Very excited about this recent article on Patheos.com i've co-authored with Sara Reef of Intersections International! We at Americans for Informed Democracy are especially excited to be partners with Intersections and a slew of other organizations who are coming together to premiere the Unity Productions Foundation film, "Inside Islam: What a billion Muslims really think". I hope many of you in NYC can make it, and hope to see you there!
Article link: What Do a Billion Muslims Think?
Showing posts with label Americans for Informed Democracy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Americans for Informed Democracy. Show all posts
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Inside Islam" NYC Film Premiere - Tuesday, Nov. 10th
For my friends in NYC! Please do spread the word!
We thank our partners - the Interfaith Center and the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals (CAMP) for their support
cordially invite you to:
The New York City Premiere of
Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think - A UPF Film
Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think - A UPF Film
Please join us for the screening and a panel discussion at:
The Scholastic Auditorium, 557 Broadway, NY, NY (SoHo)
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
7:00 - 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Keynote Speaker: Alex Kronemer, Executive Producer & Co-Founder of UPF
To purchase your ticket, go here: http://newyorkpremiere.eventbrite.com
For more information about the event please see attached flyer or email insideislamNYC@gmail.com
To RSVP to this event go to our facebook event or email us at insideislamNYC@gmail.com
The Scholastic Auditorium, 557 Broadway, NY, NY (SoHo)
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
7:00 - 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Keynote Speaker: Alex Kronemer, Executive Producer & Co-Founder of UPF
To purchase your ticket, go here: http://newyorkpremiere.eventbrite.com
For more information about the event please see attached flyer or email insideislamNYC@gmail.com
To RSVP to this event go to our facebook event or email us at insideislamNYC@gmail.com
We thank our partners - the Interfaith Center and the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals (CAMP) for their support
About the movie:
Inside Islam, a new documentary film from Unity Productions Foundation (UPF), explores the expertly gathered opinions of Muslims around the globe as revealed in the world's first major opinion poll, conducted by Gallup, the preeminent polling organization. As part of the groundbreaking six-year project, Gallup conducted tens of thousands of interviews with residents in 35 predominantly Muslim nations, as well as populations in Europe and the USA. The broad extent of the polling has delivered findings for the world's 1.4 billion Muslims with a plus or minus accuracy of 3%.
Executive Producers: Michael Wolfe, Alex Kronemer (Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, Cities of Light: The Rise and fall of Islamic Spain, Prince among Slaves.)
Directed by: Rob Gardner (Arab and Jew: Return to the Promised Land; Cities of Light: The Rise and fall of Islamic Spain; Egypt: Quest for Immortality)
The film's hugely successful World Premiere was held in Washington, DC earlier this year with guest speaker Former Secretary of State Dr. Madeline Albright. At this event, thousands of guests had the opportunity to see the movie; and based on the broad exposure and attention garnered from this event there have been numerous private showings and screenings across the country. We are thrilled that a premiere in New York City is one of the many screenings being held across America as part of the world tour for this exciting movie. We hope that New Yorkers will help us host many more events in the Big Apple.
About UPF:
Our mission is to build a respected media foundation, creating high-quality films for worldwide broadcast and long-term educational campaigns that increase understanding and dialogue among the world's spiritual and cultural traditions.
Our vision is to be a catalyst for ending the "Clash of Civilizations." Part of that vision is a future where Islam and Muslims are understood in a wider, contemporary social context and Muslims are part of the modern social fabric. Visit www.upf.tv
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Four articles of interest
I have rarely been quoted in the media, but apparently when I have, it's been decently substantive! So, with much pleasure, I'd like to share some articles where the authors either interviewed me or just asked for general comments.
1) India Currents article on thoughts after attending a Homeland Security roundtable on post-9/11 civil liberties and human rights issues.
2) PBS Newshour feature on thoughts after an Americans for Informed Democracy conference in 2006.
3) CUNY Graduate Center colleague Mr. Marriah Star's article on social entrepreneurship.
