Posts
Afghanistan is getting MUCH more attention lately. This is as it should be--I still hold the opinion that the worst part of the Iraq war was that it distracted us from the one place where we KNEW our "enemies" had a stronghold--Afghanistan. Now, 8 years since 9/11, we are scrambling to make up for lost time. It's again on the daily news, and I only hope it's not too little too late. Here's a bit more on the "new strategy."
Now, many of us never gave Afghanistan any thought before 9/11, and for the vast majority of Americans (and non-Americans), the details of Afghanistan's past are very vague. The truth is, the Afghani story is a tragic one of successive take overs, violence, and poverty. I reccomend books like The Kite Runner for an easy-read overview of life in Afghanistan. Also, i HIGHLY recommend that EVERYONE watch Charlie Wilson's War--it's an EXCELLENT (and entertaining) story of what good we did in Afghanistan and how, in the end, we let it all unravel. Trailer below. WATCH THIS MOVIE!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Click here for the full story: Lights go off worldwide
What a cool story: a global gesture of concern and solidarity regarding the environment.
CNN) -- Lights went off across the world Saturday as millions of homes and businesses went dark for one hour in a symbolic gesture highlighting concerns over climate change.
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CNN) -- Lights went off across the world Saturday as millions of homes and businesses went dark for one hour in a symbolic gesture highlighting concerns over climate change.
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mmm. Mmm. Good.
MONDAY, Oct. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The fried foods, salty snacks and meats that are staples of the Western diet account for about 30 percent of heart attack risk across the world, a new report suggests.
Meanwhile, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lean protien is tied a low risk of heart attack, according to the study, published in the Oct. 21 issue of Circulation.
The research, which looked at dietary habits in 52 countries, found people who ate a Western diet had a 35 percent greater risk of having a heart attack. Those who followed a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to those who went light on fruits and vegetables.
One thing I always miss when I leave the Middle East and return to the States is the delicious, fresh, low-cost food we enjoyed in Jeddah. Although Saudi Arabia certainly has been infected by the fast-food-bug, the traditional food that makes up the foundation of a Middle Eastern diet is still filled with healthy, tasty foods.
I learned a lot of my healthy eating habits from my dad, who grew up eating a breakfast of tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and goat cheese every morning. Other healthy staples like watermelon, rice, fresh bread, boiled chicken, chickpeas, fava beans, oranges, apples, tea, pomegranate, guava, eggplant, and zucchini make up the average diet of any lower-income, "Ahmed the Plumber."
Fresh produce and piping hot, handmade bread can be obtained in Jeddah for a fraction of what we pay here in the States. In fact, apart from the franchises of McDonalds and the like, "fast food" for many Arabs would consist of a few giant rounds of fresh flat bread, a platter or two of hummus or "fool" (fava beans), some "salata" or babaganoush (eggplant mixture), and maybe some shawarmas (chicken or lamb with spices and veggies, wrapped in pita). To feed my family of six on such a repast would cost under 10 dollars, with leftovers to spare.
Not to mention the juice stands on every corner where you can get a 20+ oz glass of fresh squeezed orange, apple, guava, pomegranate, carrot, or mango juice for under a dollar. (sometimes with sugar added, though. Be careful!)
Of course, Saudi society is notorious for having a sweet tooth. (McDonalds in Saudi famously added sugar to their french fry recipe!) Hyper-sweetened tea and decadent baklava and gatayuf dripping with honey and syrup will do much to counteract the more healthy components of the Middle Eastern diet. However, I myself am blessedly indifferent to sweets (my weakness is salty snacks like nuts).
Moral of the story: we could learn a lot from the Middle Eastern diet--but focus on what lower income families *traditionally* eat (an explosion of cheap foods like hot dogs, sugary juices, etc have begun to overtake the customary diets of raw produce and healthy protien).
Hungry yet?
Meanwhile, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lean protien is tied a low risk of heart attack, according to the study, published in the Oct. 21 issue of Circulation.
The research, which looked at dietary habits in 52 countries, found people who ate a Western diet had a 35 percent greater risk of having a heart attack. Those who followed a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to those who went light on fruits and vegetables.
One thing I always miss when I leave the Middle East and return to the States is the delicious, fresh, low-cost food we enjoyed in Jeddah. Although Saudi Arabia certainly has been infected by the fast-food-bug, the traditional food that makes up the foundation of a Middle Eastern diet is still filled with healthy, tasty foods.
I learned a lot of my healthy eating habits from my dad, who grew up eating a breakfast of tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and goat cheese every morning. Other healthy staples like watermelon, rice, fresh bread, boiled chicken, chickpeas, fava beans, oranges, apples, tea, pomegranate, guava, eggplant, and zucchini make up the average diet of any lower-income, "Ahmed the Plumber."
