AlsahafaNewspaperNovember2006

NOVEMBER 2006

The time is right for change
The topic I’d like to discuss with you all this
month is about “Reformulating Policy in the
Middle East,” an issue that is critical to get right.
We need to get our Middle East policy right. If we
don’t get it right, it’s become clear that we can’t
have security in the United States. So it’s important
for U.S. citizens to get it right.
Our allies need us to get it right because they
can’t have security, and the people of the region
need us to get it right because the destruction that
we saw in Lebanon, the destruction that we’re seeing
in Iraq, we don’t want to see that continue to
expand to other countries in the region.
So, this is a critical moment to really look at this
issue of reformulating policy in the Middle East.
It’s important that we begin to have a very honest
and frank discussion about it.
So how do we make a more sensible Middle
East policy? I think when you start to look at the
Middle East you have to start with the obvious - the
question of oil. There’s no question that controlling
the oil and the profits from oil is a top priority in
EDITOR’S THOUGHTS
the Middle East, particularly as we are competing
with China and India for that resource. As it gets
more precious and more expensive, that becomes a
higher priority. So if you want to talk about reformulating
policy in the Middle East, it starts with
reformulating our energy policy at home and by
becoming a leader in the world for a more sensible
energy policy.
We have the technology to change our energy
policy away from the dirty, nineteenth-twentieth
century fossil fuel economy toward a twenty-first
century clean, sustainable energy economy. A
review of the wind resources, for example, in the
United States by the federal government found that
three states alone could provide enough energy
through wind to satisfy all of our electricity needs.
Three states alone. One of those is Texas.
Even oil-rich Texas can profit and continue to
profit from the wind resources. And that’s just one
source. What’s great about the moment that we’re
in right now is that we’re reaching a tipping point
where the public is ready for this. The public is
ready for this transition. They know it’s needed. It’s
needed for a variety of reasons. There’ll always be
a need for some oil. So, the Middle East will still
be an issue, but it won’t become a national security
issue if we can break our addiction to oil. It’s also
an environmental urgency.
So we have a combination of economic and
environment and national security coming together
with the same conclusion. It’s time to break our
addiction to fossil fuels. It’s urgent. There’s no
time to waste on it. The missed opportunity of 9/11
for our oil-based economy was to say, “We need
to get all these old, dirty fossil fuel cars off the
streets within ten years. We could do it.” Imagine
the Midwest (OHIO) with the explosion in new
automobile sales and new automobile production.
The Midwest would have been growing. We’d also
change the way our buildings operate, both personal,
commercial and government buildings, because
there’s a lot of waste there as well. The United
States wastes half the energy that it has, and so we
can have a lot of room in there for that change. I
think once we break our oil addiction, which I think
is very doable and essential, then we can really look
at the Middle East in a much more sensible way.
So I hope that people hearing this will run for
office themselves, because we really need leadership.
We need people to get up and say that we
need to change direction because that is the role of
us as civic players and we need to start to be civic
participants in the government. As civic participants
we need to not just run for office, we need to be
advocating these issues because I think the time
is right for change. I repeat, the time is right for
change.
You can see it in the polling. You can see it in the
votes we’ve had
around the country.
Currently, so
far, this election
season, people
are ready to see
a different direction
in government,
and once
we get a different
direction
in government
with an emphasis
on breaking
away from a
fossil fuel-based
economy which
I think is the
key for so many
war and peace issues, like the Middle East; and the
issue of our economic environment. And once we
get these key issues right, I believe things will start
to fall in place.
Oh...and by the way, Happy Thanksgiving on
November 23rd! ...Gobble Gobble :))
Fatina Salaheddine
(Lebanese-American)
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making news!Mission StatementThe name Al-Sahafa
means ‘the media’ or the ‘reporter’ in Arabic.
The purpose of Al-Sahafa Newspaper is to provide a bridge of com-
Northeast Ohio. Al-Sahafa is open to all persons in any creed, race,
religion, or organization. This publication does not and will not tolerate
any form of Religious Contempt of Discrimination of country origin in
the Middle East. We are all God’s children. This publication is understandably
controversial at times, but its contents sole purpose is to spark
readers’ interest and attention about the “Arab” view point on all past
and current political, cultural and social issues effecting our daily lives.
“I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple,
pray in you church. For you and I are sons of one religion and it is
in the spirit.”
-Khalil Gibran (Arab American poet)

James Zogby
(President; Arab American Institute,
Washington D.C.)
In not a single House or Senate race
being contested this year will the candidates
engage in a serious debate about the failed
U.S. policy in the Middle East. There are
a number of races where the Iraq war is an
issue, but in these instances the debate has
more to do with how we got into th
e war, the mistakes we’ve made and how
we should leave. There are, to be sure, supporters
of the president’s vision (or fantasy)
of the Iraq War, i.e. that we are producing a
democracy that will transform the region.
But in no case is there a serious discussion
about Iraq itself or the consequences of
our broader Middle East policy.
How can this be, especially given the
reality of the horrible impact our polices
have yielded for the people of the region in
just the past few years?
We have created a mess. Iraq is a cauldron
of explosive violence, with most of
that country’s neighbors living in fear of its
implosion. Iran, now emboldened by our
failure in Iraq, has coupled inflammatory
extremist r
hetoric with a defiant nuclear challenge.
Middle East News
Deadly Silence On The Middle East
Lebanon, still reeling after this summer’s
devastating assault, is deeply divided with
civil conflict looming on the horizon. The
Palestinians have suffered from U.S. neglect
of the peace process and the continued
brutality of the occupation, both of which
have contributed to a growth of extremism
and the internal dissolution of their society.
Meanwhile, Israel, the supposed ally, has
fared no better, with war and occupation
resulting in renewed isolation and insecurity.
All of this points to a remarkable story of
failure, and yet not a single campaign has
challenged the polices that have brought
us to this point.Instead of debate, there is
silence-as if the horrors of this past summer
in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq didn’t happen,
and our policies in no way contributed
to the mess both we and the peoples of the
Middle East are in.
There is, it appears, a bipartisan consensus
in support of failure, with a resulting
deadly silence.There are two areas where
the Middle East is being discussed. Some in
both parties continue to demonstrate resolve
to “end our dependency on Middle East
oil.”
This slogan has been crafted to falsely
conflate several problems-terrorism, environmental
concerns and anti-Arab sentiment.
This campaign is profoundly misleading
on so may levels (e.g .: we are dependent
on oil, but not Middle East oil per se;
environmental concerns are real and should
be addressed, but Arab-baiting isn’t helpful
in this regard; and generalizing Arab wealth
and conflating it with “terror” is as racist as
the old “Jewish banker” canard).
The other instance where the Middle East
emerges as an issue in some campaigns is
with the crowd that just can’t seem to let go
of the DPW ports issue. Some Democratic
campaigns are still seeking to “exploit”
their “victory” on this issue-some in campaign
materials and others in boasting
phone calls to voters. Shameful.
The Middle East poses too many critical
challenges and it holds too many vital interests
for this region to be treated so shabbily.
As I have noted before: in the past three
decades, since the end of Vietnam, the U.S.
has spent more foreign aid, shipped more
weapons, sent more troops, fought more
wars and lost more lives (even before Iraq)
in the Middle East, than anywhere else in
the world.
We’ve also expended more political capital
in one-sided diplomacy that refused to
understand regional realities or recognize
our broader interests, and we’ve created
enormous animosity because of these failures.
