tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59084412011-12-31T10:40:59.930-06:00Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible<br /> -- St. Francis of AssisiFayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comBlogger5601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-87135827128996997512010-09-18T14:30:00.002-05:002010-09-18T14:34:01.995-05:00

ينعى شعب العراق فقيده الراحل الشيخ كهرباء اثر مرض عضال في البنى التحتية , والد كل من نور وضياء ومكيف هواء .. وشقيق المرحومين هاتف وماء وابن عم كل من المرحومين كاز وغاز وبنزين ونفط .. وحضر التشييع الحاج فانوس أبو يده .. والحاجة جولة واختها صوبة .... وعدد من اللمبات ونيونات الشحن ومجموعة كبيرة من المولدات ....إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون Source: E-mail from an Iraqi friend.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-89091420308917678942010-05-23T16:17:00.017-05:002010-05-31T20:24:21.482-05:00

During our visit to Corpus Christi, Texas last month, we toured the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. The retired aircraft carrier has been converted to a museum. It's so big that we couldn't finish touring it during our first visit. If you ever decide to tour it, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and spray OFF on your skin. The mosquitoes in Corpus Christi are very skilled.As usual, I took many

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-23988669516465256252010-02-28T15:48:00.005-06:002010-02-28T17:43:18.258-06:00

With the Iraq War fading from the American peoples' memory, Christina Asquith's book "Sisters In War" didn't get much attention compared to books published earlier during this war.Since 2003, I've read a number of books about the war in Iraq. Most of those books reflected the author's position on the war in Iraq - no matter how much the author tried to stay neutral. I couldn't tell one way or the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-20400053394468592102010-01-13T19:40:00.006-06:002010-01-14T09:42:49.084-06:00

If you haven't heard of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday, then you need to move to another planet.If you have heard of the earthquake and haven't helped yet in any simple way, then you must do so before you go to bed tonight.Don't wait until tomorrow or next week. The Haitian people need your help today.New York Times blog, The Lede, did the homework for you. Donate to your

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-88965411742251813002009-08-23T20:14:00.004-05:002009-08-23T21:33:46.825-05:00

I don't usually buy books based on blogs. Why buy the book when you could read the blog for free? But, this is HNK's blog turned into a book. She's the exception.I finished reading the book this morning. I'm happy HNK got her blog published. But, I'm also sad to re-read her struggle with life under fire. No matter the darkness around, HNK always finds something to get her going every day. This

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-44881521705002795932009-08-16T11:03:00.004-05:002009-08-16T11:16:19.239-05:00

Source: Save Steve Family BlogI haven't been blogging that much lately. So, I'm not sure how many still check this blog. If you still check this blog, please read the following from fellow blogger Melissa Lyttle.Photojournalist Stephen Coddington and his wife Marian are in their 30s, living in Riverview (Tampa Bay area) and are the parents of two children, ages four and seven. The Coddingtons are

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-9477861212622344762009-06-21T09:57:00.023-05:002009-06-22T22:03:26.902-05:00

A few weeks ago, Mark and I took a road trip to Michigan to visit my family. After traveling through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Oklahoma, I vote for Southern Kentucky as the most beautiful part of the nine states we traversed.As with any road trip, you stop at places you never planned to see. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-72242508936753769712009-04-20T18:32:00.012-05:002009-04-20T19:27:17.858-05:00

Facebook has become my favorite tool to connect with old friends and family members, who are scattered around the world. It brings many happy moments to my busy life. From time to time, it brings bad news. Last week, I learned of the death of Dr. Sabah Abdel Aziz in Basra.For readers of this post, the name means nothing. For his students, he meant the world. Dr. Aziz was the head of the Computer

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-43510217534513803672009-03-29T10:46:00.008-05:002009-03-29T11:53:43.293-05:00

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines greed as "a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed."In his Oscar-winning performance in the 1987 film "Wall Street", Michael Douglas portrays a Wall Street financier who tells stockholders“The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-52130800438566790632009-02-07T21:41:00.012-06:002009-02-08T00:09:41.004-06:00

I first heard of Curtis Sittenfeld and the book "American Wife" in December 2008. I'm not "into" romance novels. But, the reviews attracted me to the book. Considering how slow I read and how long the book is, I actually found the time to read the book during weekends.The book is a fictional biography of former First Lady Laura Bush. It's also the reason why I decided to read the book. No matter

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-78186968886329410412008-12-07T15:32:00.016-06:002008-12-07T23:57:03.528-06:00

Iraqi diva Ififa Iskandar performing a concert during the 1950s.In many parts of the world, women have gained more rights over the years. In Iraq, the situation has been reversed.During the reign of the Iraqi Royal family, Iraqi women were more liberal than their peers in many neighboring countries. The picture above is a reminder of the good old times in Iraq. There's a myth, which was

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-24518377782709461952008-11-23T07:52:00.002-06:002008-11-23T07:57:32.219-06:00

عراقي +شريف + زنكين = مسافرعراقي + شريف + فقير = ضحيهعراقي + غير شريف + زنكين = عميلعراقي + غير شريف + فقير = ميليشياغير عراقي + غيرشريف + زنكين = حكومهغير عراقي + غير شريف + فقير = ارهابيThank you Hani for sharing the dark humor with us :-)

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-84768468735560722922008-11-05T18:47:00.015-06:002008-11-06T09:54:03.184-06:00

On October 21, 2008, my vote counted. I voted touchscreen.This morning, my friend Tracy wrote me in an e-mail, "It's a new world. One of hope, not of vengeance."On October 21st, I walked into the early voting poll in Collin County, Texas to exercise my right to vote. It felt good to participate in the making of American history.The American election process is long. At times, I felt election day

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-44748597613846998222008-10-26T12:04:00.008-05:002008-10-26T13:13:45.625-05:00

After watching Oliver Stone's movie "W.," the saying "anyone can become the President of The United States of America" has a whole different meaning.Oliver Stone delivered a well-balanced movie about George W. Bush. For many people who wanted Oliver to be Oliver, this movie may disappoint.The handsome Josh Brolin did a great job as W. But, the Oscar for best supporting actor goes to Richard

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-46108319097965206902008-10-21T21:33:00.013-05:002008-10-22T08:27:23.547-05:00

Source: Spread The WordSource: www.arlingtoncemetery.netSource: The New YorkerElsheba Khan at the grave of her son, Specialist Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan. As an immigrant to the United States, I'm always appalled by racial attacks against Americans who don't sound, look or have the same religious beliefs as the "other" Americans. Today, Nancy A. Youssef wrote in an editorial titled, "Enough Joe

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-86526796166667493152008-10-10T11:57:00.006-05:002008-10-12T11:44:22.544-05:00

I discovered "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" after I moved to the United States. Since then, it has become my daily dose of real-fake news. The combination of "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" are much better than any real-real news shows.Last night, John Oliver interviewed the Iraqi Ambassador to the U.N. It was a segment worth watching. I must give credit to Ambassador Hamid al-Bayati

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-28792875635687134582008-09-14T21:00:00.027-05:002008-09-15T19:44:47.839-05:00

I spent Friday and Saturday watching the Weather Channel and checking on my friends and former colleagues living in Beaumont. Some evacuated and others rode out Hurricane Ike to take care of work-related tasks. We enjoyed a mild 2007 hurricane season in Southeast Texas. We enjoyed many carefree weekends filled with activities and fun.On August 5th, 2007, we spent our Sunday afternoon at the Kemah

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-65985031705158164002008-09-05T12:47:00.005-05:002008-09-05T12:52:03.895-05:00

Nobody says it better than JibJab. Enjoy.Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-32447325044913675202008-08-09T20:20:00.008-05:002008-08-09T20:55:07.622-05:00

This is a special gift from my co-workers for becoming a U.S. citizen.One of the notes read, "Fay. Congratulations on making it official that this is your home..."Last month, I went for my long-awaited U.S. citizenship interview. After the interview finished, the immigration officer asked me if I wanted to attend the Oath Ceremony. She said it would take place in few hours at the same place. I

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-13475804715187123412008-07-20T21:04:00.008-05:002008-07-20T22:07:14.469-05:00

I first heard of Firooseh Dumas on NPR late June when she was interviewed by Scott Simon about her new memoir, "Laughing Without an Accent."I made a mental note to buy her book in the future. Mark, who also happened to hear her interview on NPR, insisted I buy the book without delay. I did, and that's how I discovered Firooseh Dumas, whose name means the same in Farsi as mine means in Arabic --

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-24837287855441146362008-07-14T20:02:00.008-05:002008-07-15T07:49:17.004-05:00

Andrew H. Walker / Getty ImagesAuthor Khaled Hosseini poses with child actors who starred in the film version of his book The Kite Runner. Zakria Ebrahimi, the child in the center, had to be relocated to Dubai because of the harassment he received for his role in the movie.The highlight of my Christmas Eve 2007 was seeing The Kite Runner at the movie theater. I never know what to expect when one

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-55304235518212132922008-07-05T13:15:00.020-05:002009-02-15T12:43:53.298-06:00

On Sept. 8, 2007, I attended the The Battle of Sabine Pass Remembrance in Sabine Pass, Texas. I never got the chance to publish the photos I took during the event due to my busy daily schedule.Yesterday, we celebrated 4th of July with fireworks and BBQ. The United States of America went through a civil war (1861-1865) years after its independence from Great Britain and the ratification of the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-60148344293989177182008-06-29T17:19:00.007-05:002008-06-29T17:57:51.901-05:00

Sometimes, complaining is easier than working toward achieving our goals. The Iraqi Paralympics team does the opposite. Its members are determined to overcome their daily hardships to make it to the 2008 Paralympics Games.Unlike their American or European peers, the Iraqi Paralympics team doesn't have state-of-the-art equipment and training facilities as The New York Times reports:Working out in

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-22696557678068338542008-06-21T19:28:00.013-05:002008-06-21T22:12:06.425-05:00

Sorry for the long absence. Life has been busy at the Hancock household since we moved back to Dallas. Before I resume normal blogging, I thought I'd share the following humor with my Arabic-speaking readers. And for non-Arabic speakers, I hope you enjoy the humor of trying to imagine what the Arabic phrases actually mean. مقبلات : Kissersمقلوبة : Upside downجوز هند : Hind's Husbandمعمول بالجوز :

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1494040659961901452008-05-17T07:29:00.007-05:002008-12-10T16:40:43.359-06:00

Sometimes, Iraqi bloggers stop writing because the situation in Iraq is futile. This time it's different; BlogIraq was murdered while investigating corruption in Iraq. It's a sad reminder that the situation in Iraq is far from being stable.My condolences to his family and friends.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-62351966150742792272008-05-16T17:33:00.005-05:002008-05-16T17:48:42.842-05:00

