Politics

Lebanese chefs prepared a massive plate of hummus weighing over two tons Saturday that broke a world record organizers said was previously held by Israel — a bid to reaffirm proprietorship over the popular Middle Eastern dip. “Come and fight for your bite, you know you’re right!” was the slogan for the event — part … Continued

US Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman emphasized on Wednesday, that Algeria plays an extremely important role as the leader in the Africa and Arab world, respectively, the Algerian Press Service (APS) reported. “Algeria has very strong and very constructive voice in the international organizations, including the United Nations family,” Feltman told … Continued

Lebanon’s election today to the United Nations Security Council for the first time in 57 years stems from its progress toward political stability and brings a moderate Arab voice to the panel, diplomats said. “It is a symbol that Lebanon has overcome the civil war and is rebuilding its institutions and its presence abroad,” French … Continued

Just two months ago, many western commentators were jubilant that Mahmoud Abbas, theU.S. supported head of both the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the interim Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA), was making a comeback and reducing the influence in Palestinian society of the Islamist movement Hamas. But a series of events in recent weeks has sent … Continued

The Arab American Institute hosted its 21st annual Virginia Candidates Night on Sunday in Tysons Corner, Va. Guest speakers included Republican Congressman Charles Boustany of Louisiana, and Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, whose son is studying Arabic at college. In Virginia, candidates for statewide and local offices are courting the state’s nearly 50,000 Arab … Continued

On Monday, Vice President Biden spoke with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and conveyed the Administration’s firm support for Lebanon’s efforts to form a new government soon. The Vice President emphasized the United States’ continued support for Lebanon, stressing the importance of Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty. In his conversation with President Sleiman, Vice President Biden expressed … Continued

The head of the Arab League and the Egyptian foreign minister on Friday urged President Barack Obama to present his own outline of an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, in order to break the current logjam and spur negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas remain far apart on what it takes to … Continued

“As a former president, I can say just about anything I want to now!” While former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s humorous response was directed toward last week’s comments about Rep. Joe Wilson, it also indicated how frank he is in his message of peace. In a highly anticipated event Monday night at the James Madison … Continued