And yet, no debate.I am often told that
the reason is fear of offending powerful
special interests (the “religious right” and
hard-line pro-Israel Jewish groups). But
polling shows that while many Americans
do indeed support Israel, they want the
administration to pursue policies that are
balanced and support a just peace settlement
(this is also true of polling within the Jewish
community).
Most Americans know that they do not
understand the Middle East, see our polices
as one-sided and failed, and want change.
But, it appears they won’t get any change
this year.It’s too late to expect any meaningful
debate to occur in 2006-but not too late
to demand that is on the agenda for 2008.
We simply cannot continue to alienate
ourselves from the peoples of this critically
important part of the world. We simply cannot
persist in operating so blindly in a region
whose peoples, culture and history we do not
understand. We simply cannot allow those
who seek to lead us to continue to refuse to
confront our failures and to be silent.
We should have debated our Middle East
policies years ago. We did not. It is vitally
important that the debate begin now.
People get the government they deserve
By Joanne McKenna
86 percent of voting-age Arab
Americans were registered voters in early
2000.
We are good citizens and exercise our
right to vote for the candidates of our
choice.Our country has invaded and occupied
Iraq. Lebanon has been decimated
and Palestine continues to be brutalized,
starved and robbed - all with U.S. acquiescence.
Syria is being threatened. The image of
the United States in the Middle East has
never been more malignant.
The civil liberties of Arab Americans are
being abridged and ethnic and religious
discrimination is rife in the U.S.
There is no open discussion and debate
about U.S. policies toward the Middle
East. Legislators and candidates for political
office may express opinions about our
involvement in Iraq but it is the rare legislator
- Republican or Democrat - who
voted against giving this Administration
the power to invade and occupy Iraq.
Rarer still is the politician or political
candidate who is willing to address or
debate the cause and effect of unqualified
military, moral, financial and political
support of Israel no matter what it does
or how it negatively impacts the vital and
legitimate interests of the United States in
the Middle East.
The United States was founded on the
rule of law.
The liberties that Americans enjoy and
cherish are based on the law being applied
equitably and justly to all.
When the law is not applied equitably
and justly to all U.S. citizens and when
international laws are set aside or brazenly
violated, we are diminished and our freedom
as a nation and as a people is imperiled.
Do we remember those noble words in
our Declaration of Independence? “We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, that among these are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That to secure these rights, governments
are instituted among men, deriving their
just powers from the consent of the governed.”
To what, exactly, have we given our
consent with regard to U.S. policy toward
the Middle East?For Election 2006 we
are faced, in most cases, with a limited
choice of candidates and Arab Americans
will probably hold our noses and vote for
whatever glimmer of change we can find.
We must get ourselves together, voice our
concerns and demand of our legislators
an open discussion on U.S. policy toward
the Middle East. We must insist that our
viewpoints be heard and considered.
We must communicate to our legislators
by letter, e-mail, telephone, fax, and in
personal visits our dissatisfaction with the
status quo of U.S. foreign policy toward
the Middle East.Our beloved United States
of America is sliding into an abyss.
We, who know more about the Arab
World than do 99% of Americans, must
insist - and even demand - that our legislators
begin a candid, open and frank debate
on U.S. policy toward the Middle East.If
we don’t do it, who will?

Wednesday December 6th.
The meeting begins at 7:30pm at the Holiday Inn-Rockside.
Free to Members. $10 for non-members or non-members may pay their 2007 dues and
enter free. For more information, contact President,
Abdullah Mina at 216-749-6629
A two-day Conference of Palestinian American community leaders and activists from 17 states
will take place in Cleveland, Ohio on November 10-12, 2006. The meeting, which will be held at the
ACCESS-OHIO Hall, will usher the process of organizing a Palestinian-American popular conference
open to all Palestinians throughout the United States, either in 2007 or 2008, (to be decided
at the 2-day Conference). Coincidentally, the 2-day meeting falls on the 60 year anniversary of
Al Nakba. The conference will focus on sustaining the Palestinian narrative and culture amongst
Palestinian rights. Space at the organizing meeting is limited. Members of the Cleveland Palestinian
community interested in attending the meeting, need to register by contacting the Palestine Office in
Detroit, Michigan at 313-945-9660, or Mr. Abbas Hamideh (216-299-6002), or by emailing palestine
conferenceusa@yahoo.com.
COMMUNITY
My name is Saman Quraeshi, and I
want to introduce myself to the community
as the new Marketing Manager for Al-
Sahafa. I’m originally from sunny Florida,
and let me just say; the cold weather is
already making me nervous! I recently
got married and that is why I am here in
Ohio (love really does make you do crazy
things).
I am a Pakistani-American and this past
year I lived in Karachi. In Karachi, I experienced
many things that surprised me and
made me realize just how small the world
really is.
I noticed that American Brand Names
such as Abercrombie, Coach, and Nike are
huge with the youth. Many times I would
hear the music of well-known American
artists such as Eminem, Beyonce, and
Sean Paul at parties and pumping loudly
in cars.
The variety of American foods readily
available was quite a treat for me too! We
enjoyed McDonald’s, KFC, Papa Johns,
Pizza Hut, Subway and a TGI Friday. The
burgers at McDonalds and other fast food
chains also came with the option of being
spicy, thus incorporating the local tastes
of native Pakistanis while at the same
time bringing American food to a country
which is half-way across the world!
What brought me to Al-Sahafa, you ask?
Well, by being American it is something
that we should all be proud of and at the
same time, should celebrate our distinctive
cultures and heritage, and Al-Sahafa does
just that! Being that Al-Sahafa represents
Ohio’s large Middle Eastern population,
there are many issues and topics that we
have to stay on top of. And although, I
just joined the team, I can see that many
loyal Al-Sahafa fans have been instrumental
in keeping this vital publication going
strong.
I hope that as the Marketing Manager, I
can serve as a liaison between the varied
businesses with Al-Sahafa. My goal is to
get advertisements that are relevant and
would serve purpose to our readership
base, while at the same time benefit businesses
around the community.
Hope to work with you soon!

Each month, different “Feature
Profiles” will be included, to show
our readers how diverse, and yet
just how similar we all really are.
Please keep in mind, that this
Newspaper has gotten great reviews
because of its extensive marketing
and exposure not only in the
great state of Ohio, but also in
Washington D.C., California,
Michigan, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, and Texas. (This
is just to name a few states in
America - we have also been
exposed internationally). Basically
- what you need to keep in mind is
that a lot of people are reading this
Newspaper!
The religion(s), customs, countries,
and people of Middle East
have been such a target for negative
media and publicity in the
past 4 years. This “Feature
Profile” section has high hopes of
“Breaking Down Barriers”, and
reminding our readers exactly how
beautifully rich and vastly cultured
our land of Arabia is, and where we
all stem from.
GETTING TO KNOW:
Mr. Walid Jammal
* Born in Beirut, Lebanon
* Have an American Family
Insurance Agency at 4858 Dover
Center in North Olmsted.
* Although, I do not belong to
any specific organization, I volunteer
for many different causes, the
American Cancer Society, Muscular
Dystrophy Association, member
of the St. George Church Parish
Council Board.
* I have been in the states for 24
years (that is all my adult life)
* Speak, write and read Arabic
and French
* My immediate family all live in
the states, uncles, aunts and cousins
as well as my wife’s family all live
between Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait,
United Arab Emirates, and Europe.