4) The Nation contributor and friend/writer/journalist Jayati Vora's piece on the youth-led movement to restore democratic rule in Pakistan.
As always, feedback much appreciated!
1) India Currents article on thoughts after attending a Homeland Security roundtable on post-9/11 civil liberties and human rights issues.
2) PBS Newshour feature on thoughts after an Americans for Informed Democracy conference in 2006.
3) CUNY Graduate Center colleague Mr. Marriah Star's article on social entrepreneurship.
4) The Nation contributor and friend/writer/journalist Jayati Vora's piece on the youth-led movement to restore democratic rule in Pakistan.
As always, feedback much appreciated!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Young Innovator in Coexistence Award: Radeyah Hack
I'm on youtube now too! Wow - this is a first! All thanks to my colleague from the CUNY Graduate Center, Marriah Star. He's taken a great interest in AID's social entrepreneurship work and is clearly vested in making it widely known and accessible to as large an audience as possible.
Thanks, Marriah!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Hope not Hate Film festival: Revitalizing US-Middle East relations - Saturday, 9/15
&
PRESENT A FILM FESTIVAL
MISSION POSSIBLE:
Revitalizing US-Middle East Relations
FEATURING:
DISCUSSION FACILIATATORS:
HAROON MOGHUL - Contributing Editor, Islamica Magazine;
Director of Public Relations, Islamic Center at NYU
YASMIN HAMIDI – Network of Arab-American Professionals of
MUSA SYEED - Producer: A Son’s Sacrifice
THERESA THANJAN - Producer/Director: Whose Children Are These?
FATIMA ASHRAF – Community Activist
DATE: Saturday, September 15th, 2007
TIME: 10 AM – 6 PM
VENUE: The New School
Swayduck Auditorium - Room F-102
65
Light refreshments will be served throughout the day!
More info and RSVP at: http://www.aidemocracy.org/hnhfilm.php
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Pakistan: 60 years on...
I'm excited to announce that an article I just wrote on the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's founding has just been published by one of Pakistan's most respected newspapers: The Nation. I'm thrilled!
I've copied it below and the webpage is here.
As always, comments appreciated and always sought after!
Pakistan: 60 years on
Zeeshan Suhail
Six long decades have passed since Muhammad Ali Jinnah saw his dream come true when Pakistan was created on August 14th, 1947. We had so much to be proud of when the country was founded: a secular homeland for South Asia’s Muslims, where those from minority backgrounds could also live in peace and harmony; a country whose economy grew to be self-reliant and resilient; a nation whose people were prosperous and content.
Yet a cursory perusal of Pakistan’s state of affairs in the 21st century reveals anything but what I’ve mentioned above. Our people are victims of inter- and intra-religious conflict. Our economy has been spurred by Western aid, grants and loans. And lastly, our people are demoralized and distraught. It is evident we do not have much to be proud of.
It is in such dire straits that I cannot help but think of what Pakistanis can do - particularly members of the Diaspora - in these trying times. The task at hand is difficult, but it requires broad vision, strategic thinking and boundless ambition. I outline some of the more important issues at hand below. God knows there is so much more to be done. We must start somewhere. I hope this article is a good place to begin.
The rule of law is the single most important pillar of any society where citizens of the state can look to for redress of their grievances and for the upholding of sacred values such as equality among all citizens. No one is above the law. It is because of this reason that we should not fear law enforcers, but demand their assistance as and when it is needed. To know that the integrity of Pakistan’s Constitution could have been compromised severely this past spring when the Chief Justice was sacked was more of a plausible fear for me than the number of lives that could have been lost in subsequent protests demanding justice. Knowing that the whole fiasco was carried out by higher authorities angers me even more so.
Pakistan has seen most of the past six decades of its political history dominated by martial law administrators. For any country that was founded on the ideals that Pakistan was founded on, this fact serves as a rude awakening every day of its citizens lives. To see such talent, such potential go to waste every day because the masses must act at the whim of an un-elected, un-democratic leader is extremely distressing. Those Pakistanis who lived under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime can testify to the suffocation one could feel simply trying to survive in the country.
Accountability is the hallmark of any democratic entity, and Pakistan’s government should be no different. For most of the 1990’s, Pakistanis watched in horror as politician after politician squandered billions after billions from the national exchequer, only to leave the country yearning for sustenance. Everywhere one looked, one could not find a suitable leader. Such was the absence of oases in this barren desert that stretched for thousands of miles.
As Pakistanis look forward to a future where they are equal stakeholders in the future progress of the country, they realize the road is bumpy and may even be laden with landmines. But six decades of hardship has taught us much. We have been shoved to the side, and pushed to the floor - but not for long. An Arab proverb says it aptly: The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
But before we march henceforth, we must make an assessment of the changes that need to take place. On my list, transition to a democratically-elected government features prominently at the top. My cynical friends would laugh at this proposition. That’s how tragic our state of affairs is. What we in the West take for granted every moment of our lives, the concerned Pakistani citizen fights for every moment of her/his life.
The first step in this transition should include the return of some Pakistanis living abroad who have skills, expertise and experience as well as the language and cultural affiliation to assist in a smooth transition from a western lifestyle to an eastern one. This is not a novel concept; Indian professionals with degrees from top western schools are heading back to India to take advantage of the economic boom. I’m sure they are also looking at such an opportunity to provide some sort of service to their country.
Pakistanis should do the same. With growth rates averaging over seven percent annually for the past few years, what time other than this would anyone consider going back? Multinational enterprises scout out those with English language proficiency, and the social service sector is thriving. Pakistanis are volunteering and donating to charities in record numbers as well.
A close second to a reverse brain drain phenomenon, is the stepping down of General Pervez Musharraf. While Musharraf’s initial expedited and progressive action on various issues such as women’s rights and media liberalization was much appreciated, his recent crackdown on independent media and the judiciary have been anything but appreciated. Pakistani civil society has become so deeply entrenched with personnel from the military that it seems as if it is an extension of the government itself! It disgusts me to even think what sort of work must be done to cleanse this sector of society from the residue of the military and/or government.
I often ponder over General Musharraf’s doctrine of “enlightened moderation”. It is remarkable how rhetoric and semantics can go so far in developing the policies of a country which damage it so badly beyond repair, that the country’s citizenry can only sit and watch in horror. While this ideology is nothing but words, Musharraf’s actions - or inactions - have spoken much louder than them. His inaction when it comes to the disappearances and killings of media personnel speak volumes, as does the state-sanctioned violence targeting media outlets. The media assault on his power trips are intentional and will only increase until and unless he steps down to make way for leaders who have what it takes to lead us out of harm’s way.
In my work on an initiative called “Hope not Hate” with an NGO called Americans for Informed Democracy, I often refer to the glorious past Muslims enjoyed - along with Jews and Christians and those of other faiths. Despite all our present day problems - from political instability to religious extremism - we can find solutions. Pakistanis would be better off revisiting their past before stepping in to the deep, dark recesses of an, as yet, unknown future. I hope we can do this with the help of the global community, for Pakistan cannot live in isolation and will be better served if it used its time-tested friends.
Much as this seems unrealistic, Pakistan must set a precedent in the geo-political realm as a state that values democratic ideals, women and religious/ethnic minorities, and true vision for a prosperous future. This means Pakistanis must formulate ways of working cooperatively with neighbors like Iran, China, Afghanistan, and of course, India. In a globalized world, we have much to gain from our allies, and also much to learn. And as we become more and more globalized, we must devise steps of reducing inequality within a socio-economic context. This should be a high priority for both policy-makers and those who are affected by the policies that are set.
I feel as if this is the time in my life where I want to stand on a podium and yell to a crowd of millions that I have a dream, much like Martin Luther King. But the fact is, this dream has come - and gone. I am actually beginning to realize it. While many of my Pakistani brethren have disappointed me in years past, I will not hold any grudges. I need their support as I help a sharply divided country begin to heal its wounds. We can’t do it alone, but we can surely try. It’s worth the effort.
The writer is a Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy
I've copied it below and the webpage is here.
As always, comments appreciated and always sought after!
Pakistan: 60 years on
Zeeshan Suhail
Six long decades have passed since Muhammad Ali Jinnah saw his dream come true when Pakistan was created on August 14th, 1947. We had so much to be proud of when the country was founded: a secular homeland for South Asia’s Muslims, where those from minority backgrounds could also live in peace and harmony; a country whose economy grew to be self-reliant and resilient; a nation whose people were prosperous and content.
Yet a cursory perusal of Pakistan’s state of affairs in the 21st century reveals anything but what I’ve mentioned above. Our people are victims of inter- and intra-religious conflict. Our economy has been spurred by Western aid, grants and loans. And lastly, our people are demoralized and distraught. It is evident we do not have much to be proud of.
It is in such dire straits that I cannot help but think of what Pakistanis can do - particularly members of the Diaspora - in these trying times. The task at hand is difficult, but it requires broad vision, strategic thinking and boundless ambition. I outline some of the more important issues at hand below. God knows there is so much more to be done. We must start somewhere. I hope this article is a good place to begin.
The rule of law is the single most important pillar of any society where citizens of the state can look to for redress of their grievances and for the upholding of sacred values such as equality among all citizens. No one is above the law. It is because of this reason that we should not fear law enforcers, but demand their assistance as and when it is needed. To know that the integrity of Pakistan’s Constitution could have been compromised severely this past spring when the Chief Justice was sacked was more of a plausible fear for me than the number of lives that could have been lost in subsequent protests demanding justice. Knowing that the whole fiasco was carried out by higher authorities angers me even more so.
Pakistan has seen most of the past six decades of its political history dominated by martial law administrators. For any country that was founded on the ideals that Pakistan was founded on, this fact serves as a rude awakening every day of its citizens lives. To see such talent, such potential go to waste every day because the masses must act at the whim of an un-elected, un-democratic leader is extremely distressing. Those Pakistanis who lived under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime can testify to the suffocation one could feel simply trying to survive in the country.
Accountability is the hallmark of any democratic entity, and Pakistan’s government should be no different. For most of the 1990’s, Pakistanis watched in horror as politician after politician squandered billions after billions from the national exchequer, only to leave the country yearning for sustenance. Everywhere one looked, one could not find a suitable leader. Such was the absence of oases in this barren desert that stretched for thousands of miles.
As Pakistanis look forward to a future where they are equal stakeholders in the future progress of the country, they realize the road is bumpy and may even be laden with landmines. But six decades of hardship has taught us much. We have been shoved to the side, and pushed to the floor - but not for long. An Arab proverb says it aptly: The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
But before we march henceforth, we must make an assessment of the changes that need to take place. On my list, transition to a democratically-elected government features prominently at the top. My cynical friends would laugh at this proposition. That’s how tragic our state of affairs is. What we in the West take for granted every moment of our lives, the concerned Pakistani citizen fights for every moment of her/his life.
The first step in this transition should include the return of some Pakistanis living abroad who have skills, expertise and experience as well as the language and cultural affiliation to assist in a smooth transition from a western lifestyle to an eastern one. This is not a novel concept; Indian professionals with degrees from top western schools are heading back to India to take advantage of the economic boom. I’m sure they are also looking at such an opportunity to provide some sort of service to their country.
Pakistanis should do the same. With growth rates averaging over seven percent annually for the past few years, what time other than this would anyone consider going back? Multinational enterprises scout out those with English language proficiency, and the social service sector is thriving. Pakistanis are volunteering and donating to charities in record numbers as well.
