Rami Khouri,

Palestinian-American

Academic and Journalist

to Speak

at Connect

Arab America

Empowerment Summit

in Dearborn, Michigan

REGISTER HERE!

The Arab America Foundation is excited to announce that Rami Khouri will speak at the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit. It will be held on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Dearborn Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan 48126. 

Rami G. Khouri is a Palestinian-American academic and journalist whose family resides in Beirut, Amman, and Nazareth. During his 50-year career in journalism, he was Managing Editor of the Jordan Times and the Daily Star (Beirut) newspapers. He contributed reports and opinion pieces from the Middle East to the Financial Times, NPR, BBC radio, and other outlets. He founded and managed the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs(IFI) at the American University of Beirut. 

He has been a Harvard Nieman Journalism Fellow, a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Fellow of the Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs in Arab East Jerusalem. He was also a visiting scholar at Villanova, Oklahoma, Mt Holyoke, Syracuse, and Tufts universities. He is a distinguished fellow at IFI, a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington, DC, a regular contributor to Aljazeera online, and a Just World Education board member. His texts and interviews are available on X @ramikhouri.

This year’s summit is a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse community of like-minded individuals, visionary leaders, and influential speakers. We’ve chosen Dearborn as the location of our summit—a city that symbolizes the heart of Arab America. 

Over 30 speakers and performers have been confirmed, with more to be announced.

Vote for your Presidential choice at Arab America's ongoing Poll. Just go to our website and scroll down to cast your Vote HERE

The US Obsession with Ceasefire Terms in Gaza Camouflages the Roots of Injustice to Palestinians

The White House has hinted at an imminent ceasefire in Gaza for two months, but it remains elusive. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to push for a military presence in Gaza, with ambitions potentially expanding to Lebanon and Iran. Arab America contributing writer, Ghassan Rubeiz, explores how Netanyahu resists U.S. pressure, leveraging support from Congress while Hamas capitalizes on the deadlock. As Israeli protests mount and economic pressure grows, the possibility of a ceasefire hinges on whether Netanyahu can maintain his grip on power.

Read more

Troubling Terminology

For decades, Palestine has been fragmented, with each region isolated by design—a tactic carefully executed by the Zionist state to gain control over the land, people, and resources. As Arab America contributing writer, Miko Peled argues, any discussion on Palestine’s future must consider the entire nation as a single, unified entity. As the ongoing slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, nearing its first anniversary, continues, calls for a ceasefire create a false equivalence between the oppressors and the victims. Instead, an arms embargo and sanctions should be prioritized to stop the genocide.

Read more

9/11 as a Turning Point in El Rassi’s Memoir

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, led to a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the U.S. However, it is important to recognize that these attacks were not the beginning but rather one of several turning points in the history of discrimination against Arabs and Muslims. Toufic El Rassi’s graphic memoir serves as a testament to the enduring racism faced by men of Arab descent long before September 11. Arab America contributing writer, Arwa Almasaari, argues that more representation for Arabs is needed to combat racism.

Read more

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Reem Kassis

This is the fifty-eighth of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Arab America contributing writer John Mason highlights Reem Kassis, a Palestinian American born in Jerusalem to a Muslim mother and Christian father. While initially a businesswoman, Reem became a writer and cookbook author. Her work focuses on the intersection of food with culture, history, and politics. Reem’s latest writing focuses on the place of Palestinian cuisine in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and, more specifically, the Gaza war.

Read more

The Significance of the Kuffiyeh Throughout History and How That Has Changed in Recent Times

The kuffiyeh or hattah is a multi-patterned scarf that is worn in black and white and also in red and white. While kuffiyehs have been a household staple in Arab families for generations, this past year, the patterned scarf has made its way into the mainstream, popping up in fast fashion stores, music festivals, and protests. However, Arab America contributing writer Monica Haddad recalls the history of this scarf’s meaning, which is seldom discussed. 

Read more

Transforming Futures: How U.S. Department of State Empower Arab Youth

For many young people across the Arab world, the dream of experiencing life in the United States seems distant. Yet, through the U.S. Department of State’s programs, that dream becomes a reality for countless participants yearly. These programs provide a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, build leadership skills, and foster mutual understanding between nations. For Arab Americans looking to expand their horizons, these programs offer an unparalleled chance to explore, learn, and grow. The journey of cultural exchange leaves a lasting impact, shaping participants in ways that stay with them for a lifetime, says Arab America contributing writer Yara Marei.

Read more

How Lebanese Migration Helped Shape Mexico’s Modern Identity

Approximately 400,000 Lebanese emigrants are part of Mexico’s population. Families in regions such as Yucatán, Puebla, and Mexico City have created a lasting legacy, benefiting themselves and the Mexican people. Their business ventures and Levantine influence have enriched the vibrant Mexican culture we recognize today. Arab America contributing writer, Nissrine Bedda, explores the impact of Lebanese emigrants on Mexico's modernization during the Porfiriato era and their integration into Mexican society.

Read more

Al-Zahawi: Iraqi Anti-Establishment Poet

Jamil Sidqi Al-Zahawi was an Iraqi poet and theorist who argued for an increased modernization and rationalization of Islamic society. His articles about the increased role of science and women’s rights caused controversy. Arab America contributing writer Luke McMahan discusses this contentious and anti-establishment thinker, whose work culminated in the long-form poem “Revolt in Hell.”

Read more

The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers, fought between 1956 and 1957, remains one of the most crucial and terrible battles of Algeria's War of Independence, 1954-1962. The National Liberation Front, FLN, launched a guerilla warfare campaign against French colonial control during this struggle, which was focused in the capital city of Algiers. Arab America contributing writer, Rania Basria, writes about how it represented a larger conflict between colonial powers and nationalist movements throughout the twentieth century, posing serious themes about liberty, justice, and the human cost of war.

Read more

South Yemen: Divisions before the Yemeni Civil War

When one thinks about a divided Yemen, the images of its ongoing, devastating civil war often come to mind. Yet, this isn’t the first time Yemen experienced division, nor is it the only chapter in its long history of separation. In fact, before 1990, Yemen didn’t even exist as a single, unified country. It was split into two states: the Yemen Arab Republic in the north and west and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen in the south and east. Arab America contributing writer, Liam Nagle dives into the history of South Yemen under the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, exploring the factors that shaped its identity before the eventual unification in 1990.

Read more

Algerian Cuisine – Some Samples of the Best

Algerian cuisine, shaped by a rich history of Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Andalusian Muslim, Turkish, and French influences, offers a wide array of unique and flavorful dishes. From Andalusia, Algerians adopted stews or tagines and used fruits and nuts in their cooking; from the French, tomato puree, appetizers, and delightful pastries like croissants; and the Turks, the tradition of stuffed vegetables. At the heart of this culinary heritage is couscous, a semolina-based dish beloved across North Africa, typically served with chicken, meat, fish, and vegetables. Discover Algerian cuisine in this article by Arab America contributing writer Habeeb Salloum.

Read more

Switch Up Your Lunch Prep with Musakhan Rolls

One popular Palestinian chicken dish that is perfectly adaptable into a quick and on-the-go meal is Musakhan. Musakhan is chicken seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and sumac, topped with caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts. The chicken is baked on pita bread so that the bread absorbs all of the delicious chicken drippings. This dish can be easily transformed into on-the-go wraps, using shredded rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. Arab America contributing writer Blanche Shaheen showcases how to assemble musakhan rolls in her latest video tutorial.

Read more