America.gov-Middle East and North Africa

Polls Show Vast Support for Two-State Mideast Peace Solution

Ahmed Mohamed — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:14:37 -0400

Opinion polls in the United States and the Mideast show support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, pollsters say. Two pollsters say the “vast majority” of Palestinians and Israelis support a two-state solution, and believe as well that negotiated peace is “essential.”

Jordanian Activist Taps into the Power of the Mobile Phone

Jane Morse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:55 -0400

The exploitation of migrant workers has long been a problem in many countries. Jordanian activist Aida Abu-Ras launched a campaign in the summer of 2008 that sent 120,000 text messages to Jordanian mobile phone users instructing them on the appropriate treatment of their workers.

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Holds Annual Meeting

Ahmed Mohamed — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:27:30 -0400

“Obama's Cairo speech set the tone and the direction and the intent of this administration in turning a new page, and starting a new chapter in our relationship. One that is built on mutual respect, mutual regard, committed to listen and learn from each other," a U.S. official tells Arab Americans.

Military Leaders from U.S., Gulf States Discuss Security Threats

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:01:57 -0400

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates tells military leaders from the Gulf region that today’s security environment in the Gulf poses dilemmas and opportunities that span all borders. Gates adds that facing these issues has been easier because of widespread cooperation and collaboration.

Iranian Demonstrations “Extraordinary,” White House Says

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:35:09 -0400

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says ongoing demonstrations in protest of the official results of Iran’s June 12 presidential election show a “ferment of productive change” happening by Iranians inside Iran. “I think you’re definitely witnessing something extraordinary.”

U.S. Ambassador Says Iraqis Turning Away from Violence

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:16:08 -0400

The overall level of violence in Iraq is down, according to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill, who adds that Iraq’s sectarian communities are working more within the political system. Hill also says all U.S. combat forces will complete their withdrawal from Iraqi urban areas by July 1.

United States Seeks Early Conclusion of Mideast Peace Talks

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:57:44 -0400

President Obama’s special envoy for Middle East peace, George Mitchell, says the United States is focused on the resumption and “early conclusion” of meaningful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and is using all of the tools at its disposal to make that happen.

Innovative Activists Save Trafficking Victims in Jordan and India

Jane Morse — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:47:02 -0400

In India and Jordan, innovative women are working to prevent the exploitation of women and children. Their efforts have earned them the honor of being named as “Heroes Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery” by the U.S. Department of State.

U.S. Welcomes Israeli Leader’s Endorsement of Palestinian State

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:04:55 -0400

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement of the goal to establish a Palestinian state is an important step forward, and President Obama will continue working with Israel, the Palestinians and others to achieve a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

Iran Must Respect the Right of Its People to Peaceful Expression

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:35:19 -0400

The Obama administration expresses doubt over the outcome of Iran’s June 12 presidential elections and concern over reports of violence. It says the right of the Iranian people to peacefully express themselves and be involved in their country’s political process must be respected.

Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:50:06 -0400

A new documentary film based on a Gallup Poll report, and carrying the same title as that report — Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think — has its world premiere in Washington. The documentary reports on the survey's surprising findings and implications for policy.

Spotlight on Muslim Americans: Shahed Amanullah

Ahmed Mohamed — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:52:11 -0400

There is something unique about being an American. It is easy to assimilate because America is an immigration nation, and people accept Muslims as Americans, which helps to protect their identities, Shahed Amanullah, an engineer and editor-in-chief of the Web site altmuslim.com, says.

Polls Will Be Open for Iranians Voting in United States

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:54:22 -0400

Iranian citizens living in the United States are following the Iran’s vibrant presidential election campaign and will be participating in the June 12 vote through 40 polling places that have been set up around the United States by the Iranian interests section and staffed by local volunteers.

United States Seeks Rapid Resumption of Middle East Peace Talks

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:27:35 -0400

The United States seeks a quick resumption and an early conclusion to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell says after he meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Obama Says U.S. Seeks New Beginning with Muslims Worldwide

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:59:33 -0400

“Assalaamu alaykum,” said President Obama, beginning a speech in Cairo entitled “A New Beginning.” The speech, co-hosted by Cairo University and Al-Azhar University and broadcast worldwide, is intended to turn a new page in relations between the United States and Muslims around the world.

Many Muslims Saw Hope, Change in Obama’s Cairo Speech

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:22:18 -0400

“The speech gave me hope that change can happen, especially by collaboration and by seeing common ground and interest,” 19-year-old Ingy Hassieb said, after listening to President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo. America.gov looks at reactions to the president’s address.

Obama, Germany’s Merkel Confer on a Range of Security Issues

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:21:51 -0400

President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel say now is the moment to forge ahead with the Middle East peace process. Obama says, “We discussed … the need for all of us to redouble our efforts to bring about two states, Israel and a Palestinian state. … The moment is now for us to act.”