Fresh produce and piping hot, handmade bread can be obtained in Jeddah for a fraction of what we pay here in the States. In fact, apart from the franchises of McDonalds and the like, "fast food" for many Arabs would consist of a few giant rounds of fresh flat bread, a platter or two of hummus or "fool" (fava beans), some "salata" or babaganoush (eggplant mixture), and maybe some shawarmas (chicken or lamb with spices and veggies, wrapped in pita). To feed my family of six on such a repast would cost under 10 dollars, with leftovers to spare.
Not to mention the juice stands on every corner where you can get a 20+ oz glass of fresh squeezed orange, apple, guava, pomegranate, carrot, or mango juice for under a dollar. (sometimes with sugar added, though. Be careful!)
Of course, Saudi society is notorious for having a sweet tooth. (McDonalds in Saudi famously added sugar to their french fry recipe!) Hyper-sweetened tea and decadent baklava and gatayuf dripping with honey and syrup will do much to counteract the more healthy components of the Middle Eastern diet. However, I myself am blessedly indifferent to sweets (my weakness is salty snacks like nuts).
Moral of the story: we could learn a lot from the Middle Eastern diet--but focus on what lower income families *traditionally* eat (an explosion of cheap foods like hot dogs, sugary juices, etc have begun to overtake the customary diets of raw produce and healthy protien).
Hungry yet?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Well.
So, I had an interesting conversation with a friend yesterday, who couldn't believe that my Muslim, Arab, female cousin has a cell phone and a college degree.
......
More to come.
......
More to come.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Blogger Killed in Iran
(CNN) -- A young blogger arrested in Iran for allegedly insulting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Internet posting has died in prison, his attorney said Friday.
The blogger had been jailed for allegedly insulting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an internet posting.
Attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah said Omid Mir Sayafi, reported to be in his 20s, died in Evin prison, which is located in Tehran and known for its wing that holds political prisoners.
Dadkhah said a fellow inmate, Dr. Hessam Firouzi, called him Wednesday night with the news -- and said he believed Sayafi would have lived if he received proper medical care.
Dadkhah said Firouzi, an imprisoned human-rights activist, said that he carried a semi-conscious Sayafi to a prison doctor but that he didn't receive the care he needed.
"It was Dr. Firouzi's opinion that if he would've received proper medical attention, he would not have died," Dadkhah said.
He said Sayafi was buried on Thursday and that his calls to the prison asking for an explanation have not been returned.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, which advocates for activists in the country, quoted Firouzi on its Web site as saying Sayafi suffered from depression and had taken extra doses of medication on Wednesday.
The group blamed Iran's government for unsafe conditions in its prisons.
"Iranian leaders have relegated the administration of the prison system to a group of incompetent and cruel officials who are showing their utter disregard for human life," said Hadi Ghaemi, spokesman for the campaign. "If the authorities do not move quickly to hold negligent officials responsible, they are reinforcing impunity and the lack of accountability."
The blogger had been jailed for allegedly insulting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an internet posting.
Attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah said Omid Mir Sayafi, reported to be in his 20s, died in Evin prison, which is located in Tehran and known for its wing that holds political prisoners.
Dadkhah said a fellow inmate, Dr. Hessam Firouzi, called him Wednesday night with the news -- and said he believed Sayafi would have lived if he received proper medical care.
Dadkhah said Firouzi, an imprisoned human-rights activist, said that he carried a semi-conscious Sayafi to a prison doctor but that he didn't receive the care he needed.
"It was Dr. Firouzi's opinion that if he would've received proper medical attention, he would not have died," Dadkhah said.
He said Sayafi was buried on Thursday and that his calls to the prison asking for an explanation have not been returned.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, which advocates for activists in the country, quoted Firouzi on its Web site as saying Sayafi suffered from depression and had taken extra doses of medication on Wednesday.
The group blamed Iran's government for unsafe conditions in its prisons.
"Iranian leaders have relegated the administration of the prison system to a group of incompetent and cruel officials who are showing their utter disregard for human life," said Hadi Ghaemi, spokesman for the campaign. "If the authorities do not move quickly to hold negligent officials responsible, they are reinforcing impunity and the lack of accountability."
Click here for story: "Moral failure" in IDF?
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Israeli military plans to investigate claims by Israeli soldiers that Palestinian civilians were killed and Palestinian property intentionally destroyed during Israel's recent 22-day offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Many Palestinian civilians were killed after being caught up in the 22-day conflict in Gaza.
The claims were made by Israeli soldiers who were graduates of a pre-military course at an Israeli college. They were first reported in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Thursday.
At a gathering at the college following the Gaza operation, the newspaper reported, soldiers gave testimony that ran counter to persistent claims by the military that "Israeli troops observed a high level of moral behavior during the operation."
The testimony was taken down by the head of the college's pre-military program, Danny Zamir. He told Haaretz that he did not know what the soldiers were going to say and that what they heard "shocked us."
According to Haaretz, Zamir passed on the testimony to the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, saying he "feared a serious moral failure in the IDF."
