Washington Watch Articles From 2022
Dark Money is Killing Open Debate and Free Elections
Twenty years ago when Congress passed the bipartisan McCain-Feingold bill on campaign finance reform , many celebrated what they hoped would be a new era in US politics. There were limits set for individual contributions and those of political action committees. All contributions in federal elections were to be reported to the Federal Election Commission and made available for public scrutiny. There was also a taxpayer fund established that would allow presidential candidates, if they wished, to secure matching funds for lower-level contributions to their campaigns, if they accepted a limit on their overall spending.
I Knew Ghassan Kanafani
Fifty years ago this July, Israel assassinated Ghassan Kanafani. They planted a bomb in his car killing him and his 17-year-old niece, Lamis. Over the years I’ve thought a lot about Ghassan, his significant contributions to Arab literature, my meetings with him, and the role he played in shaping my doctoral dissertation and my thinking about Palestine.
Unintended Consequences of Russia's War on Ukraine
Only naive souls or blind ideologues could have thought that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine would end well. It will not. And the longer it continues, the worse the situation will be for everyone.
A Tale of Two Visits
The Biden administration’s approach and media coverage given to the president’s visits to Israel/Palestine and Saudi Arabia were starkly contradictory.
Patriotism
My conflicted feelings about the Fourth of July were a long time in the making.
A Double Standard on Bigotry
President Biden’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and the involvement of a Saudi investment fund in a new start-up golf association have provoked a rash of harsh commentary.
Will the US Ensure Equal Protection for Arab Americans?
Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute, was in the Middle East earlier this month with her children. She had taken them to her ancestral home in Lebanon while in the region for work-related meetings.
Detached From Reality
As important as the January 6th hearings in Congress may be in laying out, for the historical record, the facts behind the insurrection that attempted to violently overturn the 2020 election, there are two reasons why it may also be an exercise in futility.
Palestinians Can Learn from Irish Successes
Last week, Mary Lou McDonald, the President of Sinn Fein, the Irish republican/socialist party, and leader of the opposition in the Irish Parliament, addressed a European Union conference.
The Progressive/Moderate Battle in the Democratic Party
While the GOP’s internal battle is all about Trump and Trumpism, the conflict playing out on the Democratic side is between the party’s moderate and more progressive wings, and comes in two distinct forms.
We Are Sick About Guns
It’s difficult to find the words that adequately describe our feelings on first learning of the massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Texas last week.
Trump and Trumpism Are on the GOP Ballot
In addition to the predictable battles that normally occur between the Republican and Democratic parties, this year’s US primary election contests are featuring significant struggles being waged within both parties.
I am Furious
The killing of Shireen Abu Akleh has left me furious. Furious that a wonderful woman journalist has been taken from the world.
Pro-Israel Groups Trying, but Can’t Stop Change.
Because there has been a noticeable shift in American attitudes toward the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, pro-Israel groups in the US are flailing about in wild desperation.
Lebanon’s Last Chance?
The Lebanese people are going to the polls in just a few weeks. Without exaggeration, what will be decided in this election is whether their country has a chance to survive.
Changing Alliances & the Still Emerging New Order
There are significant realignments taking place across the globe. Old alliances appear to be experiencing stress or outright fractures, while new ones are being born.
A New Palestinian Strategy Is Desperately Needed
A terrible and tragic drama is playing out across Israel/Palestine. It is a dance of death with Israelis and Palestinians engaged, each in their own way, in destructive violence.
April is Arab American Heritage Month
April is Arab American Heritage Month. It may not be a big deal to some, but for those of my generation this recognition represents a half century of struggle to overcome outright bigotry, political exclusion, and ignorance about who we are, our history, and our contributions to American life.
Cautiously Emerging From the Covid Cave
A few weeks back, President Joseph Biden gave his long-delayed State of the Union message before a joint session of Congress.
Remembering Madeleine Albright
I was deeply saddened on learning of the passing of former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.