Hamas

So many people say, "I just can't understand why Palestinians would support those terrorists, Hamas."

This is one reason why...

Not saying it's right, but it's understandable.

"Arab Money"

Ha, has anyone heard of the controversy surrounding Busta Rhyme's song, "Arab Money"? I wasn't aware of it originally...but it's interesting, with his references to the al-Saud family and "gambling with Arafat" (??) and such...hm.

Here's an article about the reaction to the song:

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/58252/busta-rhymes-arab-money-resurfaces-after-controversy-calms/

And here's the video...Watch at your own risk, haha.


Arab Money Video

That whole "Change Thing" is starting to kick in!!

EXCERPT FROM OBAMA'S INTERVIEW ON AL ARABIYA (video is imbedded in previous post)

OBAMA: [The terrorist's] ideas are bankrupt. There’s no actions that they’ve taken that say a child in the Muslim world is getting a better education because of them, or has better health care because of them.

In my inauguration speech, I spoke about: You will be judged on what you’ve built, not what you’ve destroyed. And what they’ve been doing is destroying things. And over time, I think the Muslim world has recognized that that path is leading no place, except more death and destruction.

Now, my job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world that the language we use has to be a language of respect. I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries. [Indonesia]

I am really excited about this. The difference between Obama and Bush--or Obama and any of our recent presidents, really--could not be more pronounced!

Not only is he addressing the Muslim world directly, respectfully, and repeatedly, but he openly acknowledges his Muslim relations and his history in Indonesia in an age where "Arab" and "Islam" translates into "dirty terrorist" in most minds.

OBAMA: And my job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that. And that I think is going to be an important task.

But ultimately, people are going to judge me not by my words but by my actions and my administration's actions. And I think that what you will see over the next several years is that I'm not going to agree with everything that some Muslim leader may say, or what's on a television station in the Arab world -- but I think that what you'll see is somebody who is listening, who is respectful, and who is trying to promote the interests not just of the United States, but also ordinary people who right now are suffering from poverty and a lack of opportunity. I want to make sure that I'm speaking to them, as well.

Wow--An America who listens respectfully--one who tries to "promote the interests not just of the United States"?

Could it be??

It's been a while since I've been proud to be an American...Living overseas has made me acutely aware of how self-serving and single-minded American foreign policy can be...The word is desperately ready for Obama to make good on these promises!

But he's right...we are ultimately going to judge him based on his actions, not his glib speech.

I hardly recognize the American foreign policy, already.

Beginning with his inaugral speech, Obama has relentlessly pursued a proactive approach to Muslims and the Middle East.

I am cautious, but also very impressed.

Spinnin' wheel got to go round.

This is simply ominous. "Vowing no surrender..."

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I'm the daughter of a Gazan. I agree with the "international human rights groups" who say that "Israel used disproportionate force" against Palestine--more than once.

But I still shudder to watch this video. It is a graphic illustration of what we already knew--the end is nowhere in sight. It breaks my heart.

Taking his time?

I am glad to hear that Obama is taking his time before implementing any new strategy or plan for withdrawl in Iraq. After all, this was only Day 2 for him. I think it's a sign of wisdom and humility to pause and gather the counsel of experts before making such important decisions. As much as I can't WAIT for the US to be out of Iraq, I know that it would be to our detriment if we exit unwisely. I don't support the war, but we must make the best of the reality we find ourselves in.

I also liked to see that his first phone calls were to people like Abbas and Mubarak!! ;-)

"It ain't over, mebbe."

"Get ready for round two..." eh?

Watching History...

I think the whole world is ready for this candidate of change...I only hope we won't be disappointed!!

I'm sitting next to my brother, watching Yo-Yo Ma and others perform and waiting to witness an incredible moment in history...

Ashes, ashes, we all fall down

For now, a cease fire and an Israeli withdrawl. Will it last?



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http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1055968.html <<< Interesting little article I found by an Israeli journalist who disapproves of Israel's conduct of late. A little healthy criticism of one's government is only ever a sign of intelligence and understanding, in my opinion.

Well, I suppose as the daughter of a Gazan, I should be breathing a sigh of relief at Israel's promise to be "out of Gaza by the time Obama is inaugurated"...but with over 1,300 dead, there is no victory here--although both Hamas and the IDF are claiming to be the "winners."

Palestine has suffered massive consequences for the mistakes of Hamas, and those who paid the ultimate price will remain a bloody testament to the missteps of this "government" for all time.

What remains to be seen is how much Israel will suffer politically and emotionally for the unscrupulous brutalities of it's own leaders. No, Palestine's petty artillery is no match for Israel's mighty military, but those 1,300+ bodies won't disappear once they're buried. The world watched each man, woman, and child fall, and for many in the audience, the display of the past 3 weeks triggered a horror that will not soon be forgotten.

I was afraid of this...

The Palestine/Israel conflict just got a whole lot uglier...Not only are they not slowing the attack after 19 days of fighting, but now a second front has come under fire, this time from Lebanon.

I don't see how this new offensive is going to do anything productive--I have a sinking feeling that it's just going to result in an angrier, more determined Israel...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090114/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians