Jan

31

How American Muslims Are Voting

January 31, 2008 | 3 Comments

vote_1.jpg Today the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) released the results of a survey on American Muslims and the 2008 presidential elections. The findings are positive and very encouraging, indicating that a majority of American Muslims are actively participating in the electoral process. Here are some highlights:

87% of those surveyed said they vote regularly
64% said they “definitely will” vote in the 2008 primary, and 15% said they “probably will”
49% consider themselves Democrats, 36% independents, and 8% Republicans

45% are undecided about their preferred candidate
Of those who are decided:
24% intend to vote for Hillary Clinton
20% intend to vote for Barack Obama
2% intend to vote for Ron Paul
An aggregate total of 2% mentioned McCain, Huckabee, or Guiliani as a possibility

Asked about the issues that will have the most influence on their decision:
89% said education is very important, followed by civil rights (86%), health care policy (85%), jobs and the economy (85%), and relations with the Muslim world (85%).

The margin of error in this survey is 3% indicating that the numbers above between Clinton and Obama are almost the same. This survey was conducted between November 9 and December 3, 2007 and I expect that, just like the rest of the American public, views on candidates have changed since then. It’s very interesting to note the almost negligible support for Republicans by American Muslims, which is in no small part due to misgivings shared by the rest of the American public on the performance of the Bush administration over the past two terms.

In general, I felt that if I had taken this survey, my answers would have been very similar to the majority seen above. If you are an American Muslim, do you feel that this survey is an accurate portrayal of your views?

Click here to view the detailed report (pdf), which includes more results on American Muslim demographics, social and religious life, integration and views on public issues.

Jan

29

Protesting the Gaza Siege in DC

January 29, 2008 | 5 Comments

On Friday January 25th, people of conscience gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. to protest the continued siege of the Gaza Strip by Israeli authorities and the embargo on Gaza by the international community. Despite the frigid temperatures and short notice for the protest, an impressive crowd of more than 300 people showed up. After some speeches and chanting in front of the embassy, we marched on Constitution Avenue and circled back to the embassy during peak rush hour time. The march provided good exposure to hundreds of people walking and driving by, many of whom honked in support.

End the Siege on Gaza Rally

Originally uploaded by moi 84


After just five minutes of standing up and chanting “end the siege on Gaza now,” I could no longer feel my fingers or my toes. I was definitely bundled up– scarves, gloves, boots and layers– but the bitter cold slipped right through my seemingly protective attire. I tried rubbing my hands together and jumping around, but we only warmed up when we started marching. I could not help but think about the millions in Gaza who were faced with bitter cold nights without power or fuel to provide heat and without food to provide energy. A couple of hours later, I was walking around my house in a t-shirt, oblivious to the painfully cold outdoors.

This protest probably won’t change the situation in Gaza. It may just make us feel that we have actually done “something” and feel good about it for a day or two. But I hope the people in Gaza know, that at least, we are thinking about them, praying for them, and trying to make a difference. I hope that people left this protest with a renewed sense of commitment to bring justice to this cause, to advocate for change, and really make an effort to influence American policy toward this conflict.

We’re still praying for Gaza. May God be with you, Gaza.

[more photos]

Jan

24

Abuse in Jordan Reaches New Low

January 24, 2008 | 6 Comments

What a depressing and shameful piece of news to see this morning:

The Philippines has imposed an indefinite ban on the deployment of workers to Jordan because of growing reports of maids being mistreated and abused there, officials said Wednesday.

The ban took effect Monday on the order of Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, said Rosalinda Baldoz, head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

“I received an order to stop the deployment of (workers) to Jordan, and this is because of the growing number of Filipinos in distress,” Baldoz told a press conference. [source]

The issue of foreign workers in the Middle East and their working conditions has been discussed previously on this blog and many other Jordanian blogs. I don’t think the Filipino government would’ve taken such a harsh stance unless there was overwhelming evidence showing that their citizens were being mistreated in Jordan. The only other country in the Middle East where Filipino workers are banned is Lebanon (Iraq & Afghanistan are exceptional cases). This leaves me wondering if their condition in a country like Saudi Arabia is better than Jordan, something I find hard to believe simply because of the way I’ve seen domestic workers being treated in the Gulf.

Most of my observation of domestic workers in Jordan has been through my relatives, of which my grandparents have been through mostly Sri Lankan and Indonesian maids. If all domestic workers in Jordan were treated the way my grandparents treat their housekeeper, we wouldn’t have this problem. Whenever I visited in the summer, I felt that the housekeeper was part of the family, and whenever one of them left, it was as if a family member was leaving us. But I’m not naive enough to think that this is the way they are all treated, as I’ve seen some extended relatives just shout at a maid which really offended me. I haven’t myself seen anything more than people being “rude” to the maid, but I have read some disturbing stories on blogs and in news stories.