* I try to go back as often as I
can.
* It has been 5 years since I have
been back to Lebanon. On that trip
I visited many places in the country
and traveled to Cyprus, Italy,
France and back to Beirut. As a
matter of fact I was in Paris on
September 11
* Roman Orthodox is my religion
* We are
big on celebrations,
any
reason to get
together is a
good enough
reason to
bring family
and friends
together
- we celebrate
with
all religions,
with friends
and families
in different
faiths by
marriage,
how can you
not be a part
of each others
lives?
* I attend
Mass at several
Arab
American Churches; St. George on
W. 14th, St. Elias on Memphis and
St. Maron on Carnegie.
* I have spent about 20 years in a
corporate environment and was able
to attain executive positions. Yet
throughout, I had to educate people
about the Middle East, the different
culture and customs and introduce
them to our world, as their
views were always tainted with
perceptions and portrayals of Arabs
through the media.
* You can not ignore what happened
to our culture after 9/11.
Persons whom I met after 9/11, had
certain prejudices and I had to overcome
them again thru education and
proving to them that stereotyping a
group of people because of one act
is wrong. Reminding them of what
happened in Oklahoma City a few
years earlier usually opened their
eyes, and gave them the opportunity
to stop and reflect. Normally it
made them change their views of us
as Arab Americans.
* The war on Iraq did not have
any major impact on me. I usually
keep politics and political views
out of my day to day dealings and
my professional life. I hold my
views and beliefs to myself, what is
important to me is treating people
with the respect and decency and I
expect them to reciprocate, regardless
of their ethnicity, religious,
COMMUNITY
Getting to know Mr. Walid Jammal
or political
beliefs. I
refuse to deal
with anybody
who does not
have values,
morals or does
not fear God
or a higher
being.
* I am Arab-
American,
and I always
remind my
American
Friends that
I am an
American by
Choice.
* It is my
experience
that educational
levels in
Lebanon are
much more
advanced than here. When I first
came to go to college, I was able to
transfer many credits, and later on
when my nieces moved to the states
one was accepted as a sophomore
at Kent State although she had not
started college back home and her
sister was accepted as a senior in
High School and back home she
was about to start HS.
* Before 9/11 any time I traveled
on business, I was singled out to be
searched or to have my briefcase
checked for traces of explosive for
the way I looked, at one point I
even shaved my moustache thinking
it might help. After 9/11, the security
measures are across the board,
yet we can be singled out to be
strip searched at the airport.
* My hope is that we will have in
our lifetime a lasting peace over the
entire Middle East, where everyone
can live together in harmony and
respect. Why cannot the Arab world
be one like the European countries
where you can travel, live and work
anywhere like it were your own
homeland?
* You have to work harder to be
known in the states, in your homeland,
everyone knows who you are
and your successes are easily recognized;
your successes or failures are
yours and yours alone, here, we are
looked upon as a group of people
not individuals and one bad thing
that you might do intentionally or
not will affect everyone, yet, this is
more reason for an Arab American
to work harder and to keep his or
her reputation clean and intact.
* We need to always put prejudices
aside and not take any racism
comments or acts against us personally.
Our job is to teach people
about our culture and ethnicity,
it is people who are ignorant and
uneducated who can hurt you and
as educated individuals we have to
recognize that and deal with it.
* I am very proud of who I am,
my homeland. My ethnicity and
culture have made me a creative
individual, able to deal with everyone
and everybody with respect
and honor, and allowed me to be
successful with endeavors I have
taken. This is my second career
since I have moved to the states,
and I thank god almighty for all
the blessing that he has given me
throughout.
* No one individual has been a
role model for me, I look at all successful
individuals in time past and
today from our world I can only be
proud of them and what they were
able to achieve in a new world, that
is always a good motive for which
to strive.
* I keep my political views and
beliefs to myself.
* As I said before, my hope is
for ONE MIDDLE EAST where all
the countries are dependent of each
other and co-dependent on each
other, and were we can be one with
everyone around us regardless of
ethnicity and religious influences.
Walid Jammal
4858 DOVER CENTER ROAD,
SUITE A NORTH OLMSTED,
OHIO 44070
PHONE: OFF: (440) 716-1460
FAX: (440) 716-1482
wjammal@amfam.com
REGISTERED
REPRESENTATIVE AMERICAN
FAMILY SECURITIES, LLC
6000 AMERICAN PARKWAY,
MADISON, WI 53783
1-888-428-5433
* SECURITES OFFERED
THROUGH AMERICAN FAMILY
SECURITIES, LLC

MILESTONE ATFP GALA
(Washington, D.C., October 12, 2006)
IN THE NEWS
American Task Force on Palestine
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
pledged her ‘personal commitment’ in helping
achieve the goal of a Palestinian state
living side by side with Israel in peace, in her
keynote address at last night’s American Task
Force on Palestine (ATFP) gala honoring the
achievements of Palestinian-Americans, in
Washington, D.C. Attendees at the gala numbered
almost 500 and included ambassadors,
senior administration figures, Congressmen
and a significant segment of the local
Palestinian-American community.
Secretary Rice laid out a 3 steps the U.S. is
undertaking to help the Palestinians including
laying the political and economic foundations
of a successful state, and helping Palestinians
establish an environment of security and rule
of law. Dr. Rice stressed “no greater legacy
for America than to help to bring into being
a Palestinian state” for Palestinians who have
been subjected to corruption, suffering and
the humiliation of occupation.
Following Secretary Rice, His Royal
Highness Prince Turki al-Faisal, Ambassador
of Saudi Arabia to the United States spoke
about the critical need to address the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, which had become “an
impediment to international stability.” Prince
Turki reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to
a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders
with its capital in Jerusalem, most recently
the plan set forth by then-Crown Prince, now
King, Abdullah at the Arab Summit in 2002.
Prince Turki also took issue with the view
that Palestinians needed to “prove that they are
worthy, before they are rewarded with their
own country,” reminding the audience that
Britain had used the
same reasoning against the people of the
American colonies struggling for representation
and independence in 1775. He added that
a change in U.S. policy towards the Middle
East was needed to stem the erosion of U.S.
standing in the region as well as in addressing
terrorism and the situation in Iraq.
Commenting on the significance of the
gala, ATFP president Dr. Ziad Asali said,
“this evening identified the true face of the
Palestinians as an educated, successful and
moderate community in the United States.”
He added that the commitments Secretary of
State Rice and Saudi ambassador Prince Turki
to a Palestinian state were a ringing endorsement
of the work ATFP has done towards
achieving that goal. “Tonight was a milestone
event that needs to be built upon by activating
the Palestinian-American community to use
the rights and privileges conferred upon them
as American citizens to advocate within the
political system for an independent and democratic
Palestinian state,” he said.

COUNTDOWN
The Arab American Institute wishes
a blessed and peaceful Eid to our
friends and members in the Muslim
community.
ARAB AMERICAN ISSUES
Considering his contributions to the
anti-Arab hysteria that surrounded the
Dubai ports deal and the unfair treatment
of Arab American Freeholder
candidate Sami Merhi earlier this year,
Senator Robert Menendez’s (D-NJ)
Arab American constituents have not
been well served. Now in a tight race
to retain his seat, Menendez is reaching
out to New Jersey Arab Americans,
including an explanation of his positions
on the issues
which have soured
his relationship
with the community.