Contacted by CNN, Zamir said he would not comment to the foreign press on the matter and that the full testimony would be appearing in Haaretz newspaper.
In one account, a squad leader from a brigade serving in Gaza described an incident in which he said an elderly Palestinian woman was shot and killed at the orders of a company commander.
According to the testimony, the squad leader protested the rules of engagement, which he said allowed soldiers to fire on Palestinian homes without giving residents a warning. After the rules were changed, his soldiers complained that "we should kill everyone there [in the center of Gaza]. Everyone there is a terrorist."
According to Haaretz, the squad leader went on to testify that, "You do not get the impression from the officers that there is any logic to it, but they won't say anything. To write 'death to the Arabs' on the walls, to take family pictures and spit on them, just because you can. I think this is the main thing: To understand how much the IDF has fallen in the realm of ethics, really. It's what I'll remember the most."
Israeli Defense minister Ehud Barak told Army Radio Thursday that "Israel has the most moral army in the world" and that the testimonies will be checked carefully.
In addition, a coalition of nine Israeli human rights groups called on Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to reconsider his refusal to establish an independent investigative body to examine the military's actions during the Gaza campaign, known as "Operation Cast Lead."
The groups -- The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Bimkom, B'tselem, Gisha, Hamoked, The Public Committee Against Torture, Yesh Din, Physicians for Human Rights, Rabbis for Human Rights, Adalah, and Itach - Women Lawyers for Social Justice -- said accounts by Palestinians raise the possibility that acts by the military were worse than previously suspected
Many Palestinian civilians were killed after being caught up in the 22-day conflict in Gaza.
The claims were made by Israeli soldiers who were graduates of a pre-military course at an Israeli college. They were first reported in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Thursday.
At a gathering at the college following the Gaza operation, the newspaper reported, soldiers gave testimony that ran counter to persistent claims by the military that "Israeli troops observed a high level of moral behavior during the operation."
The testimony was taken down by the head of the college's pre-military program, Danny Zamir. He told Haaretz that he did not know what the soldiers were going to say and that what they heard "shocked us."
According to Haaretz, Zamir passed on the testimony to the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, saying he "feared a serious moral failure in the IDF."
Contacted by CNN, Zamir said he would not comment to the foreign press on the matter and that the full testimony would be appearing in Haaretz newspaper.
In one account, a squad leader from a brigade serving in Gaza described an incident in which he said an elderly Palestinian woman was shot and killed at the orders of a company commander.
According to the testimony, the squad leader protested the rules of engagement, which he said allowed soldiers to fire on Palestinian homes without giving residents a warning. After the rules were changed, his soldiers complained that "we should kill everyone there [in the center of Gaza]. Everyone there is a terrorist."
According to Haaretz, the squad leader went on to testify that, "You do not get the impression from the officers that there is any logic to it, but they won't say anything. To write 'death to the Arabs' on the walls, to take family pictures and spit on them, just because you can. I think this is the main thing: To understand how much the IDF has fallen in the realm of ethics, really. It's what I'll remember the most."
Israeli Defense minister Ehud Barak told Army Radio Thursday that "Israel has the most moral army in the world" and that the testimonies will be checked carefully.
In addition, a coalition of nine Israeli human rights groups called on Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to reconsider his refusal to establish an independent investigative body to examine the military's actions during the Gaza campaign, known as "Operation Cast Lead."
The groups -- The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Bimkom, B'tselem, Gisha, Hamoked, The Public Committee Against Torture, Yesh Din, Physicians for Human Rights, Rabbis for Human Rights, Adalah, and Itach - Women Lawyers for Social Justice -- said accounts by Palestinians raise the possibility that acts by the military were worse than previously suspected
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Click here for full story on alleged Bin Laden tape
BBC-"Topple Somali leader" - Bin Laden
Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has vowed to introduce Sharia
Osama Bin Laden has called for the overthrow of Somalia's moderate Islamist president in an audio recording published on the internet.
Bin Laden said President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had "changed to partner up with the infidel".
Mr Ahmed was inaugurated in January after UN-brokered reconciliation talks and has promised to introduce Sharia law to the strongly Muslim country.
But al-Shabab insurgents allied to al-Qaeda have continued to fight him.
Correspondents say the voice on the recording could not be immediately verified but it resembles that of Bin Laden and was published on known militant websites.
'Enemies' pay'
The 12-minute tape - entitled "Fight on, champions of Somalia" - carried an often-seen image of Bin Laden with a map of Somalia in the background.
The Somali leader's election had been "induced by the American envoy in Kenya", the tape said.
Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has vowed to introduce Sharia
Osama Bin Laden has called for the overthrow of Somalia's moderate Islamist president in an audio recording published on the internet.
Bin Laden said President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had "changed to partner up with the infidel".
Mr Ahmed was inaugurated in January after UN-brokered reconciliation talks and has promised to introduce Sharia law to the strongly Muslim country.
