Arab American News Focus, June 20, 2007

Arab American News Focus

June 20, 2007

Arab American Institute

Lost in Translation
Tomorrow's commemoration of International Refugee Day will remind us, yet again, of the human toll of our failures in Iraq. The United Nations estimates that four million Iraqis have fled their homes, with over one million now in Syria. McClatchy reports from Damascus that "U.N. aid workers who provide services to trauma victims and families with medical emergencies are overwhelmed-nearly every Iraqi qualifies." Especially troubling is the increasing number of Iraqi and Afghani translators who find themselves and their families in increased danger because they have worked with American troops. A measure sponsored by Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and recently signed into law begins to address the issue, increasing the number of visas for translators from 50 to 500 a year. "Foreign nationals who are willing to risk their lives and those of their family members by supporting our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve recognition," said Lugar.

Table Talk
Initial reports from today's meeting between President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggest that those hoping for a new approach to the region in the wake of Hamas' takeover of Gaza had best not hold their breath. Bush pledged even more aid to Israel, which already receives billions of dollars annually, and repeated the refrain (familiar to Countdown readers) that "all options are still on the table regarding Iran." As to Syria-Israel negotiations, Bush asserted there was no role for the world's lone superpower. "If the [Israeli] prime minister wants to negotiate with Syria he doesn't need me to mediate...This man is plenty capable of having negotiations without me mediating." What good could we do anyway? Let's ask Egypt or Jordan.

Born in the U.S.A.
While dark house Republican candidate Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) has piqued the interest of some liberals with his foreign policy realism, his views on immigration may turn them off. "One of the most absurd incentives for people to come to the U.S. illegally is the promise of instant U.S. citizenship to anyone born on our soil," wrote Paul in his weekly column Texas Straight Talk. "That is why when Congress returns next week I will be re-introducing my Constitutional amendment to deny automatic citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil to parents who are not US citizens or who do not owe permanent allegiance to the United States." Conservatives, on the other hand, may have finally found their candidate.

Back to School?
The Arab American Congressional Caucus may lose one of its most prominent members in 2008. Politico reports that Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL) is eyeing the presidency of his alma mater, Bradley College. LaHood is known for his honesty, candor, and bipartisanship and is a leading advocate for civil, responsible discourse in an increasingly antagonistic Congress. In fact, LaHood recently joined Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) to send a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her to find a safe place for students in Gaza to complete their university exams. "If there is any hope for peace in that troubled region, it rests with educated people who can build a future of hope and opportunity," they wrote. "It is our firm belief that the United States should do everything necessary to help them pursue it." LaHood's departure would be a loss to Congress but a great opportunity for the students at Bradley.

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