On Dubai
ports, Menendez
said, “My opposition
to the sale of
our ports to Dubai Ports World should
in no way be seen as motivated by anti-
Arab or anti-Muslim animus. My focus
and concern on the DPW issue was and
always has been about port security....
I appreciate the role of the UAE as our
ally and good business partner in our
country and I want that to continue. I
would have opposed the deal and proposed
the same legislation no matter
what country was exerting this influence.”
With regard to Merhi’s candidacy:
“I firmly understand that what happened
with Sami Merhi was a difficult
moment for the Arab American community
and for the Democratic Party.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee (ADC) congratulates Laila Al-
Qatami, ADC Communications Director,
on being the first Arab American to be
elected to the National Board of Directors
of the American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU).
Laila Al-Qatami was elected by the
ACLU’s national electorate to fill one of
30 at-large seats on the ACLU’s National
Board of Directors.
She will serve a three-year term on the
National Board, which includes representatives
from the 53 ACLU affiliates across
the nation, in addition to the at-large seats.
Additionally, she was also elected
to serve as a member of the Board of
Directors for the ACLU National Capital
Area (ACLU-NCA) affiliate by the members
of the ACLU-NCA.
ADC President Hon. Mary Rose Oakar
said, “We are delighted Laila Al-Qatami
has been selected for this important national
position.
This is further evidence of Laila’s outstanding
commitment to the civil rights of
all Americans, as well as her exceptional
dedication to the Arab-American community.
Since she joined the ADC staff in
October 2000, she has been a vital part of
ADC’s achievements.
ADC relies on her guidance and skills
to help us accomplish our goals.” Hon.
Oakar added, “The ACLU and the community
should take great pride in being
represented by Laila, I know that her experience
and expertise will be of great value
to the ACLU, both on the National Board
of Directors and on the Board of ACLU’s
National Capital Area affiliate.”
The ACLU, which is nonpartisan and
nonprofit, was founded in 1920, and over
the years has significantly strengthened
and solidified its position as the nation’s
guardian of liberty.
Since its founding, the ACLU has
grown from a roomful of civil liberties
activists to an organization of more than
500,000 members and supporters.
The ACLU handles nearly 6,000 court
cases and maintains the position that civil
liberties must be respected, even in times
of national emergency. Learn more about
the ACLU at: www.aclu.org
*The American-Arab Anti-
Discrimination Committee (ADC), which
is non sectarian and non partisan, is the
largest Arab-American civil rights organization
in the United States.
It was founded in 1980, by former
Senator James Abourezk to combat racial
stereotyping and to protect the civil rights
of people of Arab descent in the United
States. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide,
including chapters in every major city in
the country, and members in all 50 states.
www.adc.org
1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202-244-2990
Fax: 202-244-7968
Washington, DC (October, 3, 2006)
Today, Hon. Mary Rose Oakar,
President of the American-Arab Anti-
Discrimination Committee (ADC),
announced the appointment of Kareem
Shora as National Executive Director of
ADC. Shora, who joined ADC in 2000
as legal advisor has served most recently
as Legal and Policy Director for ADC. In
his new capacity as National Executive
Director, Shora will work directly with,
and report to ADC President Mary Rose
Oakar.
ADC President Oakar said, “We are
looking forward to working with Kareem
in his role as National Executive Director.
For the past six years he has demonstrated
his unwavering commitment to ADC and
to protecting the civil and human rights of
all Americans. His ability to represent our
community using a balanced, professional,
yet passionate voice of reason has been
recognized globally, nationally, and by
other leading organizations and agencies.”
She added, “In creating this new position
and making this appointment, we will
continue to build upon ADC successes of
the past 26 years. Today, ADC is needed
more than ever, and with this new structure
we continue to move forward.”
Working with President Oakar and
ADC’s talented and award-winning staff,
Shora will manage ADC’s daily operations.
Shora will also continue strengthening
alliances with partner organizations,
work toward fostering the development
of a national strategic policy agenda to
organize and mobilize ADC’s chapters
into a stronger grassroots base, and leading
efforts to advance that agenda..

For that I am sorry...I have spoken with
Mr. Merhi and pledge to take action
to bring this chapter to a close and to
work to increase the number of Arab
American who will serve New Jersey in
elected and appointed positions.”
See How They Voted...
The Arab American Institute has
released its annual Congressional
scorecard, tracking the positions of
members of Congress on a range of
issues including Lebanon, Palestine,
the Dubai Ports controversy, immigration,
and civil liberties. Members of
the “Hall of Fame” (those with a perfect
score) include Senators Lincoln
Chafee (R-RI) and James Jeffords (D-
VT) as well as Representatives Neil
Abercrombie (D-HI), John Conyers
(D-MI), John Dingell (D-MI), Marcy
Kaptur (D-OH), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-
MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Barbara
Lee (D-CA), and Jim McDermott
(D-WA). Members of the “Hall of
Shame” include Senators George Allen
(R-VA), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Ben Nelson
(D-NE), Rick Santorum (R-PA), and
Jim Talent (R-MO), and among others.
Members singled out for special
recognition include Senators Richard
Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI),
Chuck Hagel (R-NE), John E. Sununu
(R-NH), and John Warner (R-VA),
and Representatives Charles Boustany
(R-LA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Darrell
Issa (R-CA), Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Ray
LaHood (R-IL),and Nick Rahall (D-
WV).
Walking the Walk...
Embroiled in one of the tightest races
in the country, Rhode Island Senator
Lincoln Chafee (R) has challenged
his opponent, Sheldon Whitehouse,
“to denounce [Democratic Senatorial
Campaign Committee chair] Senator
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Chuck Schumer’s role in giving
President Bush the authority to go to
war in Iraq.” Schumer is in Rhode
Island helping Whitehouse raise funds.
In a statement, the Chafee campaign,
said “Despite making the Iraq War
a centerpiece of his campaign, Mr.
Whitehouse has continued to actively
campaign and seek assistance from
prominent pro-war Democrats.”
Chafee is the only Republican to vote
against the 2003 resolution which
authorized the Iraq war.
Sure, He Can Throw a Touchdown-
But Can He Filibuster?
Political nerds everywhere (including
us at Countdown) have something
to get excited about-Fantasy Congress!
The online game is a political version
of the popular “fantasy football” league
with competitors betting on the skills
of Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) instead of
Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Players score points when a legislator
introduces a bill and additional points
as the bill makes its way through the
legislative process. Creators are thinking
of expanding the opportunities for
point-scoring to include media appearances
and floor speeches-an addition
certain to favor some legislators over
others...The Washington Post is getting
in on the act with “Midterm Madness”
an online competition to choose the
winners of the midterm elections on
November 7. Winners receive a $100
gift certificate from American Express
and bragging rights-priceless.
Breaking Ground...
A note of congratulations to Laila Al-
Qatami, Communications Director of
the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee who was recently the first
Arab American to be elected to the
national board of the American Civil
Liberties Union.
Holiday Jackpot which have quarter million dollar top prizes and the potential to win up
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that you can get access to fun!

Humor Page
Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews had to
Convert or leave Italy. There was a huge outcry from the Jewish
Community, so the Pope offered a deal. He would have a religious Debate with the leader
of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy, if the Pope won, they
would have to leave.
The Jewish people met and picked an aged, but wise Rabbi Moishe to represent them in the
debate. However, as Moishe
spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, they all agreed that it would be a “silent”
Debate.