But al-Shabab insurgents allied to al-Qaeda have continued to fight him.
Correspondents say the voice on the recording could not be immediately verified but it resembles that of Bin Laden and was published on known militant websites.
'Enemies' pay'
The 12-minute tape - entitled "Fight on, champions of Somalia" - carried an often-seen image of Bin Laden with a map of Somalia in the background.
The Somali leader's election had been "induced by the American envoy in Kenya", the tape said.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Je ne suis pas optimiste
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. fighter jets in Iraq have shot down an unmanned Iranian spy drone aircraft, the U.S. military said Monday.
The Iranian aircraft had been flying in Iraqi airspace for 70 minutes before being shot down 60 miles northeast of Baghdad last month, the military said.
"This was not an accident on the part of the Iranians," the U.S. military said in a statement. "The [drone] was in Iraqi airspace for nearly one hour and 10 minutes and well inside Iraqi territory before it was engaged."
Two F-16 fighter jets followed the drone for about an hour before shooting it down, a Pentagon official said.
The drone had no weapons and was strictly a spy aircraft, the official told CNN.
The U.S. military has taken ownership of the drone, which the Pentagon official said is in "pretty good shape."
Iraq's national security adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, declined to comment on the allegation and most major state-run media outlets in Iran did not carry news of any incident involving an Iranian drone.
The Bush administration regularly accused Iran of meddling in Iraq and arming fighters, and in 2002 President George W. Bush put Iran in his "axis of evil."
Since President Barack Obama took office he has appeared more conciliatory towards Iran although the country continues to cause U.S. concern over its nuclear ambitions and its role in Iraq.
The Iranian aircraft had been flying in Iraqi airspace for 70 minutes before being shot down 60 miles northeast of Baghdad last month, the military said.
"This was not an accident on the part of the Iranians," the U.S. military said in a statement. "The [drone] was in Iraqi airspace for nearly one hour and 10 minutes and well inside Iraqi territory before it was engaged."
Two F-16 fighter jets followed the drone for about an hour before shooting it down, a Pentagon official said.
The drone had no weapons and was strictly a spy aircraft, the official told CNN.
The U.S. military has taken ownership of the drone, which the Pentagon official said is in "pretty good shape."
Iraq's national security adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, declined to comment on the allegation and most major state-run media outlets in Iran did not carry news of any incident involving an Iranian drone.
The Bush administration regularly accused Iran of meddling in Iraq and arming fighters, and in 2002 President George W. Bush put Iran in his "axis of evil."
Since President Barack Obama took office he has appeared more conciliatory towards Iran although the country continues to cause U.S. concern over its nuclear ambitions and its role in Iraq.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hezbollah will not recognize Israel (click for the story)
I posted my thoughts a few weeks ago about the tenative steps made by Britain and, to a lesser degree, the US toward opening communication with Lebanon's Hezbollah. I think this is, generally speaking, a wise direction to take--however, the Hezbollah leader Nasrallah is being counter-productive.
My main complaint against western officials who refuse to dialogue with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas is that, from where I'm standing, they don't always strike a balance between their ideals and practical reality. When groups we don't like are in power and making decisions that affect entire regions, we can't always afford to 'ignore them to death'--we have to confront them. Thus, I was encouraged to hear of prospective communication between London, Washington, and Hezbollah.
However, now it appears that Nasrallah is playing a very old, very unproductive game--the "I-want-to-ignite-Arab-unity-by-reviving-and-sustaining-a-shared-hatred-of-Israel." We've seen this game before--it is one of the main reasons for Yassir Arafat's eventual failure (my father, a Gazan, can attest to that).
It is very disheartening to know that Nasrallah is going to decline the opportunity to dialogue with the United States of America because he can't acknowlege that Israel exists. This is more than simply obstinate--it's a sort of forced dillusion that will only stunt any fragile progress that is being made in the so-called "peace process."
Oh, and you gotta love Nasrallah's nod to Iran--don't think it's random.
My main complaint against western officials who refuse to dialogue with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas is that, from where I'm standing, they don't always strike a balance between their ideals and practical reality. When groups we don't like are in power and making decisions that affect entire regions, we can't always afford to 'ignore them to death'--we have to confront them. Thus, I was encouraged to hear of prospective communication between London, Washington, and Hezbollah.
However, now it appears that Nasrallah is playing a very old, very unproductive game--the "I-want-to-ignite-Arab-unity-by-reviving-and-sustaining-a-shared-hatred-of-Israel." We've seen this game before--it is one of the main reasons for Yassir Arafat's eventual failure (my father, a Gazan, can attest to that).
It is very disheartening to know that Nasrallah is going to decline the opportunity to dialogue with the United States of America because he can't acknowlege that Israel exists. This is more than simply obstinate--it's a sort of forced dillusion that will only stunt any fragile progress that is being made in the so-called "peace process."