A close second to a reverse brain drain phenomenon, is the stepping down of General Pervez Musharraf. While Musharraf’s initial expedited and progressive action on various issues such as women’s rights and media liberalization was much appreciated, his recent crackdown on independent media and the judiciary have been anything but appreciated. Pakistani civil society has become so deeply entrenched with personnel from the military that it seems as if it is an extension of the government itself! It disgusts me to even think what sort of work must be done to cleanse this sector of society from the residue of the military and/or government.
I often ponder over General Musharraf’s doctrine of “enlightened moderation”. It is remarkable how rhetoric and semantics can go so far in developing the policies of a country which damage it so badly beyond repair, that the country’s citizenry can only sit and watch in horror. While this ideology is nothing but words, Musharraf’s actions - or inactions - have spoken much louder than them. His inaction when it comes to the disappearances and killings of media personnel speak volumes, as does the state-sanctioned violence targeting media outlets. The media assault on his power trips are intentional and will only increase until and unless he steps down to make way for leaders who have what it takes to lead us out of harm’s way.
In my work on an initiative called “Hope not Hate” with an NGO called Americans for Informed Democracy, I often refer to the glorious past Muslims enjoyed - along with Jews and Christians and those of other faiths. Despite all our present day problems - from political instability to religious extremism - we can find solutions. Pakistanis would be better off revisiting their past before stepping in to the deep, dark recesses of an, as yet, unknown future. I hope we can do this with the help of the global community, for Pakistan cannot live in isolation and will be better served if it used its time-tested friends.
Much as this seems unrealistic, Pakistan must set a precedent in the geo-political realm as a state that values democratic ideals, women and religious/ethnic minorities, and true vision for a prosperous future. This means Pakistanis must formulate ways of working cooperatively with neighbors like Iran, China, Afghanistan, and of course, India. In a globalized world, we have much to gain from our allies, and also much to learn. And as we become more and more globalized, we must devise steps of reducing inequality within a socio-economic context. This should be a high priority for both policy-makers and those who are affected by the policies that are set.
I feel as if this is the time in my life where I want to stand on a podium and yell to a crowd of millions that I have a dream, much like Martin Luther King. But the fact is, this dream has come - and gone. I am actually beginning to realize it. While many of my Pakistani brethren have disappointed me in years past, I will not hold any grudges. I need their support as I help a sharply divided country begin to heal its wounds. We can’t do it alone, but we can surely try. It’s worth the effort.
The writer is a Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy
Monday, May 07, 2007
Young Changemakers in U.S.-Muslim Relations - 5/14
Americans for Informed Democracy at John Jay College invites you to:
Hope not Hate
The Role of Young People in Bridging the Divide
Between the U.S. and the Muslim World
A Panel of Speakers and Open Dialogue on the U.S. and the Muslim world
featuring remarks by:
Lucas Welch, President, Soliya
Miriam Asnes and Jake Hayman, OneVoice Movement
Josef Oberger, Research Officer, Alliance of Civilizations
Zeeshan Suhail, Board Member, Americans for Informed Democracy
Saad Amrani, IT Consultant, United Nations
6:00 to 7:30 p.m., May 14th (Monday)
Lecture Hall Room 1311N
John Jay College of Criminal Justice - North Building (1st floor)
445 West 59th Street (Near Columbus Circle)
RSVP to www.globalscholar.org/johnjay
More information: Hope not Hate seeks to inspire broad, inclusive dialogue about how the U.S. and the Muslim world can work together to reduce growing mutual tensions. Over the last three years, Americans for Informed Democracy has coordinated more than one hundred and fifty Hope not Hate town hall meetings from Macon, Georgia, to Vermillion, South Dakota. Speakers participating in the 2006 series included South Asian rock star Salman Ahmad, former U.S. Senator and 9-11 Commissioner Slade Gorton (R-WA), Ambassador Karl Inderfurth, Islam scholar Shibley Telhami, former Pakistani High Commissioner to Great Britain Akbar Ahmed, MTV News correspondent Gideon Y ago, and many others. We’re excited to be bringing this series to John Jay College!