On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi Moishe sat opposite each other for a full minute
before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.
Rabbi Moishe looked back and raised one finger. Next, the Pope waved his finger around
his head. Rabbi Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope then brought out a communion
wafer and a chalice of wine. Rabbi Moishe pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up and declared that he was
beaten, that Rabbi Moishe was too clever, and that the Jews could stay.
Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope, asking what had happened.. The Pope said, “First,
I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He Responded by holding up one finger to
remind me that there is still only one God, common to both our beliefs. Then, I waved my finger
to show Him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show
that God was also right here with us. I pulled out the wine and wafer
of show that God absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of the
original sin. He had me beaten and I could not continue.”
Meanwhile the Jewish community was gathered around Rabbi Moishe “How Did you
win the debate?” they asked. I haven’t a clue,” said Moishe. “First he said to me that we had
“three” days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger. Then he tells me that the whole country
would be cleared of Jews and I said to him, we’re staying right here.” “And then what?”
asked a woman.
“Who knows?” said Moishe, “He took out his lunch, so
I took out mine.”
(AND IN THE PROCESS
GRANDCHILDREN)
To those of us who have
children in our lives,
whether they are our own,
grandchildren,
nieces,
nephews,
or students...
here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control,
you can take comfort from the thought
that
even God’s omnipotence did not extend
to His own children.
After creating heaven and earth,
God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing he said was
“DON’T!”
“Don’t what ?”
Adam replied.
“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.” God said.
“Forbidden fruit ?
We have forbidden fruit ?
Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit !”
“No Way !”
“Yes way! “
“Do NOT eat the fruit ! “said God.
“Why ?”
“Because I am your Father and I said so! “
God replied, wondering why He hadn’t
stopped creation after maki ng the elephants.
A few minutes later,
God saw His children having an apple
break and He was ticked !
“Didn’t I tell you not to eat the fruit ?
“God asked.
“Uh huh,”
Adam replied.
“Then why did you ? “said the Father.
“I don’t know,” said Eve.
“She started it ! “Adam said.
“Did not !”
“Did too !”
“DID NOT !”
Having had it with the two of them,
God’s punishment was that Adam and Eve
should have children of their own.
Thus the pattern was set and it has never
changed.
B UT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN
THE STORY !
If you have persistently and lovingly tried
to give children wisdom and they haven’t
taken it,
don’t be hard on yourself.
If God had trouble raising children,
what makes you think it would be
a piece of cake for you ?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Not Just a Tea House, but a “Home” for Tea Lovers!
By Mark Hopkins
Al-Sahafa’s Food For Thought Staff
Reporter
“Two Feathers,” “Miriam’s Well,”
“Osiris,” “Isis,” “Dream of Angels,”
“Eiffel Tower,” “Mad for Morocco,”
“Song of the Ancients,” “Distant
Drums,” “Egyptian Chamomile,”
“Patricia’s Wish,” “Kambaa.” Sound
familiar? Probably not, unless you’ve
been fortunate to discover Osiyo Tea
House in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar-
Fairmont neighborhood and its over
100 varieties of aptly named teas, each
a wonderful way to help melt away
the cares of the day.Mona Nemer-
Rainwater, the hostess for this wonderful
new venue, has taken something
as simple as tea and transformed
into a truly epic wonder. “Osiyo,”
a Cherokee word translated means;
“Everything is good with me, with
you and the world,” is a true description
for the service, the décor, and
the spirit of Mona’s mission to “educate
the consumer about tea and all
of its healthful benefits” as well as
about exploring its simple pleasure.
Open since November 2004, Osiyo
Tea House occupies a space where
Mona previously ran “Tiger’s Lily,” a
women’s apparel store, for thirty years.
As a long-time resident of Cleveland,
whose father hails from Aitanit,
Lebanon, Mona has combined her
Lebanese heritage, her eye for design,
and her taste for true elegance to create
a sparkling new space that is warm,
welcome, and simply wonderful where
the “elixir of life” flows as the main
entrée of fare.Osiyo’s décor and and
design is stunning and complementary
to the menu selections. Soft Earth
tones accent the hand-made wooden
chairs made from tree branches, an old
church pew, mirrored walls and doors,
Native American rugs suspended over
the rails of the balcony, and comfortable
couches on which to sit, sip and
enjoy your visit. All of the teas served
at Osiyo are imported, free trade teas,
brewed with triple-filtered water. They
are enhanced by the delicate design of
the ceramic teapot and cups in which
they are served, and which stand as
testament to the care that is taken to
make each cup of tea a unique experience.But
tea is not the only selection
on the menu! You can begin your
week with Sunday Brunch and sample
Belgian Waffles, a “Mornington Lane
Egg Bake,” a Classic Waldorf Salad,
Quiche of the Day, 7 Grain Hot Cereal
or Irish Oatmeal, French Press Coffee,
Fiji Islands Artesian Water, or an
Osiyo Cooler, as well as other selections.During
the week, a Light Fare
Menu is available. There is a soup of
the day, which may be served with
such sandwiches as “The Edge hill,”
“The Harcourt,” or “The Notting Hill”;
“Mother’s Meat Pie”; or “The London
Bridge” (a delightful assortment of tea
sandwiches). Fresh fruit is included
with all sandwiches.Love dessert?
Forget about it! Mona personally
prepares a variety of home-made pastries
to complement your tea selection:
“Almond Madeleine” (gourmet
recipe with pure almond oil and fresh
ground almonds); “Sand Cake: (a traditional
19th Century Scottish recipe
known as the “sugar cookie of cakes”);
“Lemon Tea Bread,” and “Edna’s
Sensational English Scones” (humbly
deemed, “The best scones in the universe”)!
And just added to the menu is
something perfect for cold Cleveland
days: Hot Toddies, delicately blends
of cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, teas, and
blended with brandy, rum, or whiskey.
There is also a full liquor selection.But
wait. Osiyo Tea House has one more
adventure in store.
On the balcony above the dining
room, you’ll find an eclectic collection
of antiques for sale. Earthenware
jars and jugs, tables, a Singer sewing
machine, clothes, pictures, sheet
music. In short, a must see stop after
partaking of a toast and tea! In the
retail area you’ll find jars of honey,
Photos by Halim Ina
assorted loose teas, ceramic imported
tea sets, glassware, silver spoons and
other items, some of which are displayed
in an old Halle’s Brothers glass
display case.
Gift certificates and gift baskets are
also available. Osiyo Tea House’s
growing reputation is greatly deserved.
Join the many other of its patrons who
have discovered that, as a Chinese
emperor once said, “One drinks tea to
forget the sound of the world.”

Spiritual
Ramadan Celebration/Diversity and Unity in the Muslim World
Thank you, Jim Kunder. Good evening
ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to
be here with you tonight to celebrate the
holy month of Ramadan. It is particularly
fitting that we should be gathered
in this room-the Point Four conference
room here at USAID. This room takes its
name from President Truman’s Point Four
Program, which-as those of us who work
here at USAID are well aware-established
foreign assistance as one of the four foreign
policy objectives of the United States
during the difficult days that followed
World War II.
Today-as in the late 1940s-we find
ourselves in a period of great change,
faced with great challenges. In the years
just after Secretary Marshall launched his
famed Marshall Plan, a unified, peaceful,
democratic and prosperous Europe
seemed impossible. Yet, looking back
half a century later, the eventual success
of efforts to rebuild Europe now seem
inevitable.
