Muslim 9/11 first responder speaks out

Muslim 9/11 first responder speaks out


Rudina Odeh-Ramadan was a 9/11 first responder and said it is very hurtful that so many have taken what a few individuals who practiced a perverted version of Islam and held it against all Muslims. She recently took part in a public service announcement with the Council for American Islamic Relations, hoping to serve as a voice to show others who do not understand or may fear Islam that Muslim Americans are Americans just like them.

American converts to Islam defy stereotypes

American converts to Islam defy stereotypes


Despite a growing culture of Islamophobia in the United States, around 20,000 Americans convert to Islam every year. Many converts face discrimination in their everyday lives, but say they don't regret their decision. In the nine years since 9/11, these converts have seen bans on Muslim religious clothing and racial profiling against Muslims at airports. They say the mainstream media doesn't help portray a good image of converts and only reports on the small number of extremist radicals.

Imam: Koran burnings free speech

Imam: Koran burnings free speech


Terry Jones had planned a 'Burn the Koran Day' and later postponed. Now Bob Old, a pastor in Tennessee, is planning his own Koran burning event. President Obama called the events out of line with the American value of tolerance and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said the actions could endanger US troops abroad.

Imam Abdul Alim Musa of Masjid Al-Islam Mosque in Washington said, while the burning of the Koran is a horrible act to Muslims, these individuals still have their constitutional right to free speech and should be allowed to move forward. The government should not restrict the constitution anymore than it already is. Musa further argued that one simply needs to read the Koran to know it is not a text of violence and in fact shares many aspects with Christianity.

First day of school jitters for ex-Colombian President Uribe

First day of school jitters for ex-Colombian President Uribe


Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez didn't have to look too far for a new job. The former president is now a distinguished scholar in the practice of global leadership at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Many students, however, are not happy with their school's choice. They say that despite Uribe's apparent popularity in Colombia, he committed major human rights violations and has no place teaching at their school. Though, there were more Uribe supporters than protestors at Georgetown.

US military: Lost in translation

US military: Lost in translation

Could the US mission in Afghanistan fall apart simply because of bad translations? It's possible argues Neil Shea, a contributing writer to National Geographic Magazine. It's being reported that more than a quarter of military translators failed language proficiency tests but were still sent to Afghanistan as translators. Shea said American forces rely heavily on translators; however the translators were not well enough prepared, leading to numerous incidents of miscommunication. He added that the issue extends beyond vocabulary and grammar; it is an issue of culture. Shea explained that by simply conveying American ideas verbatim in vocabulary translators often miss the cultural differences.

Taking lessons from Uribe

Taking lessons from Uribe

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is lecturing at Georgetown University. However not everybody is happy about it. Protesters gathered in front of the university to remind them that Uribe was responsible for the murders of many Colombians. Arturo Viscarra, a researcher on Latin American affairs who was at the protest said the mix of supporters and protestors exemplified the divide over Uribe. He argued that this has provided a great opportunity for people to debate Uribe's record and open dialogue that may otherwise not been available. However Viscarra said it is still questionable whether or not Uribe was an appropriate choice for this position.

International community must go after al-Qaeda

International community must go after al-Qaeda

After discovering that the terrorists who attacked the town of Vladikavkaz in southern Russia had international al-Qaeda links, many are asking; why is it so hard to prevent terrorist attacks no matter how much effort, money and resources you spend? Dr. Walid Phares, the Director of the Future Terrorism Project at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said it is possible to track and follow terrorist organizations, since their operations require money, planning and organizations. He argued that there should be an international role to go after al-Qaeda, which is listed by the US as a terrorist organization.

"Golden" opportunity for independents in Congress

"Golden" opportunity for independents in Congress

Retired navy pilot Kenny Golden is not your typical Congressional candidate. He rides a Harley Davidson, has logged 5,000 flight hours as a as pilot and his idea of a town hall meeting includes plenty of food an alcohol. Golden believes Virginia's 2nd congressional District, and Americans in general, are ready to send an independent to Washington. While Kenny's supporters applaud his decision to run as an independent, detractors say he will be lucky if he gets 4-6% of the vote. Golden thinks it will take more than luck, but he is optimistic that Virginia is ready for a strong, healthy independent candidate and they should take advantage of this "Golden opportunity" by electing him.

Police investigating themselves is not justice

Police investigating themselves is not justice


There is growing anti-police sentiment on the streets of Los Angeles after an officer fatally shot an immigrant from Guatemala. Now there are reports the police officer has been involved in two other previous shootings. Community activist Jose Lara said the situation is getting more heated and that the police have only increased the level of distract from the community. He argued that the police are not supporting and protecting their community and the people are coming out strongly in opposition to what the police have begun to stand for. The police have promised a fair investigation, but Lara said it makes no sense that those committing the crimes investigate themselves; that's not justice.