Oh, and you gotta love Nasrallah's nod to Iran--don't think it's random.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Brief on US-Arab Economic Relations in the Obama Administration
Okay, I'm a huge nerd and FASCINATED by global economics. Thus, I found this 8-page report to be very intriguing. Click above for the link, or just read this summary, and enjoy!
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'While oil will continue to dominate the US strategic concerns about the Middle East the growing economic and financial power of some Middle Eastern countries also deserves some consideration. These countries are combining their large oil revenues with sound economic policy to achieve high economic growth rates and they are being actively courted by European and Asian countries who seek to expand their trade and investment relations with these nations. The US also has an interest in promoting economic growth and higher standards of living in lower-income Middle Eastern countries. Poverty and inequality in countries like Egypt and Yemen often leads to the rise of militant movements and political violence which spreads throughout the region and is frequently targeted towards US interest. Global competition for the Middle East export markets will be intense in the coming decade. The ability of the USS to succeed in this market will partially depend on the diplomatic and military dimensions of the US Middle East policy, particularly its perceived role in the Middle East conflict.'
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Translation: the US has managed, at least partially, to preserve it's oil and trade interests in the Middle East for several decades by bullying, bribing, and buying. However, America's ability to continue this semi-monopoly has been severly damaged by the economic crisis as well as the war in Iraq and the deteriorating condition in Palestine. In the mean time, China, India, and Europe are not hesitating to fill in this gap. Basically, Obama's administration has their work cut out for them.
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'While oil will continue to dominate the US strategic concerns about the Middle East the growing economic and financial power of some Middle Eastern countries also deserves some consideration. These countries are combining their large oil revenues with sound economic policy to achieve high economic growth rates and they are being actively courted by European and Asian countries who seek to expand their trade and investment relations with these nations. The US also has an interest in promoting economic growth and higher standards of living in lower-income Middle Eastern countries. Poverty and inequality in countries like Egypt and Yemen often leads to the rise of militant movements and political violence which spreads throughout the region and is frequently targeted towards US interest. Global competition for the Middle East export markets will be intense in the coming decade. The ability of the USS to succeed in this market will partially depend on the diplomatic and military dimensions of the US Middle East policy, particularly its perceived role in the Middle East conflict.'
-------------------------------------------
Translation: the US has managed, at least partially, to preserve it's oil and trade interests in the Middle East for several decades by bullying, bribing, and buying. However, America's ability to continue this semi-monopoly has been severly damaged by the economic crisis as well as the war in Iraq and the deteriorating condition in Palestine. In the mean time, China, India, and Europe are not hesitating to fill in this gap. Basically, Obama's administration has their work cut out for them.
Arab Mini-Summit! (Click here for story)
Just two comments,
1. As I said in a previous post, I am happy to see that Washington and Damascus are opening a tenative dialogue. I agree that this is "wisdom, not weakness."
2. Initiatives like this ought to remind Americans that, although they love to rant and rave about Saudi Arabia's "backwards" society, they owe MUCH to the Kingdom. Remember, I am not a Saudi, just a mere expat who has suffered her fair share of trials in the good old KSA.
It just seems to me that, if America is honest with itself, it would realize that the Saudi government has often been one of their most helpful allies in the Middle East. Corrupt and contigent, yes. But useful? No doubt.
1. As I said in a previous post, I am happy to see that Washington and Damascus are opening a tenative dialogue. I agree that this is "wisdom, not weakness."
2. Initiatives like this ought to remind Americans that, although they love to rant and rave about Saudi Arabia's "backwards" society, they owe MUCH to the Kingdom. Remember, I am not a Saudi, just a mere expat who has suffered her fair share of trials in the good old KSA.
It just seems to me that, if America is honest with itself, it would realize that the Saudi government has often been one of their most helpful allies in the Middle East. Corrupt and contigent, yes. But useful? No doubt.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Women in Islam Program
So, on Saturday evening I attended a program at the local Muslim Community Center, entitled "Women in Islam." It was sponsored by the Muslim women of the community center, and included an ethnic dinner, a short speech by the local imam, a guest speaker on the role of Mary in the Qur'an, and a cultural fashion show.
I thought it was a great idea and they did a good job. I could tell they were eager to dispell stereotypes, to display themselves as proud, dignified, independent women despite the stylish scarves wrapped daintily around their heads. It really isn't an oxymoron--to be modest and liberated--but conveying that is an uphill battle.
Anyway, I invited four of my friends to attend--'white people' as I call them (again, I'm white-skinned, very white, but I never really identify with my ultra-Western demographic). I think they had a good time--they said it was interesting and they especially loved the fashion show at the end, when different women and their daughters proudly displayed their traditional bridal wear from Pakistan, Palestine, Albania, Saudi Arabia, India, and Egypt. Very girly, but a great way to ease people into Muslim/Arab/SE Asian culture. I'm glad I brought friends.
They also did our henna! (This is a pretty simple, small design compared to what I've had in the past, but there was a long line so they kept it short.)
