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Politics

Paradoxical Views of Lebanon—Citizens ‘Robbing Banks’ to withdraw Their Own Money—Juxtaposed to Lebanese Rejoicing over Mayyas Dancers’ Win on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Some Lebanese are actually robbing banks to take their own money. This anomaly is occurring in the context of a worsening economic crisis. Lebanese banks have placed strict controls on deposits, foreclosing millions of clients from foreign currency savings. In contrast, the Mayyas are a Lebanese women’s dance group who won ‘America’s Got Talent’ prize. Contributing writer, John Mason writes that their victory brought a rare moment of joy and unity to the Lebanese people, who’ve been struggling with three years of profound economic adversity and political deadlock.

Israel Shrugs off Accountability in Murder of Palestinian American Journalist—Shireen Abu Akleh

Only last week did the Israeli military admit it was ‘highly probable’ an IDF soldier mistakenly killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Over and over, Israeli officials swore that none of the soldiers intended to harm the journalist. They ruled out any criminal investigation or charges against its troops. That is a criminal act in itself. John Mason, contributing writer, suggests that saying Abu Akleh’s killing was an accident does not let the IDF off the hook. That she was misidentified is preposterous. Or that there were Palestinian gunmen in the area is a lie.

Palestinian Arabs of Israel—Marginalized, Barely Coexisting as Self-Defined ‘Second-Class’ Citizens

Palestinian citizens of Israel are skeptical of their right to vote in the upcoming elections. They feel they are participating as pawns in a longtime political deadlock. Their citizenry in Israel is now threatened by a Supreme Court ruling on revoking a person’s citizenship. John Mason, contributing writer, reviews these stories and also presents a salient view of the so-called equality of citizenship by Palestinian activist, Diana Buttu.

Anaheim’s Recognition of “Little Arabia” is Historic for Arab Americans

By: Claire Boyle / Arab America Contributing Writer Introduction: On August 23, 2022, the Anaheim City Council in California voted to declare a region of Brookhurst Street as “Little Arabia.” The “Little Arabia” designation is historic because this declaration created the “first Arab American cultural district in the United States.” “Little Arabia” is well-known for … Continued

Catastrophic Syrian Crisis: Humanitarian Refugee Tragedy Afflicts not only Syria but much of the Middle East–An Update

“The biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis of our time and a continuing cause for suffering.” That’s what UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi called the Syrian crisis. The amount of humanitarian aid required by almost 15 million Syrians is enormous. Contributing writer, John Mason, reports that it is not only Syria that harbors refugees, but more than 120 countries offer them asylum. The valiant work of such organizations as UNHCR and private agencies as Concern Worldwide have responded to the emergency for years.

Continued Israeli Double Assault on Palestinians – Confiscation of more Land, Stomping on their Human Rights

The IDF began its assault of Palestinian land in mid-July. It included confiscation of almost 1,500 acres in the area around Ramallah, justified by interests of protecting surrounding Jewish settlements. Contributing writer, John Mason, reports on this story and a shocking, opposing Israeli view that it is the Palestinians who are guilty of a land grab of Judea and Samaria. A second assault reported here is of IDF troops closing down several Palestinian human rights organizations. These groups are accused of being a front for a militant faction.

Trump Hosts New Jersey-Saudi-backed Golf Event–He’s Still Questioning Saudi Involvement in 9/11 Attacks

In sponsoring the Saudi-funded tournament at his Bedminster, N.J. golf course, Trump said there was no link between Saudi Arabia and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Contributing writer, John Mason tells us that families of 9/11 were dumbfounded by Trump’s support of the sponsor. Trump’s event took place within the shadow of ground zero. Meanwhile, 9/11 victims’ families still await some sense of accountability. That they believe they will get it from either Trump or MBS is unfortunate.

American Church Support for Palestine and Israel is Schizophrenic

Major American churches, both Catholic and Protestant, have favored Palestinian peoples for decades. Namely, they support Palestinians oppressed under Israeli military occupation. Contributing writer, John Mason, writes that this does not mean the churches are anti-Israel. However, there is a highly driven opposing group of American evangelical pro-Israeli Christians, who are outright anti-Palestinian.

Biden’s Highwire Pilgrimage to the Middle East puts Israel and Saudis First, Leaving Palestinians in the Proverbial Lurch

iden’s rhetorical flourishes during his presidential campaign were favorable to the Palestinians. During his recent visit to the M.E., President Biden dashed the hope of Palestinians by giving them almost nothing. Oil and Iran dominated the dialogue with Israel and Saudi Arabia. Peace among Israelis and Palestinians became more and more remote. Contributing writer, John Mason, walks us through Biden’s fateful visit.

Israeli Government on the Move to Occupy More Muslim and Christian Property in Jerusalem

The Israel government has started to register land ownership in the area of al-Aqsa Mosque. That would put the sanctity of the Mosque at risk. Adding insult to injury, the government is using funds to help Palestinians to harm them. Contributing writer, John Mason, reports that in the same breath as Muslim Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem protested more Jewish settlers, Christian Palestinians also had something to protest.

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