Is Miral a Controversial Film?

Miral will have its U.S. theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles this Friday.  It’s based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal (you can read Sana’s review of the book here).  It tells the story of three generations of Palestinian women, but focuses on an orphaned girl [...]

Random Observations from the West Bank

I’m currently nearing the end of a short trip to the West Bank to visit family. While here, I’ve noticed some pretty disturbing and amusing things around me. These are all totally trivial but I thought I’d share nonetheless.

The Taiwanese NMA Have Done It Again Islamophobia Style

The Taiwanese animation company NMA has been putting out YouTube videos on various scandals and controversies ranging from the Conan O’Brien/NBC fracas to Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.

They have now brought forth another video about the so-called ‘Ground Zero mosque’ and the recent wave of Islamophobia that’s been brought on, or at least encouraged, by Fox News and the far-right in this country.

Rima Fakih Has The Backbone To Pose Topless

Earlier this week, the reigning Miss USA, Rima Fakih, was photographed topless for an official Miss Universe photo shoot. Fakih was one of only several Miss Universe contestants that chose to go the topless route. This photo shoot is sure to be controversial because how is posing topless in any way appropriate for the Miss Universe pageant? Regardless, according to Fakih, the contestants were given options to choose what was most comfortable for them. Fakih’s response to that was she felt “comfortable with beauty.” What the hell is that supposed to mean? Is posing in a bikini not beautiful enough for her? The women, including Fakih, as you can see, were partially covered in body paint, by the way.

Vikings Safety Shows There’s No Reason To Complain This Ramadan

With Ramadan a day away, it’s nice to read something inspiring before the holy month when practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown begins. I recently came across an article on Yahoo! about Minnesota Vikings Safety Husain Abdullah. Abdullah has been fasting during Ramadan since he was seven years old. For him, whatever conflict my exist regarding fasting and the rigors of daily practice, there’s no question that fasting comes first.

Turning 30 is Like Running Against the Clock

It must have been a coincidence.  I happened to come across a television show, a movie and a conversation with a friend all having to do with being female, being thirtyish and having something missing or looking for something in life.  It was like God was trying to tell me something. A couple of weeks [...]

Why Are Arab And Muslim Organizations So Quick To Condemn?

It almost seems appropriate that since I’m a Palestinian-American Muslim from Northern Virginia who also happens to be from the same hometown in Palestine (El-Bireh) as Ft. Hood shooter suspect Nidal Hasan, I should issue a press release expressing my outrage and condemnation along with every other Arab-American and Muslim-American organization.  But I won’t.  I [...]

More Boycott Fun In Toronto

Next Thursday begins the 34th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).  This year, the festival is starting it’s new City to City program that features films from a highlighted city.  The organizers decided to start off this program by focusing on Tel Aviv.  As a result, one Canadian filmmaker won’t be showing his [...]

Bingo Bucks for Israeli Settlements

Recently, the Obama administration has come out saying that it views illegal Israeli outposts and Israeli construction in East Jerusalem as one in the same.  The latest project to undermine Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem is the proposed construction of 20 apartments in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.  This prompted the State Department to summon the [...]

“Removal” of Israeli Checkpoints: Just an Illusion

Over the past month, Israel has decided to ease some travel restrictions in the West Bank.

Israeli authorities have put steps in place around the cities of Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya and Jericho.

Today, for example, the IDF announced it would open foot traffic at the Hawara checkpoint near Nablus. In some cases, Israeli authorities have claimed to “remove” checkpoints or roadblocks altogether.

However, has that really been the case?