09-26-09 Choice between bikini and berqa in Arab world is about absent freedoms
Choice between bikini and berqa is about absence of freedom in Arab World
By Ray Hanania – As I always do around this time of year, I pushed aside the Arab-Israeli conflict for a moment to contemplate the more serious conflict between secular Muslims and Christian Arabs and the growing religious extremism in the Middle East. There are 22 Arab countries, yet only two had the courage (or pride in their women) to field entrants in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant, which was held in the Bahamas, where string bikinis replace car bombs and women are truly free.The only two Arab countries that entered contestants, again, were Egypt and Lebanon. Read more »
06-05-09 Analysis of President Obama’s Powerful speech
Observations on President Obama’s Speech in Cairo
By Ray Hanania – Much was made of President Barack Obama’s speech Thursday morning (CST) to the “Muslim World.” The speech was inspiring. I listened to Obama as his speech was broadcast by an Arab television station and also to the reaction of Arabs throughout the Middle East. I subscribe to the Arab World TV systems using a neat little cable package called “Talfazat” through NeuLion Media that requires no satellite dish and uses an Internet box that connects to my TV and Internet. (Check it out at Talfazat.com. It’s under $30 a month and you can watch Al-Jazeera English while trying to learn Arabic.) Read more »
ELAASAR: Egyptian Author, Journalist and Outspoken Critic of Fundamentalism and Oppression, Wins 2008 Civil Courage Prize , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 11-14-08
Ali Salem, Egyptian Author, Journalist and Outspoken Critic of Fundamentalism and Oppression, Wins 2008 Civil Courage Prize
By Aladdin Elaasar — “The value of freedom that has been stolen is that; Man lives in two prisons, the prison of his own soul; and the prison of his government, from cradle to grave. A man who stretches out his hands to ask for freedom is not begging; he is seeking a right that has been stolen from him by human greed. If he obtains it, it will not be as a favor from anyone, and he will not be beholden to anyone.’ Egyptian writer, Mostafa Lotfi Al-Manfaluti
CARTOON: What Hamas can and cannot control, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2008

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What Hamas can and cannot control
June 26, 2008
“War on Errorism” Cartoon
By Ray Hanania
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HANANIA: Egyptian brokered “truce” undermines peace and strengthens Hamas, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 22, 2008
Egyptian brokered “truce” undermines peace and strengthens Hamas
By Ray Hanania – Many assert that the recent Egyptian-brokered “truce” between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip might open the door to a new peace initiative, but just the opposite can be expected. The truce actually undermines peace, undermines the secular Palestinian leadership in the West Bank that is steadily losing ground to the religious extremists, and only sets up Israel for more violence. Aside from the fact that Hamas will never be a partner to any true peace process, the “truce” also has a negative effect that will further discourage future peaceful negotiations. Read more »


SAFFIYA SHILLO is a peace activist, communications specialist and community editor for the National Arab American Times Newspaper. Ms. Shillo serves as a Board Member of the Palestinian American Women's Society. Her activism is extensive, having served as the former President of the Palestinian American Congress-Chicago Chapter, as a National Board member of the American Task Force on Palestine, and as Director of the Arab American Institute's Chicago office. Active in Jewish/Israeli-Palestinian dialogue, Ms. Shillo gives presentations to national organizations on strategies and methods to achieve peace through dialogue. Ms. Shillo also served as Director of Ethnic Affairs for the State of Illinois' Office of Lieutenant Governor, and worked as a domestic violence/sexual assault counselor serving Chicago's Arab community. She can be reached at smshillo@yahoo.com
ALADDIN ELAASAR is an award winning Arab American journalist and author of several books including 