I thought it was a great idea and they did a good job. I could tell they were eager to dispell stereotypes, to display themselves as proud, dignified, independent women despite the stylish scarves wrapped daintily around their heads. It really isn't an oxymoron--to be modest and liberated--but conveying that is an uphill battle.
Anyway, I invited four of my friends to attend--'white people' as I call them (again, I'm white-skinned, very white, but I never really identify with my ultra-Western demographic). I think they had a good time--they said it was interesting and they especially loved the fashion show at the end, when different women and their daughters proudly displayed their traditional bridal wear from Pakistan, Palestine, Albania, Saudi Arabia, India, and Egypt. Very girly, but a great way to ease people into Muslim/Arab/SE Asian culture. I'm glad I brought friends.
They also did our henna! (This is a pretty simple, small design compared to what I've had in the past, but there was a long line so they kept it short.)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I finally rented "Arranged"
I'm getting over the flu, so I went out and rented several movies, including "Arranged"...Lovely movie!! The tagline reads: "Friendship Has No Religion."
It is the story of an Orthodox Jew, Rochel, and a Syrian-American Muslim, Nasira. They are both beautiful young women in their early twenties, teaching together in New York City. They become close friends, and help each other through the prospects of arranged marriages.
It deals with faith in modern America, prejudice, ignorance, and coming-of-age. I highly recommend it!
It is the story of an Orthodox Jew, Rochel, and a Syrian-American Muslim, Nasira. They are both beautiful young women in their early twenties, teaching together in New York City. They become close friends, and help each other through the prospects of arranged marriages.
It deals with faith in modern America, prejudice, ignorance, and coming-of-age. I highly recommend it!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
CNN report on Child Brides in KSA
"The ulama fear that modernization means Westernization"
This is a really unfortunate circumstance--obviously, there are many who want to see change. I don't mean to suggest that most Saudis contradict common sense and support unhealthy practices. But the sad truth is that a few painfuly reactionary leaders hold a disproportioinate amount of authority, resulting in problems like this one.
Palestinian PM Fayyad resigns
(CNN) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has submitted his letter of resignation, the prime minister's office told CNN on Saturday.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's resignation may smooth the way for a unity government.
Considered a political independent, Fayyad was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in June 2007 to be prime minister.
Fayyad's decision may help smooth the way for a Palestinian unity government that would be acceptable to both Hamas and Fatah, the region's two main political parties, as well as the international community.
Officials have argued a neutral government would be crucial to getting aid into Gaza to help with reconstruction and humanitarian relief.
Palestinians unsuccessfully tried their hand at a unity government in the spring of 2007, with the mediation of Saudi Arabia. The experiment ended in June of that year with Hamas taking over Gaza, leaving Fatah in charge in the West Bank.
Fayyad, a well-regarded international economist, was finance minister during the short-lived unity government in 2007
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's resignation may smooth the way for a unity government.
Considered a political independent, Fayyad was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in June 2007 to be prime minister.
Fayyad's decision may help smooth the way for a Palestinian unity government that would be acceptable to both Hamas and Fatah, the region's two main political parties, as well as the international community.
Officials have argued a neutral government would be crucial to getting aid into Gaza to help with reconstruction and humanitarian relief.
Palestinians unsuccessfully tried their hand at a unity government in the spring of 2007, with the mediation of Saudi Arabia. The experiment ended in June of that year with Hamas taking over Gaza, leaving Fatah in charge in the West Bank.
Fayyad, a well-regarded international economist, was finance minister during the short-lived unity government in 2007
Friday, March 6, 2009
Let's Talk.
"It is time for the American people to understand that it is not weakness, but wisdom to talk not just to our friends, but to our enemies,"
-Barack Obama
I am a strong believer in diplomacy. I literally cheered when Obama brought up this point in one of the presidential debates, and he has never let go of his conviction that dialogue and cooperation is a crucial part of maintaining security abroad. It is NOT a weakness, but indeed, wisdom. America doesn't have the military capacity, economic influence, or universal goodwill needed to maintain our security without sincere negotiations. Sure, we can bully, coerce, bribe, and threaten all we want, but the world is a big place, and globalization has made our "enemies" more mobile, remote, and creative.
Anyway, I think Obama's determination to engage the Middle East has certainly been a wise and admirable gesture, and I am encouraged to read that the UK is following suit, opting to open communication with Lebanon's Hezbollah.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/03/200935122446775120.html
Now before you cry "COMMI!!" and accuse me of being an un-American, terrorist loving radical, let me explain. I don't support Hezbollah per se, nor do I applaud the methods that this group and others have been implementing in past years. But as the article explains, Lebanon is approaching elections, and Hezbollah may become an even more powerful political presence.