Obama Calls for a New Beginning with Muslims Around the World

Merle David Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:11:08 -0400

Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims worldwide, President Obama tells an audience in Cairo that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship must end, and he seeks a new start based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

Obama Opens Talks with Saudi King Abdullah

Merle David Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:56:09 -0400

President Obama says he wanted to seek the counsel of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah as he begins a major initiative to address many of the issues that confront U.S. relations in the Middle East and the Muslim world, including Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.

Resources on Obama’s Policy Agenda for the Middle East

Carla Higgins — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:17:47 -0400

A listing that provides resources on Obama’s policy agenda for the Middle East.

Countries Victimized by Pirates Pursue Legal Cases

Jacquelyn S. Porth — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:13:29 -0400

The international community is combating piracy in various ways. Laws need to be updated as governments seek new legal authorities. Successful prosecution requires eyewitnesses to be available for trials held far from the crime scene. This is problematic for those who earn their living at sea.

Obama Seeks Enhanced Engagement with the Middle East, Europe

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:07:10 -0400

The centerpiece of President Obama’s five-day visit to the Middle East and to Europe will be his speech June 4 at Cairo University on U.S. relations with the Muslim world, say White House advisers.

President Obama to Speak to Muslim World from Cairo June 4

Carla Higgins — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:48:25 -0400

The White House previews a major speech to be delivered by President Obama to the Muslim world June 4 in Cairo. Obama, who noted recently that he has lived in Muslim countries, said the United States and many majority Muslim countries need to find “a better sense of understanding.”

Obama, Palestinian President Abbas Discuss Peace Talks

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:53:46 -0400

Saying that time is critical in the Middle East peace talks, President Obama urges Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations because the absence of peace is impeding “a whole host of other areas of increased cooperation and more stable security” for the region and the United States.

Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail to Advise President Obama

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:16:36 -0400

In his book Voyage Through Time: Walks of Life to the Nobel Prize, Ahmed Zewail considers himself as a cultural product of both East and West, and he also integrates the two worlds he equally belongs to: Egypt and America. Despite differences, he emphasizes the confluence of the two cultures.

Biden: The Future of Lebanon Is for the People to Decide

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:40:41 -0400

Vice President Biden reaffirms U.S. support for the Lebanese government and encourages the Lebanese people to hold fair, free and open parliamentary elections June 7 that reflect their will. Biden is the highest-level U.S. official to visit Lebanon since Vice President George H.W. Bush in 1983.

Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Discuss Peace Process

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:48:10 -0400

President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discuss the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapons program and strengthening the U.S.-Israeli relationship in their first meeting as heads of state.

Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:48:17 -0400

One small piece of the American mosaic was evident in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where the city’s Multicultural Affairs Committee, along with the Arab American community of Montgomery County, Maryland, hosted an Arab American heritage cultural festival.

Obama to Stress Two-State Solution with Netanyahu May 18

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:43:39 -0400

President Obama will welcome newly elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House May 18 for the first of three high-stakes consultations designed to refocus the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Middle East peace is a high priority for the Obama administration.

Arab-American Service Day Now in Fifth Year

Ahmed Mohamed — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:27:21 -0400

Community service is an American value, especially evident in the Arab-American community. An annual National Arab American Service Day will be held May 16 in cities throughout the United States. The purpose is to foster leadership and community engagement through volunteerism and service.

State Department Official Encourages Dialogue with Muslim World

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:35:49 -0400

President Obama is committed to pursuing “a deep and positive dialogue with Muslims around the world based on mutual respect and in support of our mutual interests,” a State Department official says. American Muslims play an important role in that dialogue, officials say at a Washington conference.

United States Heartened by Saberi’s Release from Iranian Prison

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:48:11 -0400

The United States is heartened by the release of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi from Tehran’s Evin prison after an appeals court cut her eight-year prison term to a two-year suspended sentence, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.

Arab-American Writer Cites U.S. Freedom of Expression

Ahmed Mohamed — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:57:33 -0400

Arab writers long have come to the United States seeking freedom of expression and relief from censorship, says Arab novelist and sociologist Halim Barakat. In a lecture, he explores his experiences living in exile and his ability to express his personal freedom through literature.

Filmmaker Shirin Neshat Brings Acclaimed Iranian Novel to Screen

Howard Cincotta — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:31:20 -0400

For six years noted Iranian-American video artist and filmmaker Shirin Neshat has been adapting the Iranian novel Women Without Men, with its interwoven tales of women in 1950s Iran who exist as real characters but are also capable of becoming ghosts, seers and even trees.

Biden Urges Israel to End Settlements, Back Two-State Solution

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:08:17 -0400

Vice-President Biden tells U.S. supporters of Israel that the United States is committed to Israel’s peace and security, but Israel must demonstrate its commitment to peace by working toward a two-state solution with the Palestinians and ending its building of settlements.

A Gallup Study: Who Speaks for Islam?

Ahmed Mohamed — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:30:44 -0400

What do the vast majority of mainstream Muslims really think? Rather than listening to extremists or simply relying on the opinions of individual pundits, why not give voice to the silenced majority? How is this voice different, or similar to, voices from America?