Bios of the speakers:
Lucas Welch is the founder and president of Soliya –- a non-profit organization that works to build intercultural understanding between the US and the Muslim World and to galvanize young people to act as agents of change. Lucas was recently named one of “the world’s Best Emerging Social Entrepreneurs” by the Echoing Green Foundation for his work. Lucas has worked in a variety of capacities related to media, new technologies and intercultural communication, specifically in the Middle East. He was the Series Associate Producer on the Shape of the Future documentary series for Common Ground Productions -– a portrayal of potential solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be broadcast in both Israel and the Palestinian Territories. He also served as the Director of Communications for America Abroad Media, where he was coordinating a videoconferencing initiative between high schools in Pakistan and the US. Prior to that, Mr. Welch was a producer for World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, where he designed new media features integrating the programming of ABC News television and abcnews.com. He has extensive experience abroad, producing video and multimedia features on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for ABC News, and teaching video and multimedia at Birzeit University in the Palestinian Territories.
Miriam Asnes is the International Education Program Manager and Jake Hayman is the International Program Coordinator for the OneVoice Movement. OneVoice aims to amplify the voice of the overwhelming but heretofore silent majority of moderates who wish for peace and prosperity, empowering them to demand accountability from elected representatives and ensure that the agenda is not hijacked by forces of militant absolutism. Together, Jake and Miriam have spoken at over 50 campuses and communities worldwide about their work. Jake spent time in both 2005 and 2006 with the OneVoice offices in Ramallah and Tel Aviv.
Josef Oberger is a research officer with the Alliance of Civilizations. The Secretary-General of the United Nations launched the Alliance, co-sponsored by the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey. The Alliance responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and to mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil s ociety levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. And it hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.
Zeeshan Suhail is a Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization working to raise global awareness on more than 1,000 U.S. university campuses and in over 10 countries. Zeeshan has hosted a TV show which introduced New York City to South Asian audiences all over the world, and currently writes a column for a Pakistani newspaper detailing Pakistani-American life in New York (among other things) to a Pakistani audience. His work has been published in Q-News (Britain), The World Scholar (New York), Pakistan Post (New York) and The Nation (Pakistan). While at Queens College, Zeeshan also founded the South Asian Students Association (SASA), whose aim is to promote South Asian culture through panel discussions, film screenings and other cultural events. He was the Secretary for a political party called United People and the Society of Success and Leadership.
Saad Amrani is an IT Consultant for the United Nations. He has set up a User-Friendly Content Management Systems that will help managing websites and data within the NGO section of the U.N. This IT infrastructure optimization has resulted in better outcomes and a more efficient work of the NGO Section. During the committee session of January 2007, some member states have noticed many improvements on the organizational and technical sides. He is interested in how technology can be used to bridge the U.S. and the Muslim world.
Monday, April 02, 2007
NY Event - Iran and the U.S.: Preventing Conflict by Promoting Civil Society and Diplomacy - 4/7
Iran and the U.S.:
Preventing Conflict by Promoting
Civil Society and Diplomacy
co-sponsored by the Hunter College Chapter of
Americans for Informed Democracy
Saturday, April 7, 2007 | 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. | Hunter College
How significant of a threat does Iran pose to the U.S. and Israel? How can the international community promote civil society without undermining Iranian national pride? How can we effectively discuss issues that are politically and religiously sensitive?
Ervand Abrahamian (Baruch College) will discuss Iranian foreign policy, the autonomy of the Iranian people, and civil society's role in Iranian politics
Alice Slater (Nuclear Age Peace Foundation) will discuss the effectiveness of grassroots efforts and how to mobilize Americans to promote diplomacy toward Iran
Bob Zuber (Global Action to Prevent War) will discuss substantive entry-level jobs in conflict resolution and social entrepreneurship in the field
A brief panel discussion will be followed by an open dialogue between the experts and attendees. Come share your views on the topic and find out how to have the most impact on conflict resolution. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP to clmadden@gmail.com for details.