Watching the daily news and reading
about conflict and loss of life in the
Muslim world, for many, makes the prospect
of a unified, peaceful, democratic
and prosperous Middle East seem beyond
our reach. Yet together, we can plant the
seeds that will sow peace and prosperity
across the Muslim world.
For the last several weeks, observant
Muslims across the globe have spent time
in prayer and contemplation-no doubt
praying for the peace we seek.
In this time, Muslims look inward as
well, as they take time to enrich family
and community ties. Ramadan is a time
to remember the needs of others, and to
acknowledge with profound gratitude the
blessings in one’s own life. The theme
we’ve chosen to highlight for Ramadan
this year is “diversity and unity.”
Throughout the world there are an estimated
1.2 billion Muslims, making the religion
the second largest after Christianity. In
the United States alone, there are more than
6 million Muslims. They are both recent
immigrants to our country and second- and
third-generation citizens.
Their backgrounds-Arab, Latino, Asian,
European, African and African-Americanare
diverse. Here at USAID-and indeed,
across the United States Government-we
are proud of our diverse workplace and
our many Muslim colleagues, some of
whom are here with us this evening.
Diversity is a hallmark of the Muslim
world. Muslims come from a variety of
ethnic backgrounds, and they embrace a
variety of cultural traditions, social structures
and lifestyles. Yet, that which unites
Muslims and non-Muslims alike is far
greater than that which would divide us.
All human beings-whether Sunni or
Shia, Christian or Jewish, whether they
call Tajikistan or Sudan or Indonesia or
Washington, D.C. home-ultimately want
the same things. We all seek a better life
for our children.
And those of us who work in foreign
assistance are driven by the belief that
peace, prosperity, health, education, and
the freedom to provide for themselves and
their families are the aspiration of human
beings everywhere.
Providing the opportunity to achieve
those aspirations is what U.S. foreign
assistance is all about.
Muslim citizens around the world have
seen our commitment first hand. For
instance, USAID has missions in 27 of
the world’s 49 countries where more than
half of the population practices Islam.
And in recent years, our work with
Muslim populations-to promote better
understanding among our cultures,
to accelerate economic development,
to encourage effective governance-has
increased dramatically.
As President Bush reminded us in his
Ramadan message this year, the holiday
is an ideal time to remember the common
values that bind us together. Our
society is enriched by our Muslim citizens
and the global Muslim community,
whose commitments to faith reminds us
of the gift of religious freedom here in the
United States.
And as we assemble in fellowship to
mark the month of Ramadan and this Iftar
dinner, we here at USAID reaffirm the ties
of friendship and partnership that unite us.
That partnership will be the key to ensuring
that today’s most daunting challenges
become tomorrow’s inevitable successes.
Thank you very much.
CLEVELAND, OH-Archbishop Fouad Twal,
coadjutor archbishop of Jerusalem and president of
Bethlehem University, spoke to a large crowd that
gathered for an evening of dialogue and dinner at
AACCESS-OHIO on Friday, October 13, 2006.
Prior to his appointment by His Holiness Pope
Benedict XVI in September 2005, Twal served
as archbishop of Tunisia, carried out diplomatic
service in the Apostolic Nunciatures of Honduras,
Germany and Peru, and in the Council of Political
Affairs for the State Secretariat of the Vatican.
He also served the Latin Patriarchate Parishes in
Ramallah, Palestine, in Irbed and Amman, Jordan.
Twal completed his seminary studies at the Latin
Patriarchal Seminary in Beit Jala, began his studies
in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of
the Lateran in Rome, and in 1974 was admitted to
the Ecclesiastical Pontifical Academy, receiving
the licentiate in Canon Law in 1975.
In March 2006, Twal was appointed president
of Bethlehem University. In this role he promotes
the University and presides at various official and
public functions.

Big Bird, Elmo and other characters
from Sesame Street are in the
Middle East to educate children in
a unique joint initiative involving
Jordan, Israel and Palestine.
The makers of Sesame Street,
the Sesame Workshop has brought
Sesame Stories to the Middle East
with help and support from the
European Union.
Sesame Stories aims to show children
positive images of themselves
and their neighbours and seeks to
encourage the children to appreciate
similarities and differences in their
own culture and others.
The show is aimed at four to seven
year olds and as well as tradional
much loved favourties, the Middle
East versions will have their own
unique characters.
Each country has its own theme but
shares similar storylines. In Jordan
and Palestine, it is called; Hikayat
Simsim, and in Israel; Sippuray
Sumsum.
Entertainment
The project is funded by the EU
as well as local partners and other
donors.
“Working with children today will
help build peace tomorrow,” said
Michael Leigh, Deputy Director
General for the Middle East in the
European Commission External
Relations Directorate General. “The
Sesame Stories project is an inspiring
initiative which is helping to build
understanding and mutual respect.”
THE COMPASS which helped
to create the legend of “Lawrence of
Arabia”, steering him across the desert
on a camel, during an Arab revolt
against the Turks in 1916-18, has been
sold for $494,146, together with a cheap
watch and an inscribed cigarette case.
The startling price at Christie’s auction
in London - paid by an anonymous telephone
bidder, vastly over a top pre-sale
estimate of $30,000 - was testament to
the world’s enduring fascination with
a slight, awkward man, who died in a
motorcycle crash in 1935, aged 46. His
immortality was ensured by his book,
Seven Pillars of Wisdom, more often
admired than read cover to cover, and
by a film made long after his death
by David Lean’s 1962 “Lawrence of
Arabia” with Peter O’Toole.
The Swiss-made brass compass was
included, with the watch and cigarette
case, in an exhibition last year at the
Imperial War Museum in London.
The inscription in the case, which carries
his own portrait, explains that they
were given to his driver, Corporal Albert
Richard Evans, after the Paris peace
conference in 1919.
The watch was a cheap one bought in
Paris, but the copper case, polished so
that it shone like gold, attracted a thief in
Syria, who tried to rob Lawrence.
Nick Lambourn, Christie’s expert,
said; “With Lawrence, as with Stanley
or Captain Scott, these are often very
idiosyncratic, eccentric figures - but they
push the boundaries beyond what us
mere mortals could ever achieve.”

I-X Center
U
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C
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I
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The Great American Gem Show & Sale
Cleveland Christmas Connection
By Hand Fine Art & Craft Show
E
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Fabulous Food Show

Editorial
A Tribute to
the Lebanese
Commentary by David Shearer (9-26-06)
I left Beirut last week feeling that in the few
short months I was the United Nations humanitarian
coordinator for Lebanon, I witnessed
the Lebanese people in their very best light.
Lebanon was my 11th assignment to a humanitarian
emergency. It is from that perspective that
I judge recent events in the country and how its
people responded to the war with Israel.
ing,
1 million people - nearly a quarter of the
tillery
assault on their communities, to the safety
of Beirut, North Lebanon or Syria. Only weeks
later, with the cessation of hostilities on August
14, these same people were on the move again,
this time in a rush back to their homes, so many
of which were unfortunately found damaged or
destroyed.
To my mind, the most intriguing thing about
this large-scale migration was just how orderly
and without incident it was. What other country
could experience such a mass movement of its
citizens in the heat of war and have virtually
no incidence of hunger, malnutrition or deadly
disease? In my experience, it’s simply unprecedented.
