Press Room

Arab Americans Present “Spirit of Humanity” Awards

From America.gov (U.S. State Department)
Posted on Friday April 25, 2008

Note: This article also appeared on the website of the United States Mission to NATO.

Washington—Some 800 people, many of Arab origin, gathered in a hotel ballroom a few blocks from the White House April 23 to mark the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards. The awards were created to celebrate the life of the great Arab-American writer, philosopher and poet Gibran Kahlil Gibran, who died in New York 77 years ago this month.

Abbas appeals for more US help in peace process

From Washington Post
Posted on Thursday April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON—Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to the Bush administration Wednesday for more support in peace talks with Israel that have bogged down five months after both sides pledged to reach a deal by January.

Palestinian President to Appeal to Bush for More U.S. Help in Mideast Peace Process

From Fox News
Posted on Thursday April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wants the Bush administration to press Israel to stop expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank — a step he says is needed to make progress in Mideast peace talks.

North Jersey Arab leaders temper hopes for peace

From Bergen Record
Posted on Thursday April 24, 2008

Arab-American leaders from North Jersey were hopeful but not overly optimistic about the chances for peace in the Middle East after hearing a speech from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas to appeal for more US help in peace process

From Associated Press
Posted on Thursday April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wants the Bush administration to press Israel to stop expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank — a step he says is needed to make progress in Mideast peace talks.

Speaking later to the Arab-American Institute, Abbas said: “We are serious in having a serious negotiations to reach an agreement by the end of the year, but the gaps are still wide between us and the Israelis.”

Abbas asks White House for help in Mideast peace talks

From Boston Globe
Posted on Thursday April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON – President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority appealed to the Bush administration yesterday for more support in peace talks with Israel, which have bogged down five months after both sides pledged to reach a deal by January.

Israel must treat Americans equally

From Florida Times-Union
Posted on Friday April 18, 2008

Special to the Times-Union

For 30 years, I have demanded that my government protect the rights of its Arab- American citizens when they travel to Israel and Palestinian lands occupied since 1967.

What I have asked of the last five administrations is that they do what any government is required to do: protect and defend its own citizens and hold Israel to its treaty obligation.

US to Israel: No Bias Vs Arab-Americans

From Associated Press
Posted on Thursday March 20, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Thursday it repeatedly has told Israel to treat Arab-American Palestinians as American citizens at border crossings and elsewhere.

Nonetheless, department spokesman Sean McCormack said, “it’s a continuing issue. It’s a continuing problem.”

U.S. warns Palestinian Americans of delays in Israel

From Reuters
Posted on Thursday March 20, 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israeli authorities may question Palestinian Americans on arrival in Israel and require them to obtain a Palestinian Authority travel documents, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

Arab Americans press on Israel entry

From Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Posted on Wednesday March 19, 2008

Leader of Arab American group calls for King censure

From Des Moines Register
Posted on Wednesday March 12, 2008

Washington, D.C. – The president of the Arab American Institute said today he’s trying to find members of Congress who would mount a censure motion against Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa, in connection with King’s comments that terrorists will be “dancing in the streets” if Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is elected.

Congress Should Censure Representative Steve King

From Huffington Post
Posted on Tuesday March 11, 2008

Congressman Steve King’s (R-IA) comments regarding the “joy” that a Barack Obama presidency would bring to “radical Islamists” are despicable, but they do not stand alone in two important respects. On the one hand, they echo outrageous comments that have become commonplace among right-wing commentators and radio talk show hosts. More disturbingly, they reflect a pattern of bizarre comments made by Congressman King on too many instances in the past.

Arab-American disputes quotation from 'American Conversation Series'

From South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted on Tuesday December 18, 2007

I am an Arab-American and proud of it. My family has been in the United States for over 100 years. During that time, we have served in every branch of government, and fought in every war in the service of our nation.

O'Malley, Olmert renew ties

From Baltimore Sun
Posted on Wednesday November 28, 2007

Marylander, Israeli formed bond when both were mayors

Amid all the pressure of yesterday’s Annapolis peace conference, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could count on seeing at least one friendly face: Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Take lessons from city's rich history

From Baltimore Sun
Posted on Monday November 26, 2007

This column by AAI President James Zogby appeared as an op-ed in the Batimore Sun on Sunday, November 25.

Pity poor Annapolis. This quaint little city has a remarkable history and lessons to teach. These, however, will not be the focus of the world’s attention when the Bush administration convenes its long-awaited Middle East peace meeting Tuesday.

So interesting are some of the events that occurred in early Annapolis that if I hadn’t known better, I might have thought the Bush administration chose the site of this meeting because of the rich symbolism the city evokes.

See also Arabs at Annapolis, by James Zogby