In The Devil and Miss Prym, Paulo Coelho wrote:I have always believed that in the lives of individuals, just as in society at large, the profoundest changes take place within a very reduced time frame. When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point of pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-24626402830471763192008-05-01T12:17:00.013-05:002008-05-01T15:35:41.597-05:00

Early last year, Baghdad Treasure introduced me and his readers to Iraqi oud player Rahim Alhaj. Like most of Baghdad Treasure's writings, the post touched a hidden place in my heart. Today, The New York Times published an excellent article about Iraqi oud players Rahim Alhaj and Dhia Jabbar. The two Iraqi oud players are thousands of miles apart. But, they are bound by their love of the oud.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-80776657325345603492008-04-26T12:56:00.008-05:002008-12-10T16:40:43.555-06:00

Source: Times OnlineWhen I arrived in Australia, I was disappointed because the bread did not taste as good as the Iraqi bread "Samoon." I faced the same problem when I moved to the U.S. I wonder if I'll ever get to taste the Iraqi samoon again. I bet many Iraqi expats have already gone through this in their minds. I never thought non-Iraqis would fall in love with Iraqi samoon until I read the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-54935110665870805572008-03-27T11:39:00.001-05:002008-03-27T11:41:17.397-05:00

The CIA had an opening for an assassin. After all of the background checks, interviews, and testing were done there were three finalists — two men and one woman. For the final test, the CIA agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. "We must know that you will follow your instructions, no matter what the circumstances. Inside this room you will find your wife sitting

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-47146804230726136872008-03-23T20:16:00.004-05:002008-07-06T19:35:35.275-05:00

Happy Easter to my family, friends and readers. Sorry for the long absence. This month has been full of surprises and challenges that kept me away from writing for my readers, especially my dad :-)

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-73822736124209594662008-02-21T07:22:00.015-06:002008-03-03T21:16:26.205-06:00

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont EnterpriseFormer President Bill Clinton stumps for his wife Hillary in Beaumont, Texas. He also explains a little-known-fact about the Democratic caucus system in Texas, which allows Texas voters to legally vote twice.Yesterday, the wannabe "First Gentleman," former President Bill Clinton paid a campaign visit to Beaumont. On Tuesday, it was reported that he would

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-88785894482776181272008-02-10T20:06:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:44.056-06:00

Source: Spiegel InternationalThe Afghan women's national football team at a training camp in Germany.I wonder how things would have turned in Afghanistan if we didn't start the Iraqi uncalculated adventure. I wonder how things would had turned in Afghanistan if we spent one percent of the money we spent in Iraq to rebuild Afghanistan. I wonder if OBL and the Taliban would have been a story of the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-59958161141045656142008-01-30T05:15:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:44.252-06:00

UPDATE I - Jan 30, 2008I received the good news from Esra'a at the Mideast Youth. The Afghan Press is up and running. Thanks to all who helped make this project a reality. It could have not been done without everyone's help no matter how small. ORIGINAL POST - Nov 2, 2007From Esra'aThe Mideast YouthFrom Nasim's Flicker pageApril 11, 2007Nasim's caption: This is me, Nasim Fekrat is my real name.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-91886231364180393642008-01-27T20:58:00.000-06:002008-01-27T20:36:16.383-06:00

I first heard of the Grameen Bank and Mahammad Yunus in 2006, when they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was also the first time I heard of the term microcredit.Late last year, I got the chance to read his book Banker to The Poor. In the book, Yunus tells the history of Grameen Bank, and how he started the microcredit system by loaning $27 to a poor woman who lived in a Bangladeshi village.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-64083601356025775032008-01-20T21:21:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:44.433-06:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (b. 1929, d. 1968) Photo by Bob Fitch / Black Star (1966)Every now and then I guess we all think realistically about that day when we will be victimized with what is life's final common denominator—that something that we call death. We all think about it. And every now and then I think about my own death and I think about my own funeral. And I don't think of it in a

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-17408553447479968602008-01-12T13:00:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:40:44.603-06:00

Adil Al-khazali / © APAn Iraqi man and his child enjoy light snow fall in eastern Baghdad on Friday.Mother Nature looked at Baghdad early Friday morning and said, "Let it snow in Baghdad. Let the faces of the tired and the wary shine with big smiles. Let the skies bring calmness and joy where it's desperately needed."So, it snowed in Baghdad yesterday morning. The Associated Press reports from

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-21775440353715190062008-01-03T17:02:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:45.166-06:00

Almost everyone agrees that nothing would make Iraq a better place than reconciliation and burying the past. No power on Earth can bring peace to Iraq without achieving those two goals.When Mayson and Osama were killed in Basra a few weeks ago, the Iraqi Christian community opted to cancel the Christmas celebrations. The city officials stepped in and convinced the community to celebrate the birth

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-90269257527477002582007-12-31T08:04:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:40:45.355-06:00

Source: Sydney Morning HeraldThe 2008 New Year fireworks in Sydney, AustraliaAnother year, another adventure. Year 2007 was very busy and successful on the personal level. I've blogged very little during the last 12 months due to my busy work schedule. I hope to find more time to blog during year 2008.To my friends and family in Australia, I hope you enjoyed the new year celebrations. I miss you

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-7687814915028942592007-12-29T09:01:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:45.455-06:00