For our part, the UN agencies and nongovernmental
organizations gave help where
needed - with food, water, medicine, tents,
blankets and cooking utensils, even some psychological
support. We were also able - thanks
to our ability to communicate directly with the
Israelis - to keep the humanitarian convoys
moving. Some 80 trucks and two ships, in all,
continued to deliver our relief supplies and
those of the Lebanese government as well, even
in the heat of war.
But the true safety net in this emergency
proved to be the Lebanese people, themselves.
Regardless of religion or ethnic background,
families, even whole communities, embraced
homes and feeding and caring for them. To my
mind, this is what humanitarian assistance is all
about, and the Lebanese people proved in their
compassion to be a model for the world.
sation
of hostilities, and the humanitarian relief
phase is pretty much over. For the most part all
who needed food have been fed. Medicine chests
in hospitals and clinics throughout the country
are now full. And while water distribution in the
South will continue for some weeks, government
agencies, with the support of the UN and NGOs,
are hard at work repairing critical storage tanks
and water supply lines.
A few days ago I took a trip through South
Lebanon. What was most amazing to me was to
see how much of the reconstruction process is
already under way. Lebanese communities have
moved quickly to clean up the rubble of war. And
dozens of government work crews could be seen
strung all along the roadways, installing the new
electrical lines and transformers that are quickly
returning light and heat to communities and
schools and that will power the generators and
pumps to bring back regular supplies of water.
The reconstruction process will not happen
overnight, particularly given the large scale of
destruction, and the lingering legacy of those
300,000-plus cluster-bomb sub-munitions that
will continue to endanger lives and livelihoods
for some time to come. But thanks to the $900
million committed to recovery by donors at
the Stockholm conference in early September,
countries and elsewhere, the government and
municipalities will have the resources in hand
for a well-planned recovery.
Humanitarian relief efforts can sometimes
drag on too long and overstay their need. This is
one event in which the Lebanese people themselves
helped speed the relief phase. Our job is
done, and I take my leave, comfortable in the
knowledge that the Lebanese government and
its people, with the continuing assistance of UN
development agencies and NGOs, are moving
On a personal note, it has been an honour
and a privilege for me to work with the people
of Lebanon in their time of crisis. They’ve
taught me a lesson about compassion and solidarity
in the face of turmoil. I have no doubt that
their wonderful energy and sense of optimism
will be the mortar for building a better country
than the one that has been so painfully damaged.
*David Shearer is the UN humanitarian coordinator
for Lebanon.
Israelis, Arabs Should Cut
Out the Middlemen And
Should Cease LookingToward
Washington for Direction!
By Linda Heard (Arab News)
Palestinian suffering rarely hits the headlines
in a world preoccupied with North Korean
rights or wrongs of veil wearing and Madonna’s
new baby. It’s doubtful that many in the West
are even aware of Israel’s “Operation Summer
Rain” targeting Gaza that has robbed the lives
of 290 Palestinians - almost half of them children
- or that Israel is considering re-occupying
this overpopulated open-air prison.
by the American-Palestinian author Ramzy
Baroud “The Second Intifada: a Chronicle of a
People’s Struggle”, which takes the reader on
an excruciating journey from the failed Oslo
Accords until the present day. It’s a catalogue
of pain that doesn’t make easy reading for
salute to the courageous and tenacity of the
Palestinian people, who refuse to conveniently
fade away.
While championing the Palestinians’ right
to resist occupation, Baroud believes that “the
front-line in the battle for Palestine is public
opinion in the United States”. He maintains
that “only by changing popular attitudes toward
Israel and the Palestinians can we hope to end
US sponsorship of Israel’s ongoing war...”
He has a point but given the powerful pro-Is-
over Congress and the corporate media any
such opinion-altering process would take untold
decades and thousands more deaths to reach
fruition, if ever. There is another way - one that
would require the Arab world adopting a unity
of purpose, speaking with one voice and proac-
a glimmer of this during the 2002 Arab League
Summit held in Beirut when Saudi Arabia put
forward a peace plan that was endorsed by all
22 member nations.
It didn’t get off the ground due to lack of
support from Washington, which favored a
“road map” to nowhere as a concession to Britain’s
Tony Blair in the run-up to the invasion of
Iraq. Moreover the timing wasn’t conducive as
the proposal came when the Sharon-led Israeli
government was in no mood to talk peace.
Today, the climate is very different. The
military vulnerabilities and triggered existential
concerns among ordinary Israelis, now well
aware that their nuclear arsenal provides little
deterrence to hostile neighbor states or nonstate
actors.
It’s interesting that Israelis are now debating
whether to make peace with Syria that would
necessitate the relinquishment of the strategic
Golan Heights, formerly considered a “no-no”.
Then earlier this month the Israeli Minister
of Justice Meir Sheetrit urged his government
to engage Saudi Arabia and Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas in talks on the
lines of Israel’s pull back to its 1967 borders
in return for full peace. “In other words, if you
want peace - we welcome you,” Sheetrit said,
adding, “We are prepared to make far-reaching
the State of Israel”.
This is a historic moment...or should be. If
Israel truly wants peace and the Arabs want
peace while Palestinians need a viable, secure
state then where is the obstacle? It’s doubtful
that Hamas would continue its reluctance
to recognize Israel in the event land occupied
post-1967 was returned and even if it did it
would no longer receive popular support.
Palestinians may be idealists but they are also
pragmatists.
The problem is the so-called honest broker,
the US, is far from honest. If Bush administration
genuinely wanted peace in this region, the
in an attempt to put the parties together.
Moreover, Tony Blair would have sought
permission from the White House to shuttle
between Riyadh, Ramallah and Tel Aviv so as
to secure a meaningful legacy before he leaves
Instead, the US is busy sowing division
between Palestinian groups with its campaign
to provide millions of dollars, weapons and
military training to anti-Hamas factions. If Palestine
ends up embroiled in a civil war, Israel
peace and be believed.
If Washington sought peace, it would be
engaged in uniting those factions and putting
pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
to meet with his Palestinian counterpart.
Let’s face it. If the Arabs and the Israelis got
together to produce a fait accompli this would
not be in America’s interests.
A region devoid of enemies would not need
Washington’s “protection” or US bases. In such
in time the Israelis would no longer require US
Put simply, Israelis and Arabs should cease
looking toward Washington for direction. The
Bush administration harbors its own secret road
map, one that facilitates its grip on the region
and enables it to control the area’s rich natural
resources.
I recently received an e-mail from Albert
Pardo, an Egyptian Jew now residing in France,
in response to an article I wrote on the subject of
Cairo’s famous Groppi teashop (Maison Groppi)
that’s approaching its 100th anniversary.
Pardo thanked me for what he described as
a “moving evocation of our carefree and happy
youth”. Another communication came from an
American journalist requesting permission to
republish that article in a memoir she is writing
on her Jewish Egyptian grandfather.
Arabs and Jews have lived together harmoniously
and, given time, they could do so again.
It was Britain and France that pulled the
political strings initially driving Arabs and Jews
apart, a role since adopted by the US. Only
when regional leaders are able to look that
unpalatable truth in the face will they say “no”
to faux honest brokers and “yes” to a genuine
road map to peace rather than one with inbuilt
hurdles and untenable aims.
