet its international obligations.

Mideast Roadmap Should Be Fulfilled “Irrespective of Reciprocity”

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:14 -0500

Russia, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations — collectively known as the Middle East Quartet — say Israel and the Palestinians need to create the conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations, irrespective of reciprocity.

Group Hopes Meeting with Iran Will Clarify Nuclear Intentions

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:55:21 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Russia, China, the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Germany are all united in looking for Iran to have “serious and substantive discussions” on its nuclear program when representatives from the seven countries meet in Geneva October 1.

Iranian Scholar Sees Her Arrest Based on Fear of Revolution

Howard Cincotta — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:48:05 -0500

When Iranian-American scholar Haleh Esfandiari was robbed at knifepoint on the way to Tehran’s airport in December 2006, she assumed it was a frightening but isolated incident. She was wrong. Instead, her ordeal was only beginning.

Give Mideast Talks a Chance for Success, Obama Tells Leaders

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:17:42 -0500

President Obama meets with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in New York and says peace negotiations between the two sides must begin soon and move forward “with a sense of urgency” rather than continuing the pattern of “taking tentative steps forward and then stepping back.”

Movable Exhibit Displays Images of Iranians in Everyday Life

Sonya Weakley — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:53:13 -0500

Feeling compelled to improve the image of Iranians in the minds of Americans, U.S. photographer Tom Loughlin has created a massive outdoor exhibit of portraits of Iranians posing or going about everyday life. “Pictures of You” displays the photographs on large hanging panels of translucent silk.

U.S., Middle Eastern Experts Join in Fighting Breast Cancer

Louise Fenner — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:31:28 -0500

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Susan G. Komen for the Cure are part of the U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, which is a program of the State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

New U.S.-Middle East Partnership To Fight Breast Cancer

Michelle Austein — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:34:27 -0500

Organizations from the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are working together in a new initiative to fight breast cancer, first lady Laura Bush announced June 11.