Source: ReutersPeople all over Pakistan, India and the world mourned Bhutto's death. Here, people hold candles during a prayer meeting in the Pakistani city of Hyderabad to honor Bhutto.By now, you have heard of the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Please, don't tell me you live under a rock and don't know Bhutto.Since Bhutto decided to end her self-imposed exile

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-12803387970879192152007-12-21T15:39:00.000-06:002007-12-21T15:44:58.485-06:00

A happy Eid Al-Edha greeting from Fayrouz in Beaumont to my Iraqi readers around the globe. I hope you enjoy the song and the pictures.Stay safe and enjoy the Eid.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-39361146842669259832007-12-15T09:56:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:40:45.779-06:00

Source: Ankawa OnlineBasrawi Christians and Muslims attend the funeral of Maysoon, 42, and Osama, 45, Fareed At Mar Afram Chaldean Church in Basra, Iraq. The two siblings were killed by members of the Shia Militias on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007.By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqDear all,With great sorrow, I bring sad news. The militias struck again. This time, they killed a brother and sister. The militias

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-15995952698947974462007-11-24T08:03:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:46.083-06:00

Photo by Glen MccurtayneKevin Rudd addresses the nation at Suncorp stadium in Brisbane.Since I became an Australian citizen in 1998, I voted for the Australian Labor Party. Yesterday, I went to bed knowing Australia will vote for a change of leadership. Australians have spoken. Many Australians voted for the Labor Party for the first time in their lives. That says it all.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-41435844526346593142007-11-22T07:45:00.000-06:002007-11-22T08:38:53.959-06:00

Egyptian actor Hussein Fehmi says it all in this video from Egypt. It's been more than 13 years since I left Iraq and 19 years since I left Basra. Still, when I put my head to sleep, it's Basra that I see in my dreams. It's rarely Sydney, Dallas, Amman, Baghdad or any other city I lived in before. Why does Basra have its roots in my dreams? Is the 100 percent humidity during summer? Is it the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-31468422152406174632007-11-13T19:14:00.000-06:002007-11-17T11:16:54.189-06:00

Last week, Zainab Salbi, the founder of Women For Women International, was awarded the annual John F. Kennedy's New Frontier Award along with Jay Williams, the youngest and the first African-American mayor of Youngstown, Ohio. In case you aren't familiar with the award, here's some background:The New Frontier Awards are named after President Kennedy's bold challenge to Americans given in his

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1812698967944687812007-10-22T19:37:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:46.241-06:00

A few hours after the attack on Al-Faraheedi Private High School in Basra last week, Queen Amidala sent me the following e-mail form Basra:Today, an explosion targeted the students of Al-Faraheedi private high school in Basra.Scores of students were injured or killed in this attack. Nobody knows what the attacker's target was: the students or the concept of a private school.So, I looked around

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-38632699477296627562007-10-20T11:49:00.000-05:002007-10-20T12:19:30.473-05:00

From Esra'a The director The Mideast Youth.Our application concerning honor killings has (unexpectedly!) been accepted to complete a formal proposal which can lead us towards a serious amount of funding, $100,000+ Before we get into the details, we want someone who: 1) Has an honest commitment towards helping potential victims of honor killings.2) Lives within the MENA region.3) Is over the age

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-20979516063692308212007-10-08T20:26:00.000-05:002007-10-09T08:01:43.946-05:00

Promise of a CureIt's October again, and the color pink returns to store shelves. The color reminds women to make a mammogram appointment if they haven't this year. It's time for breast cancer awareness activism. This year, it's brought to you by Lifetime TV. Here's the details as posted on their website:The Breast Cancer Protection Act of 2007 (S.459/H.R.758)Lead sponsors: Sen. Mary Landrieu (

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-16637391125011095822007-10-02T20:11:00.001-05:002007-10-03T07:17:21.334-05:00

Senator Biden expresses his opinion of the Indian-American community in his home state, Delaware.On June 2006, Senator Joseph Biden made the news with his racist remarks about the Indian Americans living in Delaware. He told an Indian-American supporter, "You CANNOT go to a 7-11 or a Dunkin Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent ... I'm not joking." To say the least, the Indian-American

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-14553197682005306002007-09-25T20:57:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:46.417-06:00

Reza / National GeographicProfane in the eyes of radical mullahs, a woman's face on a billboard has been "veiled" in black paint in Multan, the ancient city in Punjab that is now a center for fundamentalist mosques and madrassas. Once confined to the fiercely conservative northwest, "talibanization" is spreading across Pakistan, pushed by a small but vocal minority.In its September 2007 issue,

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-85090683235081115112007-09-22T11:26:00.000-05:002007-09-25T07:29:31.047-05:00

When Zainab Salbi first published her memoir, I was reluctant to read it. I thought I knew everything about her and her work. What else did I need to know? I needed to learn how Zainab transformed her life to become the person she is today.Zainab's memoir reflects its title "Between Two Worlds." It's a story of a young girl who didn't want to be part of Saddam's circle, but had to play the game

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-44566389086732752682007-09-13T15:39:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:47.329-06:00

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont EnterpriseAutos avoid downed power lines on Texas 87 in Sabine Pass on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. Hurricane Humberto made landfall near Sea Rim Park early this morning.Hurricane Humberto Photo GalleryBy the staff of The Beaumont EnterpriseWednesday started with heavy showers -- a way of life in Southeast Texas. After I returned home from work, I received a phone

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1122665064090292612007-09-10T20:13:00.000-05:002007-09-11T07:17:57.778-05:00