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If Peres truly wants
peace with Syria, let him
make a genuine overture
Daily Star, Lebanese Newspaper
(October 13, 2006)
The world may never know whether Israeli
Deputy Premier Shimon Peres’ invitation for
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to visit Jerusalem
was genuine or not. The veteran statesman
may have been trying to breathe life into a
facet of the Arab-Israeli peace process that his
boss, Ehud Olmert, has tried to smother. Or he
may have been trying to maneuver Assad into
looking intransigent by making him an offer he
couldn’t accept. Either way, one of the principal
obstacles to any such visit by a Syrian leader is
the impression created by Israel’s betrayal of the
who tried to break the diplomatic ice: the late
Anwar Sadat.
When Sadat delivered his historic address
to the Knesset in Jerusalem on November 20,
1977, he was careful to stress that “I have not
come here for a separate agreement between
Egypt and Israel” because he knew the obvious:
“There can be no peace without the Palestinians.
It is a grave error of unpredictable consequences
to overlook or brush aside this cause.”
Unfortunately, his Israeli interlocutors saw
things differently. They saw peace with Egypt
as a means to divide and conquer the frontline
Arab states and thereby emasculate the
Palestinian national movement. As soon as
they signed the 1978 Camp David Accords
Editorial
with Egypt, in which they pledged to increase
autonomy for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories,
the Israelis began to deport democratically
elected mayors from the West Bank. And
just weeks after completing their evacuation
of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, the Israelis
launched a bloody drive to Beirut. This is not to
Jordan since making peace with that country in
1994, the incessant haggling that sabotaged the
Oslo process with then-Palestinian President
Yasser Arafat, a continuing refusal to entertain
the very reasonable Arab Peace Initiative promulgated
at the March 2002 Beirut summit, and
appalling stunts like this summer’s vicious war
against Lebanon.
The message sent by these and innumerable
other actions is that any Arab leader who
makes an overture to Israel risks being made
to look like a weakling and/or a traitor. This is
hardly an inducement for someone like Assad.
At least one Israeli commentator has chastised
the Syrian president for having failed to grasp
an opportunity to be this generation’s Sadat.
This is to forget that Sadat was not invited to
clared
that he would accept such an invitation,
and only then did the Jewish state extend one.
Few people know this better than Peres, who
for decades. If he is both serious about wanting
negotiations with Syria and cognizant of the
need for some Sadat-like drama, he need but
signal his own willingness to go to Damascus
and then hope that Assad is willing to be bold
in the search for peace - and magnanimous in
overlooking a long history of Israeli doubledealing.
Dear Editor,
This is in response to your (In depth; Lebanon’s
History Feature) in the September issue
of Al-Sahafa. I thought maybe I’d refresh
everyone’s memory just a bit. You guys forgot
or ignored the fact that in 1973 the P.L.O. in
Lebanon waged a war of atrocities and crime
against the country’s armed forces. They
killed and maimed Lebanese soldiers as if they
were Israeli soldiers. I guess that was their
way of thanking Lebanon and the Lebanese for
adopting and defending their cause.
No.2; You guys forgot or ignored to mention
that the Palestine Liberation Army on
orders from the late terrorist Hafez Al-Assad
invaded a Christian town called Damour, and
slaughtered thousands of innocent civilians
(including hundreds of pregnant women who
were stabbed in their bellies with Palestinian
bayonets). You guys might have forgotten this,
but Lebanese will never forget.
No.3; The overall involvement of the P.L.O.
in the Civil War in Lebanon. The Lebanese
what they wanted their land to be, and according
to their beliefs. What the hell were the
response to Mr. Salti’s asking why is Lebanon
getting all this attention (Reader’s Comment,
on Crisis in Lebanon - September issue).
What seems to be his problem with the world
questioning Israel’s barbaric bombardment of
rather these heinous crimes go unnoticed and
the real reason Lebanon keeps getting invaded
and bombed by Israel is because of the P.L.O.’s
presence still in it. So if he has a problem with
ALL THE ATTENTION LEBANON IS GET-
TING, I have a solution for him. All we need
to do is eliminate that presence and he won’t
have to worry about it ever again.
-George Abboud, Cleveland, Ohio
Given the unfortunate conflict in
the Middle East between Hezbollah
and Israel, the United States
Congress has taken measures to protect
those who are Lebanese nationals.
A bill was introduced this past
summer by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-
Ill.) and Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.)
that would allow Lebanese nationals
currently in the United States
to remain here due to the ongoing
hostilities which make it unsafe for
a return to Lebanon. Many senators
are concerned about the sensitive
U.S.-Arab relations at this time and
the senators wish to send a positive
signal about U.S. concern for
the suffering of innocent Lebanese
nationals by introducing Temporary
Protected Status.
Temporary protected status (TPS)
establishes a temporary safe haven
in the United States for nationals
of foreign states when an ongoing
conflict within the state poses a
serious threat to the personal safety
of the country’s nationals if they
return there. TPS status can also
be granted if an earthquake, flood,
drought, epidemic or other environmental
disaster results in a substantial
but temporary disruption of
living conditions in the area affected
and the foreign state is unable to
temporarily handle the return of its
nationals and the foreign state has
affirmatively requested designation.
Lastly, TPS status can be established
if there exists extraordinary
and temporary conditions in the
foreign state that prevent aliens who
are nationals from returning safely.
The TPS designation may be for six
to eighteen months and extended for
those periods of time or any increments
thereof.
TPS status is a legal status in the
U.S. unlike asylum status which is
not a legal status for green card purposes
unless granted. A person who
is granted TPS status shall not be
deported during the TPS period and
even if the person is in deportation
status, the person shall be informed
of the availability of TPS status.
He or she shall be granted employment
authorization during the initial
TPS period or one year, whichever
is greater. He or she shall not be
detained on the basis of his or her
status and may travel abroad with
permission.
TPS does not lead to permanent
resident status or U.S. citizenship
and at termination of this status, the
foreign national returns to the same
immigration status he or she maintained
before being granted TPS
status. A person in TPS status may
adjust or change status and is considered
in status for those purposes.
Before getting TPS status, if a
person was out-of-status because of
unlawful employment or overstay or
entering without inspection before
getting TPS, he or she is ineligible
to adjust.
To be eligible for TPS the person
must establish identity and nationality
of TPS county or if stateless
habitually resided in TPS country and
proof of continuous residence in the
United States for the required period.
The person must be physically present
and continuously residing in the
United States since date of designation.
A person may not be eligible
for TPS status or admissible to the
U.S. if he has committed a felony or
two or more misdemeanors or if the
Department of Homeland Security
has determined that the alien poses a
threat to national security.
Currently TPS status is available for
nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala,
Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, Honduras
and Nicaragua. Senators Sununu and
Durban know that Americans understand
that Lebanese nationals temporarily
residing in the United States
should not be “compelled to return to
a dangerous war zone.” The United
Nationals estimates that over 700,000
people have been displaced from their
homes and many of those people
are now taking refuge in mosques,
churches and schools. There has
been widespread damage to infrastructure
with hospitals, schools,
roads, bridges, fuel storage depots,
airports and seaports sustaining
damage. This, of course, has severe
implications on the ability to deliver
humanitarian assistance to those
most in need.
Food items, relief items and necessary
medicines are in short supple
and dwindling. Currently this bill
is moving through the legislative
process and is in committee hearing
of both the Senate and the House of
Representatives and hopefully will
be passed into law so that Lebanese
Nationals can have another form of
relief.
All persons should call, email,
write and get involved in lobbying
the Senate and Congress to approve
the proposed Lebanon TPS into law.