09-01-09 Gilad Shalit in the Arab media
Gilad Shalit in the Arab media
By Ali Younes – Every time I read and watch how Arab media outlets cover the story of prisoner’s exchange of the Israeli solider Gilad Shalit and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, I come to think how Arab media have fallen victims to Israeli PR machine (propaganda). There are several issues at play here when covering this story. Note that Gilad Shalit is always mentioned by name, I know his name, you do, and maybe my grandmother knows his name too! Read more »
07-17-09 Aljazeera kicked out of West Bank exposes issues
Aljazeera Arabic under siege in West Bank and in its editorial offices
By Ray Hanania — Aljazeera Arabic became the first television station to broadcast balanced news about the Middle East, but over the years its editorial staff has expanded to include several people who are less about journalism and more about partisan political activism, mainly supporting Hamas and the growing Islamic extremist movement. The biggest complaint has been about its coverage, which critics have called biased and supporters have said does not advocate pro-Palestinian and Islamic views enough. Read more »
06-06-09 Obama’s New beginnings for everyone-Comic Strip

06-06-09 Obama Offers new beginnings, for everyone Comic Strip
Shades of Gray: Ray Hanania’s World Comic Strip June 6, 2009, on Middle East (me) and also American politics (dom). President Barack Obama promised the Arab and Muslim World a new beginning, much to the chagrin of the extremists in Israel and some in his administration. Permission granted to republish with attribution.
www.professivecomicstrips.blogspot.com
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 »
05-10-09 No pre-conditions … on us

Netanyahu says there should be no pre-conditions for peace ...e xcept those that he imposes
05-10-09 May in Taybeh Palestine
May in the Holy Land
Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. – In this month of May, it was suppose to be my husband’s last month finishing his four year term as Mayor of Taybeh. And, it was suppose to be my last month of serving coffee and tea to everyone I know. Although the service sometimes is to high profile visitors like the Ambassador of Sri Lanka yesterday. However, Hamas and Fatah do not seem to be anywhere nears a unity government so the national elections in Palestine have been postponed. All local government positions have been extended until December 2009 hoping these political parties can agree to something. I hate to be a person who lacks optimism since I place all my hope in Christ but sometimes, I feel, it will take a miracle to bring change to our extra depressed conditions. And, forgiveness and reconciliation do not seem to be in the vocabulary of any political party in Israel and/or Palestine. Read more »
Palestine Not Remembered
Palestine not Remembered
By Saffiya Shillo — On the anniversary of the siege of Palestine, Palestinians worldwide forget to remember what is most important when marking this and every other past and future commemoration. They forget to fight for Palestine! They forget to fight the “right” fight.” They forget to raise their voices in unison advocating the noble cause for freedom through justice. They forget what it means to be One Palestinian People. 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 