*** Scroll down for an update ***ORIGINAL POST - July 29, 2006Some of you may disagree with Shiekh Jamal al-Sudani's way of life. For me, I wish there were more people like him in Iraq. Here's his story as reported in The Christian Science Monitor on July 29, 2005:BAGHDAD - Iraq's violence has meant a brisk business for Jamal al-Sudani. Sheikh Sudani quietly goes about the task of gathering the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-52780870927445094252007-09-05T07:18:00.000-05:002007-09-09T20:21:31.057-05:00

A few months ago, an Iraqi friend sent me an Arabic article published in an Iraqi electronic publication. The article detailed the extensive influence of Iran in Basra. At the time, I sent the article to Queen Amidala to verify the points raised in the article and whether it was worth translating to English. She asked me to translate and publish the article so the world would know what's

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-4064873490026209832007-08-26T00:24:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:47.524-06:00

Sam Dagher / © The C.S. MonitorIn a country that's been devastated by violence, there are some who still believe in the goodness of the Iraqi people. Iraqi Sculptor Nida Kadhim is a ray of light in the middle of the Iraqi darkness.Sam Dagher of The Christian Science Monitor brought Nida's story to us. He writes about Nida:Nida Kadhim's eight statues of physicians from the Abbasid era – a golden

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-22358766351412472122007-08-18T12:59:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:47.731-06:00

Kurdistan TV via Reuters TV/ReutersA video grab of a Yezidi child and woman wounded in a suicide bomb attack rest in a hospital in Duhouk in this August 15, 2007.Last week, two men were publicly stoned in Kirkuk. The local police witnessed the stoning without taking any action to stop the barbaric murder. The two men belonged to the Iraqi Yezidi minority. Belonging to a minority has become a

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-73079418946431546582007-08-13T07:16:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:47.884-06:00

© Queen Amidala / Basra, IraqBy Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqBasrawis,Do you remember the Lion of Babylon statue at Al-Watan Street? Two weeks ago, the insurgents decided the statue might be a threat to them in "some way or another." So, they blew it up during the night as you can see in the attached photo.Only a year ago, the city council decided to rehab the statue because it's considered a symbol

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1156005132305856482007-08-04T14:01:00.000-05:002007-08-07T07:33:41.939-05:00

*** Scroll down for updates ***ORIGINAL POST - August 19, 2006© Fayrouz HancockLast September Hurricane Rita made landfill in Sabine Pass, a small community in Southeast Texas. The hurricane destroyed everything. The Sabine Pass K-12 school was one of the only buildings that withstood the hurricane. When the school reopened, the students lived in tents because their homes were destroyed. Still,

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-40191020583989125322007-07-23T20:30:00.000-05:002007-07-25T15:58:33.557-05:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqLast month, my siblings and I flew from Basra to Amman on a business training trip. The flight from Basra to Amman usually takes less than three hours. But, our flight lasted much longer.We were tired by the time we arrived to Amman. We thought we prepared for the usual interrogation by the Jordanian authorities at Amman airport. But nothing could have prepared us for

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-72531555638218470982007-07-15T21:01:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:48.123-06:00

© Baghdad TreasureKhaled Hosseini signs Baghdad Treasure's copy of "A Thousand Splendid Suns."I avoided reading "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini since it was published in 2004. When Baghdad Treasure wrote a review of the book on his blog, I decided to read the book. In a way, the delay was best because I didn't need to wait long to read his second book, "A Thousand Splendid Suns."Since the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1136915116808675062007-07-08T07:21:00.000-05:002007-07-11T07:17:32.869-05:00

*** List of donors ***UPDATE VIII- July 8, 2007After a long waiting period in Jordan, the Enwiya family made it to the States on Jun 26, 2007. Allan's widow, children, parents and sister made it to California where their families live.Between the family's lawyer and The Monitor's follow-up with the State Department, the sad story had a happy ending.Allan's aunt told me that Allan's son -- The one

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-48929346324674381262007-07-04T20:52:00.000-05:002007-07-04T22:10:22.396-05:00

"Those who cure you are going to kill you.” That was the cryptic message from an Al-Qaida chief to an Anglican priest who tries to bring Iraqi sectors together. The latest wave of terror in Britain solidified my belief that the main goal of terrorism is to change our way of life. The second goal is to make us distrust each other. Since 9/11, our airports aren't the same. Our freedom isn't the

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-88542943470401997772007-06-28T07:54:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:48.368-06:00

WISSAM AL-OKAILI/Getty ImagesBaghdad, IRAQ: Iraqis weep over the coffin of Iraqi poet Rahim al-Maliki during his funeral in Baghdad's impoverished district of Sadr City, 26 June 2007If you do not love IraqThen do not pray with meYou, Iraq, the land of well-beingWhen you stand tall, we stand tallThey throw stones at your windowsBut your glass has destroyed their stones.-- Rahim al-MalikiSameer N.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-15840796146681151842007-06-21T07:18:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:48.648-06:00

Source: Al-Arab Onlineدعوة الى الحياة من ديوان قرارة الموجةفي ثورة مشبوبةٍ وتمزُّق أبغضتُ نومَ النارِ فيكَ فكُن لظًى كن عِرقَ شوقٍ صارخٍ مُتَحرِّقِ ~~~~أنا لا احبُّكَ واعظاً بل شاعراً قَلقَ النشيدْ تشدو ولو عَطشانَ دامي الحلقِ متحرقَ الوريدْ إني احبُّك صرخةَ الإعصارِ في الأفُقِ المديدْ وفماً تصباهُ اللهيبُ فباتَ يحتقِرُ الجليدْ اين التحرُّقُ والحنينْ؟ أنا لا أطيقُ الراكدينْ قطِّبْ ، سئمتُكَ