Preventing Conflict by Promoting
Civil Society and Diplomacy
co-sponsored by the Hunter College Chapter of
Americans for Informed Democracy
Saturday, April 7, 2007 | 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. | Hunter College
How significant of a threat does Iran pose to the U.S. and Israel? How can the international community promote civil society without undermining Iranian national pride? How can we effectively discuss issues that are politically and religiously sensitive?
Ervand Abrahamian (Baruch College) will discuss Iranian foreign policy, the autonomy of the Iranian people, and civil society's role in Iranian politics
Alice Slater (Nuclear Age Peace Foundation) will discuss the effectiveness of grassroots efforts and how to mobilize Americans to promote diplomacy toward Iran
Bob Zuber (Global Action to Prevent War) will discuss substantive entry-level jobs in conflict resolution and social entrepreneurship in the field
A brief panel discussion will be followed by an open dialogue between the experts and attendees. Come share your views on the topic and find out how to have the most impact on conflict resolution. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP to clmadden@gmail.com for details.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Islam and Innovation: Muslim Entrepreneurs Talk Business - 3/30
Please attend and spread the word! I'm moderating!
A Muslim American Mosaic: Celebrating Islam, Activism and Enterprise in America
You are invited to a networking mingle with Muslim entrepreneurs to discuss their innovative ideas and inspiration from a faith-based perspective. Come learn how Muslim Americans are promoting enterprise in America. The event is free and open to the public.
Co-sponsored by the ICNYU Alumni Association and Americans for Informed Democracy.
Islam and Innovation:
Muslims Talk Business
Friday, March 30, 2007
7:00 PM
Kimmel Center, Room 802
New York University
60 Washington Square South,
New York NY 10012
Dinner and desserts will be served.
Entrepreneurs include:
Nabeel Kaukab
UBS, Associate Director
Moushumi Khan
Attorney, Law Offices of Moushumi M. Khan
Asma Shikoh
Visual artist
Omar Taha & Yasser Salem
S&T Group
Musa Syeed
Filmmaker
Sarah Musa
Fashion designer
Sajjad Chowdhury
Editor, Dinar Standard
Toufique Harun
Internet start-up
Extended Biographies of Panelists:
Zeeshan Suhail our moderator, is a graduate student in Political Science at The Graduate Center (CUNY). Zeeshan was recently appointed Board Member for Americans for Informed Democracy and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Relations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY). Zeeshan was also an active member of student government at his undergraduate school, Queens College-CUNY, where he was the first Pakistani and the first Muslim to be elected Vice President in the 35 years of student government history. Zeeshan has appeared on CNN and his work has been published in Q-News (Britain), The World Scholar (New York), Pakistan Post (New York) and The Nation (Pakistan).
Asma Shikoh is visual artist, whose main concerns are her immediate environment. She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan--a society constrained by tradition, threaded through with colonial legacy and subjected to the most rapid changes due to the impact of globalization. Her work there attempted to define national and cultural identities of a society in flux. ‘Ronald’ from McDonalds and ‘Colonel Sanders’ of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) became revered icons in the imagery of my artwork; celebrating, dancing, invading, controlling, and challenging the very vulnerable/sacred ideals of nationalism in our society. She recently had an exhibit at the Ceres Gallery in New York City.
Sajjad Chowdhry is creator of Dinar Standard, a new business strategy e-magazine, released the first ever ranking of top businesses in the Muslim world covering companies from the 57 member countries of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference.)