The Jordanian government said it was not officially informed of the ban. When it is officially informed, I hope a thorough investigation will be conducted and those responsible held accountable because this is simply an unacceptable trend that needs to be addressed by various social groups, religious leaders, and government officials in the country.

In the end I would, as a Jordanian, apologize to those visitors to our country who’s rights were violated in anyway. Jordanians know better, and I hope they will prove that in the near future.

Jan

23

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

January 23, 2008 | 2 Comments

There is no better way to describe the situation in Gaza other than pure desperation. Hundreds of thousands of families are desperate for some peace of mind, for food to put on the table, and for the world to answer their cries for help. Braving the cold and miserable conditions on the Egyptian border, brave men and women broke through today and unleashed a flood of desperate Palestinians hoping to grab some much needed essentials for the next few days. Israel has caged 1.5 million people in Gaza, and the world has imposed an embargo on them to support this collective punishment policy. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, so the theory goes. While the reaction by Palestinians couldn’t possibly be “equal” to that of Israel and the international community, it was by nothing less than extraordinary: a jail break of monumental proportions.

To hear more about the dire situation in Gaza from the head of the UNRWA operations, click here to watch the CNN interview.

capt6f67cc549f024607ad3d79729c153965mideast_israel_palestinians_border_akcf108.jpg

(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

This is quite possibly one of the saddest scenes I have witnessed in my life. The sheer jubilation and sense of relief one can see on their faces as a result of their new found freedom is at the same time humiliating in so many ways.

capt5ce1834c63d340188a80689bf238024cmideast_israel_palestinians_border_akcf104.jpg

(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

Meanwhile, the US is worried about Israel’s security and Egypt is reassuring both parties that it will seal the border once again tomorrow. Show’s over folks. Back to reality.

Jan

20

Gaza’s Symbolic Darkness is Now a Reality

January 20, 2008 | 6 Comments

 

Gaza City was plunged into darkness Sunday after Israel blocked the shipment of fuel that powers its only electrical plant in retaliation for persistent rocket attacks by Gaza militants.

The power cut sent already beleaguered Gazans to stock up on food and batteries in anticipation of dark, cold days ahead. Gaza officials warned the move would cause a health catastrophe while a U.N. agency and human rights groups condemned Israel.

“We have the choice to either cut electricity on babies in the maternity ward or heart surgery patients or stop operating rooms,” Gaza Health Ministry official Dr. Moaiya Hassanain said.

 

Nobody should have to make such an inhumane decision. How do you choose between a premature baby in an incubator and a 40 year old man with a serious heart problem?

The regular fuel shipment from Israel did not arrive Sunday because the fuel terminal was closed, and the power plant has almost no reserves, said Rafik Maliha, director of the power plant.

The U.N. organization in charge of Palestinian refugees warned the blockade would drastically affect hospitals, sewage treatment and water facilities.

“The logic of this defies basic humanitarian standards,” said Christopher Gunness, spokesman for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA. [full article]

I just fail to understand how Arab and Muslim leaders are watching this misery take place across the border. I fail to see why Jordanians, Egyptians, Syrians, Saudis, and Qataris don’t take to the streets and demand that their governments do something about this shameful situation. I’m disgusted, utterly disgusted by those cowardly Arab dictators who welcomed the scum of the earth to their palaces last week and failed to mention to him the misery of our Palestinian brethren. They danced with him, showered him with diamonds and rubys, and showed off their Arabian horses. Each and every one of them simply turned a blind eye to the mass starvation of the Palestinian people. They think that if they ignore it long it enough, it will go away. But you know what, it’s about time we realize that they are not the ones who are going to do anything to change the Palestinian predicament. If anyone is relying on them, holding their breath, then please let go now or else you will die waiting. I don’t expect anything from them, and neither do the Palestinian people.

They only have God to rely on now, because humanity has failed them. Each and every one of us has failed them. May God be with you, Gaza.

gaza-baby.jpg

Reuters photo

Jan

13

The Hijab Difference

January 13, 2008 | 4 Comments

No doubt, there is a difference between a Muslim girl who wears a head scarf (hijab) and one who doesn’t. No, I don’t mean in religiosity or devotion or what not, because only God can determine that. I mean, in public perception. And for Muslim women in the United States, that difference in preception is now more clear after recent study conducted by HCD Research.