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-12313170596447857252007-06-17T22:36:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:49.647-06:00

General David Petraeus today sucked the life out of me with his comments on the bleak future awaiting Iraq and Iraqis. The Australian reports:US forces could be needed in Iraq for a decade to battle insurgents, the top coalition commander said overnight while vowing a "forthright" review in September on whether a troop surge is working.Speaking on Fox News, General David Petraeus said there's

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-1110348163754091032007-06-14T18:51:00.000-05:002007-06-14T18:51:02.978-05:00

UPDATE I - Jun. 14, 2007It's been more than two years since I published the original post. I asked people to help Merna, an Iraqi child who was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age.I'm pleased to inform my long time readers that Merna is now cancer-free. Thank you for the international network of well-doers who were mobilized by the continuous efforts of Amer Frety from Sydney, Australia.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-73675292553583897172007-05-31T19:17:00.001-05:002007-06-01T09:15:58.287-05:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqI don't know what people think of the return of Al-Sadr because I'm currently staying home. My family doesn't fill me with any bad news because of my health, which hasn't been good lately.Actually, I'm sick again because of the situation in Basrah. I almost fainted a few days ago when a U.K. military plane flew very low over our neighborhood. I started screaming. I know

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-34766876669191020122007-05-28T10:52:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.077-06:00

© Nisreen - Baghdad / IraqAfter the fall of Saddam's regime in 2003, his law that prohibited Iraqi women from traveling abroad without a male guardian was abolished. The news was a welcome relief for Iraqi women. When I left Iraq in 1994, my dad had to accompany me to Jordan. If my dad wasn't alive, my travel arrangement would had been more complicated because my three brothers left the country

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-37974207325399571612007-05-23T21:34:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.232-06:00

Source: The Yemen ObserverA rescuer works to retrieve the car involved in the death of an Iraqi woman vacationing in Yemen.When my friend and her husband decided to move to Yemen during the 90s, I thought she lost her mind. Her husband was a professor and the Yemeni salary was much better than his salary in Iraq. So, I didn't try to stop them because I knew things were getting worse for educated

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-78111490201016000922007-05-17T07:09:00.000-05:002007-05-17T07:37:33.616-05:00

Once a woman asked Mother Teresa whom should she help. Mother Teresa told her to start with her family, relatives and the people close to her. For the last two months, I've been campaigning with other Iraqi-Christian expats to bring attention to the forced exodus, conversion to Islam and other crimes committed against the Iraqi Christian minority in Iraq. Our different campaigns, lobbying are

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-43967907261256348722007-05-06T21:42:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.297-06:00

Amal is being treated in a Baghdad hospital for gunshot wounds [AFP]Last weekend, The thugs running the show in Iraq seriously wounded prominent Iraqi journalist, Amal Al-Muderris. I thought to myself after reading the news, "First Khamael, then Amal. Who's next?"Growing up in Saddam's Iraq, Amal Al-Mudarris program "10 Minutes" was an oasis in the middle of a government-controlled TV station.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-78182508852971245052007-04-29T21:37:00.000-05:002007-05-31T19:26:33.679-05:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqApr. 27,2007The sit-in demonstration ended on Thursday. The protesting parties couldn't remove the governor. Each group -- Al-Fadhila, Al-Sadrists, Al-Daawa, The Islamic Party and another party -- is distributing flyers to people on the streets to "let them see" what the other parties are doing.In reality, they're clashing with each other from one area to another for an

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-73266865792453722392007-04-23T21:08:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.628-06:00

Yesterday, I was shocked to learn that 23 Yezidis lost their lives for tribal revenge. Death has become the way of life in Iraq. Yezidis were spared this fate by staying away from the violence that had turned Iraq into the land of blood and death. At all started with a Yezidi woman who decided to follow her heart; but ended up being stoned to death by her own people:...It followed the marriage in

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-32995797864589821622007-04-17T22:35:00.000-05:002007-04-18T07:51:31.940-05:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqThe situation in Basra is very hot. there was a demonstration yesterday, where the demonstrators demanded from the governor to quit. They claim he isn't doing any good things for Basra. It seems that Al-Sadrists are behind this move; but they deny it. They gave the governor three days to consider giving his resignation. The situation will be hot again on Thursday.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-71239793677347000442007-04-15T20:55:00.001-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.801-06:00

Another Iraqi journalist was murdered in Baghdad. That's what most Western media articles reported less than two weeks ago:Also Thursday, police in west Baghdad found the bullet-riddled body of Khamael Muhsin, a famous television presenter during Saddam Hussein's rule, security officials said. She was kidnapped two days ago.The Iraqi media had better coverage and details of her murder:عثرت الشرطة

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-36585386986064823432007-04-07T17:00:00.000-05:002007-04-11T20:02:14.464-05:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqA few weeks ago, a 15-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped from the door of her home. The kidnappers were members of Al Sadr Army which is called Al Mahdi. Here's what happened:At 7:30 a.m. a group of people knocked on the door and the girl answered the door. They were prepared for her to answer the door and immediately kidnapped her. After a minute or two, her mother