I understand we take moral issue with these groups sometimes. But we can't allow our pride or our sense of ethical superiority to blind us from reality. The reality is that Hezbollah, Hamas, and Ahmedenijad all exist. This reality may be unpleasant and worrisome, but it exists nonetheless. We need to be careful--sometimes it is right to ignore these groups and deprive them of legitimacy. However, many of them are already much more legitmate than we'd like to admit, and it's better to face them sooner, rather than later, when it may be too late.
-Barack Obama
I am a strong believer in diplomacy. I literally cheered when Obama brought up this point in one of the presidential debates, and he has never let go of his conviction that dialogue and cooperation is a crucial part of maintaining security abroad. It is NOT a weakness, but indeed, wisdom. America doesn't have the military capacity, economic influence, or universal goodwill needed to maintain our security without sincere negotiations. Sure, we can bully, coerce, bribe, and threaten all we want, but the world is a big place, and globalization has made our "enemies" more mobile, remote, and creative.
Anyway, I think Obama's determination to engage the Middle East has certainly been a wise and admirable gesture, and I am encouraged to read that the UK is following suit, opting to open communication with Lebanon's Hezbollah.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/03/200935122446775120.html
Now before you cry "COMMI!!" and accuse me of being an un-American, terrorist loving radical, let me explain. I don't support Hezbollah per se, nor do I applaud the methods that this group and others have been implementing in past years. But as the article explains, Lebanon is approaching elections, and Hezbollah may become an even more powerful political presence.
I understand we take moral issue with these groups sometimes. But we can't allow our pride or our sense of ethical superiority to blind us from reality. The reality is that Hezbollah, Hamas, and Ahmedenijad all exist. This reality may be unpleasant and worrisome, but it exists nonetheless. We need to be careful--sometimes it is right to ignore these groups and deprive them of legitimacy. However, many of them are already much more legitmate than we'd like to admit, and it's better to face them sooner, rather than later, when it may be too late.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Faces of American Idol
My friends and family will tell you, I'm sort of racist.
That is, if given a choice, I will almost always be more attracted to an ethnic or non-Western person/object/concept than a Western/American person/object/concept. (I could go into endless detail about the rationale behind this...maybe some other time.)
My friends of different religions and ethnic minorities think it's hilarious the way I often criticize "white people"--or how I complain about the archetypal "skinny white chicks" in movies or the media. (They find a particular irony in noting that I, myself, am rather thin and VERY white, at least on the outside.)
Anyway, this tendency of mine is very true in this year's season of American Idol. Yes, I am an avid follower of this show--cheesy and commercialized as it is, it's grown on me and is kind of a family tradition.
This year, my heart has been won over by the wonderfully talented Lil Rounds (an African American mother), Anoop Desai (of Indian descent), and Jorge Nunez, a Puerto Rican who has worked tirelessly to bridge the language barrier the judges identified earlier in the competition (even working with a dialect coach until his accent became almost non-existent.)
I just think it's beautiful to see such "diversity" (less white people, that is) on a show entitled "AMERICAN Idol." Truly, no one can really define what it means to be "American," but I think it's wonderful that cultural and racial expectations are widening.
Mmmm. An African-American in the White House, and white people being outsung on Fox Network. Delicious!
That is, if given a choice, I will almost always be more attracted to an ethnic or non-Western person/object/concept than a Western/American person/object/concept. (I could go into endless detail about the rationale behind this...maybe some other time.)
My friends of different religions and ethnic minorities think it's hilarious the way I often criticize "white people"--or how I complain about the archetypal "skinny white chicks" in movies or the media. (They find a particular irony in noting that I, myself, am rather thin and VERY white, at least on the outside.)
Anyway, this tendency of mine is very true in this year's season of American Idol. Yes, I am an avid follower of this show--cheesy and commercialized as it is, it's grown on me and is kind of a family tradition.
This year, my heart has been won over by the wonderfully talented Lil Rounds (an African American mother), Anoop Desai (of Indian descent), and Jorge Nunez, a Puerto Rican who has worked tirelessly to bridge the language barrier the judges identified earlier in the competition (even working with a dialect coach until his accent became almost non-existent.)
I just think it's beautiful to see such "diversity" (less white people, that is) on a show entitled "AMERICAN Idol." Truly, no one can really define what it means to be "American," but I think it's wonderful that cultural and racial expectations are widening.
Mmmm. An African-American in the White House, and white people being outsung on Fox Network. Delicious!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
"Muslim Food"
So, on campus, the Muslim Student Association is having an "Islam Awareness Week." Today they had an Imam give a lecture entitled, "Jesus in Islam." Yesterday, they had a "Taste of the Faith" presentation/display, where free food was available. The food was familiar to me--filafil, hummus, mamoul, etc.
I didn't attend this luncheon because I was working downstairs (I have a job on campus.) My co-worker, who is a Muslim, graciously brought a heaping plateful of food for the ladies of our office to sample. She just dropped off the food and left. I gratefully devoured several filafil--I miss that stuff! Then I listened as the other women in the office responded to the food.