Participants were divided into two randomly assigned groups. Members of each group were asked to view one of two separate photos of an attractive young woman. Neither photo was identified in any way. Each sample was then asked identical questions about the woman, her age, perceived personality, activities, and how acceptable she might be as a neighbor.

One-third of participants indicated that they would rather have the woman with the traditional headwear live in another place, another city, and maybe out of the U.S., as opposed to living in their neighborhood. However, a clear majority of participants (89%) reported that the woman without the shawl would be welcome in their neighborhood.hijabstudy.jpg

The press release doesn’t do much justice to the study. A closer look at the actual results of each question asked of the participants reveals some interesting information.

A woman who wears hijab is perceived as older; more likely to be married (by 34%); more likely to be a devoted wife (by 25%) and good mother (by 12%); less likely to be a college graduate (by 10%); more likely to be wealthy (by 16%); more likely to be a stay at home mom (by 31%); less likely to be lively, have a sense of humor, or look on the bright side; less likely to be the life of the party (by 20%); more likely to stick to a tight circle of people (by 19%); more beautiful (by 11%); more likely to keep to herself (by 11%); and more strict (by 20%) and rigid (by 10%) than the same woman who did not wear the headscarf.

Most respondents guessed that the woman wearing the headscarf is Middle Eastern (78%) rather than American (18%) and Muslim (87%).

What the press release picked up on was how respondents reacted when asked if they wanted the hijab clad woman to live next to them, in their neighborhood, in another section of their town or city, in another town or city, or outside the US. Thirty percent (30%) of respondents were comfortable with the hijab wearing woman being their next door neighbor compared to 41% for the non-covered woman. Forty-eight (48%) percent wanted the woman without hijab to be in their neighborhood while only 32% wanted the hijab wearing woman to be in their neighborhood. Finally, 19% would’ve liked the woman wearing the hijab to be living outside the US while only 1% wished the same for the other woman.

I don’t find the results troubling. If one looks closely at the percentages, it is usually a minority of respondents who view the woman with the hijab in a negative light. I believe that if this study was conducted before 9/11, the negative perception of women in hijab would have been higher. Yes, higher. Many women Muslim women both wearing hijab and those not wearing it have become more visible in the public eye, and through the media. I think that before 9/11, Muslim women were viewed with more suspicion and general ambiguity than today. Since most respondents did not think that the woman without hijab is Muslim, is it safe to assume that the above perceptions can be attributed to Muslim women in general, and not just those who wear the head scarf? I think we could get a more accurate answer to this question if the same study was done but both women were identified as Muslim from the beginning.

I hope I didn’t misrepresent the report in my summary, as the percentages sometimes don’t add up because more than one answer is applicable in some questions. You can view the full report here for clarification.

Jan

4

Election Fever!

January 4, 2008 | 4 Comments

I’m officially excited. I’m also officially a bit terrified. I’m more excited about the candidates who lost in Iowa the those who won. I’m ecstatic that New York duo Hillary and Guiliani, both of whom were considered front runners, are no longer. Yes, I’m happy that Hillary is in THIRD place, because she needed a reality check. We live in a democracy here, not a constitutional monarcy. I do NOT want my children to one day read about the Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton phenomena. And her ego just needed to be popped.

I know that Guiliani hasn’t campaigned strongly in Iowa and he spoke of a surprise in the upcoming primaries, but I don’t think he expected to do as poorly in Iowa (3%). And I can’t wait to see him crushed in New Hampshire and South Carolina and every other state. His racist campaign will hopefully be seen as just that by most Americans.

Mike Huckabee, the winner on the Republican side, does indeed scare me. The idea of him becoming president, someone more conservative and evangelical than Dubya, is nauseating. I would much rather see McCain and I think he has a good chance of getting the nomination since Huckabee isn’t as popular with the “establishment.” That being said, ANYTHING, yes anything, is better that Guiliani.

And for the most groundbreaking victory by Barack Obama…I must hand it to him. He definitely surpassed all expectations. Unknown to the nation four years ago, he has been able to convince many voters that he will indeed bring change and hope to the future of this nation. I can’t say I’m an Obama supporter yet, but I am definitely intrigued and excited by his success. As for John Edwards, I had a strong feeling that he would come in surprisingly strong in Iowa, but he needs to make a stronger push if he wants to beat Obama’s momentum.

Election fever has hit me, and I’m generally more excited than scared. I am hopeful that America has had enough of Dubya and his cohorts over the past eight years and is willing to take the initiative and make that dream of change a reality.

iowa.jpg

(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

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