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-42175069260077886922007-04-04T05:40:00.000-05:002007-04-04T19:08:17.159-05:00

Last week, Senator John McCain blamed the media for failing to report the "good news" from Iraq. He claimed it's safe to walk in many areas of Baghdad. CNN correspondent Michael Ware, who's been reporting from Baghdad for the last four years couldn't believe what McCain said about the security situation in Baghdad. He stopped short of calling McCain insane:John McCain told Wolf Blitzer that he

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-63480473509622892302007-04-01T19:58:00.001-05:002007-04-01T20:01:40.476-05:00

Last week, many media outlets and bloggers claimed the murder of two Iraqi nuns in the city of Kirkuk. The media got it wrong in regard to this story. The two murdered Iraqi Christians were laywomen and NOT nuns. Zenit News Agency reports:BAGHDAD, Iraq, MARCH 30, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The murder of two elderly women of the Catholic Chaldean community in Kirkuk has heightened fears of the spread of

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-55024528470967915972007-03-27T19:45:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:50.884-06:00

Mark M. Hancock © The Beaumont EnterprisePaul Rusesabagina, whose actions saved more than 1,200 people and inspired the movie "Hotel Rwanda"speaks with students during a question-and-answer meeting in the Montagne Center at Lamar University in Beaumont on Monday, March 26, 2007.What should you do in the presence of the man who saved more than 1,200 people during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda? You

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-80146254855190039542007-03-24T23:11:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:51.033-06:00

A few weeks ago, I received a nice package from a dear Iraqi friend. Among the Iraqi CDs I received from my friend, a CD by Saadoun Al-Bayati caught my attention. I don't know Saadoun Al-Bayati. But, I know his wife. Mrs. Al-Bayati has been a loyal reader of mine and other Iraqi blogs. I sincerely appreciate her encouragement to me during the good and bad times. This post is in appreciation for

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-14751903027166084072007-03-22T17:52:00.001-05:002007-03-25T08:47:31.699-05:00

How do I feel after four years of war in Iraq? During the last two weeks, I was asked this question by different journalists. I'm sorry I didn't answer your e-mails directly.My answer is simple. It feels like watching a loved one fighting cancer. It feels like a long journey without guidance. I want to see the Iraqi people stand on their feet again. Until then, I can only treasure the good

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-61498078773146798102007-03-18T19:23:00.000-05:002008-12-10T16:40:51.194-06:00

Click on image to enlarge.Source: National Public Radio (NPR)Take a look at the percentage of Iraqi refugees granted protection, country-by-country, in Europe and a chart of the number of Iraqi refugees to Europe, year-by-year, since 1990. During the last few weeks, I received e-mails from friends, readers and strangers enquiring about the same subject, "Immigration, immigration, immigration." So

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-74363929052873634192007-03-16T12:39:00.000-05:002007-03-16T12:49:50.407-05:00

I've been very busy lately, which has taken me away from blogging. But, I don't want to disappoint my regular readers, who keep checking for new posts. Since, the Irish-American community has started its St. Patrick's Day celebration (a.k.a drinking), I thought to write something pleasant for a change.© Mark M. HancockI found this Four-leaf shamrock (clover) on July 10, 2006. Since then, I

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-3470949986954623832007-03-05T18:40:00.000-06:002007-03-05T22:56:56.523-06:00

I was still new to America when I got to meet Walter Cronkite at the Dallas Press Club Katie Awards reception in Dallas. I didn't know who he was. So I kept eating my dinner while he talked to the audience. I wouldn't have acted differently if I knew who he was. Food comes first. TV folks come last.When I checked the news yesterday morning, I noticed an entry by Brian Williams on MSNBC regarding

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-29981868529539942202007-02-26T05:33:00.000-06:002007-02-26T12:51:15.763-06:00

By Queen Amidala,Basrah, IraqI heard about the decision to withdraw the British troops from Basrah yesterday, when the British commander or spokesman announced it in the media.The withdrawal will cause more violence in the city. The whole invasion created a mess in Iraq. In Basrah, where it's very close to Iran, the withdrawal will do more damage to the city.most of the Iraqi forces in Basrah are

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-89988973568361774742007-02-20T20:25:00.000-06:002007-02-22T12:27:48.762-06:00

*** Scroll down for updates ***Two weeks ago, IRIN (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) reported the rape case of Iraqi woman Luana Martini (Via Iraqi Mojo). Luana was raped by an Iraqi soldier a few days after a raid on her home in Baghdad. Luana's brother took her to the police station to report the incident. As expected, things didn't go very well:“When my brother came home

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-63232346642972209202007-02-12T04:39:00.000-06:002007-02-12T12:36:31.552-06:00

Lately, I've been caught between two good friends who have turned into enemies. Years ago, my two friends rarely noticed their differences. Four years ago, they turned into rivals. Instead of cherishing what brought them closer, they started to focus on their differences. Those two friends are the Iraqi Shia and Sunnis.I find it harder by the day to write about Iraqi affairs. How could I write

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-14704087336570112122007-02-08T05:13:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:52.499-06:00

Astranout and Space walker Sanita Williams.Source: NASAI've been very busy with work lately, which is taking me away from blogging. I can't get myself to sit in front of a computer after a long day of looking at code and scripts. After the weekend, I was about to write about the achievements of Sunita Williams. Then, came the unexpected news of Lisa Nowak and her diaper story that dominated our

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-91789716918211330682007-01-30T19:28:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:52.902-06:00

When I was young, I liked the French literature. It explains why I chose Bernard-Henri Levy's investigative book to learn more about the inhumane murder of the WSJ journalist Daniel Pearl on Feb. 1, 2002.The book reads as a non-fiction thriller. Levy's investigation trail spans from England to Pakistan. The first pages of the book surprised me when I learned that Danial's mother is an Iraqi-Jew.

