Recent Articles
A Syrian Refugee Wedding
By Lauren Wolfe Source: The Nation Inside a furniture-free caravan in the Jordanian desert, sixteen women and girls and a plump boy wedge themselves in a circle around a 15-year-old girl and a woman doing her hair. The hairdresser combs through one-inch sections, spraying on a fixative before twisting them into elaborate shapes. The girl, [...]
‘Take Your Portion’: A Victim Speaks Out About Rape in Syria
by Lauren Wolfe Source: The Atlantic Alma Abdulrahman is lying gaunt and unable to move anything below her diaphragm in a hospital bed in Amman. Some bedsores have become so deep she’s having surgery tomorrow. Screws hold together her upper vertebrae, and cigarette burns pock her right shoulder. Her voice fades in and out, hoarse [...]
Little Arabia Thrives in Anaheim, Garden Grove
By Art Marroquin Source: Orange County Register/Community Bold, curving letters emblazon the leather-bound books lining the long shelves at Jarir Bookstore in Little Arabia. The shop’s owner, Jarir Saadoun, greets customers looking for the latest Middle Eastern cookbook, historical texts, children’s tales, or novels by best-selling Algerian author Ahlam Mostaghami. Saadoun, an Orange County [...]
The Emir of NYU: John Sexton’s Abu Dhabi Debacle
Will a controversial Middle East campus lead to the downfall of the university’s embattled president? Source: The Atlanic, by Zvika Krieger In February 2008, I attended an New York University faculty meeting about the school’s plans to open a new campus in the tiny desert emirate of Abu Dhabi. I was there reporting for a [...]
Getting a Little Closer to Understanding God
When Azi was born, I wanted nothing more than to create an entire world for him. I didn’t want anything in return other than the satisfaction of knowing I was giving him this thing that he might love. It doesn’t really matter if he remembers or appreciates it. All that matters is it [...]
Happier with Children?
I came across an excellent article by Mark Tapson that in a nutshell gets at why anyone in their right mind would ever want kids. Brilliant as usual, Mark starts off with a relatable scene: “No sooner had I cleaned my seven-week-old daughter’s poop off my lap the other day (don’t ask) than my two-year-old [...]
Flicking Angels
I was about 8 years old when I first learned about the Islamic belief in two angels on our shoulders who make note of all our thoughts and acts. Scribes, they’re called – one noting all things good, and the other all things bad. I felt quite uncomfortable with this. I thought, “I’ve already got [...]
What’s Getting Into Gaza?
We hear talk across several channels, with most staying Palestinians have been denied basic supplies. And then there’s this image. What’s really going on? Share your thoughts here:
Eid Cake Toppers
I whipped up some art deco inspired cake toppers. I actually meant to create an entire “art deco” Eid but didn’t have the time – so the cake toppers had to do. In the background you’ll see darling gold and silver stars I hung from ribbon, which added a soft touch especially for [...]
A Sufi-Inspired Eid Centerpiece
So this was year one of making Eid fun for the boy. I made all the decorations this year, and will add to it next year with leftover discount Christmas items. Star garlands weaved through Sufi quote cards make up the table centerpiece. My favorite Sufi quotes lets me personalize the holiday and [...]
