Washington Watch Articles From 1999
THE MEDIA AND POLITICS TODAY
I recently came across a news item that focused my attention on the intimate connection between media and politics in the United States.
THE IRAQ DEBATE AS IT IS
I recently participated in a live debate carried on one of the Arab satellite networks. It was not so much a debate, however, as it was an exercise in frustration—for both my opponent and myself.
THE CHANGING JERUSALEM DEBATE
A debate has emerged over U.S. policy toward Jerusalem. It is the result of some subtle but still intriguing changes in the way some U.S. political leaders are now addressing the question.
BARAK CHALLENGED ON ARAB AMERICAN RIGHTS
American citizens of Arab descent travelling to or residing in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza often encounter violations of their rights.
THE FOURTH GENEVA CONVENTION MEETING SHOULD BE CONVENED
Having experienced the nightmare of two devastating wars, in 1949, the world community advanced a compact designed to protect future generations of civilians from the massive violations of rights that often results from such conflicts.
BIG MONEY CONTINUES TO DOMINATE U.S. POLITCS
With eight months remaining before the first presidential primary, the contest is as hot as the midsummer weather.
LIKUD AND CONGRESS WAGE A PRIVATE, DIRTY WAR
U.S. allies of Israel’s outgoing Likud Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu have been working overtime to damage what remains of the Middle East peace process.
SERBIA WAR UNEARTHS RUSSIAN AND CHINESE PROBLEMS WITH THE WEST
While NATO begins implementation of a shaky victory over Serbia, the 11 week long air war has unearthed major problems between the United States and its old Cold War twin nemeses—Russia and China.
BUSH AND GORE FACE FRONTRUNNER BLUES
This week the 2000 presidential race accelerated dramatically as both the Democratic and Republican frontrunners push their campaigns into high gear.
BIBI’S DANGEROUS LEGACY
Arabs have good reason to be pleased with Netanyahu’s defeat while, at the same time, they greet Barak’s victory with a note of caution.
DEBATE ON GUNS AND VIOLENCE
The U.S. Congress will soon consider legislation designed to limit the access of children to guns.
TURNING ATTACKS INTO VICTORIES
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), fresh form its most recent defeat, has struck again.
THE FIGHT WITHIN THE GOP
The Republican Party (GOP) is working its way through more than a Presidential primary.
MEETINGS WITH GORE AND RENO MARK CONTINUED ARAB AMERICAN PROGRESS
The attacks being directed at Arab Americans today are in response to the successes we have achieved. Some extremists are frightened that Arab Americans are more respected in political circles.
THE KAHLIL GIBRAN AWARDS
My son Joseph is the lone Arab American working in the Near East Affairs (NEA) Bureau at the U.S. Department of State. For nearly one year now he has served as Special Assistant to Martin Indyk, the Assistant Secretary of State.
THE KAHLIL GIBRAN AWARDS
When the Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) presented the first Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards last week they helped shine a light on the extraordinary contributions the community is making in American life.
U.S. REBUKES NETANYAHU’SEL ECTORAL PLOYS
Two of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent election-related gambits have earned him rather strongly worded public rebukes from the Clinton Administration.
REUPUBLICANS DEBATE ISOLATIONISM
The U.S. debate over NATO’s military campaign to stop Serbian crimes in Kosovo is exposing deep divisions within the Republican Party (GOP).
DEMOCRACY AND DEBATE
In a democracy, most major policy issues, both foreign and domestic, are subjected to intense public debate. Through this political process, policy is influenced and shaped. This can be one of democracy’s greatest strengths.
TWO WARS ON TWO FRONTS
With the launching of a U.S.-led NATO air war against Serbia, the United States has become engaged, for the first time since World War II, in military hostilities on two separate fronts.