Coworker A: "Do you want to try some Muslim food?"
Coworker B: "Ahh...What is it?"
Coworker A: "Um, I don't know, the Muslims were giving away food."
Coworker C (entering): "Oh, what's going on? Is it Foreign Culture Food Day or something??"
Coworker A: "No, some Muslim students are doing something...Uhh...Sarah????" (That's my name)
Me: "It's Islam Awareness Week. They started today with some ethnic food and then tomorrow..."
(Cutting me off) Coworker B: "Oh, well, I'm not that hungry. Looks interesting though."
(they all lose interest, food goes uneaten.)
I don't think they are racist, I'm not trying to uncover some ugly prejudice or anything here. But I did think this was yet another example of the awkwardness and involuntary apprehension that accompanies anything vaguely Arab, and, in this case, Muslim. (And that's another pet peeve: "Arab" does NOT always equal "Muslim," or vice versa.)
Anyway, they know that I am the honorary "ambassador to the Muslims." Some of them know I lived in Saudi Arabia, some of them know my dad is Muslim, and some of them just know that I am often present at MSA events and that I am close friends with many of the campus Muslims.
Anyway, there is some sort of tension, some sort of hesitation, that is truly undeniable in so many of my "tolerant" compatriots. It's fascinating and unfortunate.
I didn't attend this luncheon because I was working downstairs (I have a job on campus.) My co-worker, who is a Muslim, graciously brought a heaping plateful of food for the ladies of our office to sample. She just dropped off the food and left. I gratefully devoured several filafil--I miss that stuff! Then I listened as the other women in the office responded to the food.
Coworker A: "Do you want to try some Muslim food?"
Coworker B: "Ahh...What is it?"
Coworker A: "Um, I don't know, the Muslims were giving away food."
Coworker C (entering): "Oh, what's going on? Is it Foreign Culture Food Day or something??"
Coworker A: "No, some Muslim students are doing something...Uhh...Sarah????" (That's my name)
Me: "It's Islam Awareness Week. They started today with some ethnic food and then tomorrow..."
(Cutting me off) Coworker B: "Oh, well, I'm not that hungry. Looks interesting though."
(they all lose interest, food goes uneaten.)
I don't think they are racist, I'm not trying to uncover some ugly prejudice or anything here. But I did think this was yet another example of the awkwardness and involuntary apprehension that accompanies anything vaguely Arab, and, in this case, Muslim. (And that's another pet peeve: "Arab" does NOT always equal "Muslim," or vice versa.)
Anyway, they know that I am the honorary "ambassador to the Muslims." Some of them know I lived in Saudi Arabia, some of them know my dad is Muslim, and some of them just know that I am often present at MSA events and that I am close friends with many of the campus Muslims.
Anyway, there is some sort of tension, some sort of hesitation, that is truly undeniable in so many of my "tolerant" compatriots. It's fascinating and unfortunate.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Republican Party Should Consider a Face Lift (click here for story)
Now, I’m not a Republican, and not really a conservative either. I do, however, hold some “conservative” values, such as protection of privacy and the genius of the free market (within proper constraints). I do appreciate the Republican voice in Congress; I believe it is important in tempering what could easily become a Democratic free-for-all. (I greatly value many Democratic policies as well, but I am always aware of the need for balance and moderation.)
Thus, I think it is rather unfortunate that Rush Limbaugh has become the “voice and face” of the Republican party. Yikes! (granted this particular statement was made by Immanuel, but Rush WAS the headline speaker at the CPAC) I have tried to listen to Rush a few times, but I always turn off the radio in disgust. It is impossible for me to respect someone who uses such hateful, subjective language. I’m sorry, but saying repeatedly that you hope our Commander in Chief “fails” is not acceptable to me, no matter the context.
Americans need Obama to succeed. Democrat or not, none of us will benefit from Obama’s downfall, and such a hope is something I can never come to respect. Honestly, we had world leaders all around the world cheering us on when Obama took the Oath of Office. To think that Rush was somewhere fuming and wishing ill upon our newly elected president is an unsettling thought, one that calls to mind an image of an pouting child.
Thus, I think it is rather unfortunate that Rush Limbaugh has become the “voice and face” of the Republican party. Yikes! (granted this particular statement was made by Immanuel, but Rush WAS the headline speaker at the CPAC) I have tried to listen to Rush a few times, but I always turn off the radio in disgust. It is impossible for me to respect someone who uses such hateful, subjective language. I’m sorry, but saying repeatedly that you hope our Commander in Chief “fails” is not acceptable to me, no matter the context.
Americans need Obama to succeed. Democrat or not, none of us will benefit from Obama’s downfall, and such a hope is something I can never come to respect. Honestly, we had world leaders all around the world cheering us on when Obama took the Oath of Office. To think that Rush was somewhere fuming and wishing ill upon our newly elected president is an unsettling thought, one that calls to mind an image of an pouting child.
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