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-47668267731292429752007-01-24T19:21:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:53.145-06:00

Yesterday, President Bush gave his 2008 State of the Union Address. I didn't waste my time listening to a predictable speech followed by a predictable response from his opponents. I have better things to do with my time.Americans are divided over the President's plan to send extra troops to Iraq. I think it's too late to try and fix the current situation in Iraq with extra 20,000 soldiers. I wish

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-4672049555073460922007-01-15T21:23:00.000-06:002007-01-16T19:08:29.926-06:00

By Queen AmidalaBasra, IraqTwo things are happening in Basra that might be interesting to whom it might be concerned. One is good and the other is bad.First the good thing. Do you remember when I wrote about the Southern Oil Company's efforts to rebuild Basra's sidewalks? Well, the National Electricity company has been doing the same thing. Though, we would loved for this company to do more in

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-56957585336009331742007-01-10T21:46:00.000-06:002007-01-24T20:34:17.538-06:00

When a reader introduced Amina to me in an e-mail, I didn't know much about her. Tonight, I was amazed to see her featured in Time magazine's "People who Mattered 2006." The list includes Steven Colbert, Pope Benedict XVI, Pluto among other famous names. Time's reporter Aparisim Ghosh writes from Baghdad:Amina Sabah Shaab is only 6, but she has already been orphaned three times this year. When

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-74553396834961646352007-01-06T19:00:00.000-06:002007-01-06T19:33:06.470-06:00

During the last four years, the Iraqi retarded groups continued to kill each other, kill the innocent Iraqi people and drive Iraqi professionals out of Iraq. I couldn't ask for a better retaliation by the Iraqi higher education community than what I heard on NPR's All Things Considered:Iraq's universities remain a target for insurgents and militias. Iraqi media reports say more than 1000

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-10199291554549332172007-01-01T09:52:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:53.409-06:00

The blogging entertainment industry has been busy commenting for the last two days about Saddam's final moments on Earth. I didn't blog earlier because there's nothing to add other than he lived and died to divide Iraqis. Actually, I share Big Pharaoh's opinion:I don't give a hoot about who executed Saddam nor about Saddam himself. Tomorrow a Sunni suicide bomber will slam his explosives laden

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-15462240700580734422006-12-25T10:31:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:53.586-06:00

© Fayrouz HancockA Mardi-Gras-themed Christmas decoration display from Frey's Florist of Orange, Texas.View slideshowMerry Christmas everyone

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-50751383536855846912006-12-23T11:19:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:40:57.924-06:00

After my first visit to Cameron Parish to cover the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, I received many encouraging e-mails from people who live or have lived there. Since then, I went back three times with Mark during his assignments to continue the newspaper's coverage. Each time, there was a step made forward. Each time, the people there made me realize my problems are very tiny compared to theirs. I

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-67156269226574838462006-12-20T08:39:00.000-06:002006-12-20T09:46:58.486-06:00

Yesterday, you probably watched the special edition of Paula Zhan Now. The show aired live from the Jefferson Theater in Beaumont. I thought the show was fair; but short. You can't bring that many people for a one hour show to cover the big picture of racism, an important and sensitive issue.We moved from Dallas to Beaumont last year. It was a culture shock for me in good and bad ways. I had to

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-51638553047807287032006-12-13T08:51:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:58.138-06:00

*** SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES ***Mark M. Hancock / &copy The Beaumont EntrpriseWatson Franks' television went blank during the Vidor segment of CNN's Paula Zahn Now special on racism at his home in Vidor Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. Homes in Beaumont and Vidor, Texas were unable to get the CNN channel while the Vidor segment was aired. Immediately after the segment, the show resumed.Yesterday, I arrived

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-30365544121297631032006-12-08T11:23:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:40:58.249-06:00

Source: Ankawa OnlineIraqi sisters Lydia and Lisa AghasyI first heard of the Iraqi volleyball team playing in the 2006 Asian Games on Ankawa Online. Then, I received an e-mail from my cyber friend Mister Ghost asking if they were Christians. The answer is yes, they're Christians. Some newspapers and bloggers have turned this into an Islamic vs. Christian cultural issue. Others have turned it into

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-90710172730902620252006-12-03T21:01:00.000-06:002007-09-22T10:48:10.886-05:00

The first time I heard of Zainab Salbi was on Oprah's show four or five years ago. She strikes me as an intelligent and passionate woman. It was my first time to see an Iraqi woman on Oprah's show. I hope it won't be the last.Two years ago, I wrote about Zainab Salbi and Women For Women International on this blog. At the time, I called her one of my favorite Iraqi women, and she still is. While

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908441.post-48671449301640953722006-12-01T10:27:00.001-06:002008-04-26T16:44:04.262-05:00

A busload of politicians were driving down a country road, when suddenly the bus ran off the road and crashed into an old farmer's barn. The old farmer got off his tractor and went to investigate. Soon he dug a hole and buried the politicians. A few days later, the local sheriff came out, saw the crashed bus and asked the old farmer where all the politicians had gone. The old farmer told him he

Fayrouzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511007234992726370noreply@blogger.com