AAI Bulletin

AAI Releases Arab Attitudes Poll, Two New Reports

Posted on Wednesday December 6, 2006

AAI Releases 2006 Arab Attitudes Poll

Attitudes toward the U.S. from those in the Arab world have suffered greatly as a result of American foreign policy in the region, according to the Arab American Institute/Zogby International 2006 Arab Attitudes poll.

The results, presented by AAI President James Zogby, show that uncertainty resulting from conflicts in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon have significantly dampened Arab confidence in U.S. leadership and prospects for economic development and political stability.

“Baker and Hamilton had it right,” Zogby said at the press briefing announcing the results. “U.S. policy regarding the Middle East is hurting our ability to lead a coalition in Iraq. Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would provide us with much needed credibility from the Arab world.”

Two AAI Reports Highlight Year’s Successes

AAI has recently published its 2006 Post Election Report, which highlights successes in Arab American political activism in the 2006 campaign cycle. Also available for download is the 2006 Year End Report, a recap of the accomplishments of AAI and AAIF during what has been a very prolific year for the two organizations.

We are pleased and proud of the work that AAI, AAIF, our members and the Arab American community have accomplished in 2006. You can help us make sure that we continue to build on these successes with your continued support.

We look forward to once again serving you in 2007!

AAI Member Lands Key Spot on San Jose Mayoral Transition Team

AAI member Johnny Khamis has been appointed to the transition team of San Jose, Calif. Mayor-elect Chuck Reed (D). Khamis headed several fundraisers for Reed during both the primary and general election, working with the Ramallah Club of San Jose and the Silicon Valley Arab American Council. He parlayed his work for the campaign into a spot on the transition team’s Committee on Business and Job Development.

The group has already met once and is planning a second meeting in preparation for Reed taking office on Jan. 8. Khamis has been involved extensively in state and local politics, volunteering for candidates for the California State Assembly and the San Jose City Council. Congratulations, Johnny!

AAIF Scholarship for Arab American Journalism Students

AAIF has begun accepting applications for the 2007-2008 Al Muammar Scholarships
for Journalism, the most generous scholarship program of its kind offered
to Arab American students. Up to four scholarship grants, valued at $5,000 each,
will be awarded to eligible Arab American college students majoring in journalism,
as well as college seniors who have been accepted to a graduate journalism school.
Awardees will be selected by a panel of judges drawn from U.S. print and broadcast
media outlets. The Al Muammar Scholarship Program, now in its second year, was
established by AAIF supporter Mashael Moamar in honor of her parents, Zakia
and the late Abdulaziz Al Muammar, who have always been strong advocates
of educating women. Also noteworthy is that Mashael’s late grandfather, Ibrahim
Al Muammar, was a journalist in Egypt. To be eligible, applicants of Arab
descent must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in an
accredited college or university in the United States. They must have a grade
point average of 3.3 or higher, and a demonstrated commitment to the field of
print or broadcast journalism. An applicant’s sensitivity to Arab American issues
and record of social advocacy and community involvement will also be important
considerations. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, Monday, March
3, 2008. Awardees will be announced in April 2008. For additional information
and applications, interested scholarship candidates can visit the scholarships
section of our website or contact Rudy
Gharib at 202-429-9210, ext. 30.