Yasser Salem is a former consultant with McKinsey & Company in New York and Dubai. Prior to McKinsey & Company, Mr. Salem held several positions within the financial services industry, including investment banking and buy-side investing. Mr. Salem works with Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, a non-profit organization which recruits, trains, and places outstanding minority college students in substantive financial services internships. Yasser graduated with honors from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University with degrees in Finance and Accounting. He is currently a recruiter for Sponsors in Educational Opportunity, nation’s premiere summer internship program for talented students of color leading to full-time job offers. Since its inception, SEO’s Career Program has placed over 4,000 Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and Native American students in internships that lead to opportunities in exciting and rewarding careers in the most competitive industries worldwide.
Omar Taha has various experiences in the financial services industry, including Foreign Exchange trading in New York. Prior to Foreign Exchange trading, Mr. Taha was an Investment Banking analyst at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse First Boston. Mr. Taha graduated from the Honors Program at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University with degrees in Finance and Accounting. He started The S&T Group, a financial services executive search firm catering exclusively to Dubai and the greater Gulf; focusing on direct investing (private equity and hedge funds), investment banking, capital markets, and accounting opportunities. They were founded with the mission of being primary contributors to the economic and corporate development of the Middle East. They believe, with the right professional talent, the Middle East has all the resources necessary to become leaders in the corporate world. The S&T Group focuses on high quality long-term relationships with clients and candidates.
Moushumi Khan is an attorney and business consultant in private practice in New York City. She has had extensive experience with cross-cultural issues affecting companies dealing with Muslim employees, customers or suppliers. She has been active in the non-profit, economic development and legal sectors. Since February 2001 Ms. Khan has been in solo legal practice concentrating on corporate and civil rights law. Her clients include the Muslim immigrant populations, and companies with Muslim employee and community relations issues to resolve. Ms. Khan is a co-founder and President of the Muslim Bar Association of New York and is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Toufique Harun is a technology entrepreneur at heart. He is currently the founder and CEO of an Internet search start-up. He was formerly the VP of Systems & Technology at an oil trade facilitation company he helped build from conception. Prior to that, he was consulting at Deloitte. Toufique has a Bachelor's and Master's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he enjoys talking to and learning from ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs who want to change the world for the better.
Sarah Musa started Haya, LLP to meet the overwhelming demands for modest, contemporary clothing for women living in the West. There are countless stories by women who have spent hours in shopping malls, only to find that they have to compromise simply to get a long garment, perhaps something that is not walk-able, has slits, is made to be fitted, etc. She is currently a student at Fashion Institute of Technology.
Musa Syeed is a 2005 Fulbright Fellow producing experimental films related to identity in the Muslim world. His work has taken him from the deserts of Egypt to the mountains of Kashmir. His other filmmaking honors include being named a finalist for the George A. Heinemann Film Production Award. As a writer, he produced original theatrical work for the Children's Museum of Manhattan and serves as a film critic for Islamica Magazine. Syeed has worked as an educator in schools, community centers, and prisons. He focuses on interfaith education and serves as an advisor for film and television companies, including Thirteen/WNET, the PBS affiliate in New York City. He is an alumnus of New York University's Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies and Tisch School of the Arts.
Questions? Please contact Sadia Kalam at sadia.kalam@gmail.com
Monday, March 19, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
2/10 Film screening - Outlawed: Extraordinary Rendition, Torture, and Disappearances in the ‘War on Terror’
OUTLAWED:
Extraordinary Rendition, Torture, and Disappearances in the ‘War on Terror’
Join other concerned students and citizens for a film screening, discussion, and advocacy campaign.
Refreshments provided.
Saturday, February 10, 3-5 PM
CUNY Graduate Center, Room 5414
The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016-4309
Outlawed tells the stories of Khaled El-Masri and Binyam Mohamed, two men who have survived torture by the U.S. government working with various other governments wo rldwide. It features relevant commentary from Louise Arbour, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, U.S. President George W. Bush, Michael Scheuer, the chief architect of the rendition program and former head of the Osama Bin Laden unit at the CIA, and Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. Secretary of State.
This event is organized by the Americans for Informed Democracy Chapter at CUNY Grad Center and supported thanks to a generous grant from the JEHT Foundation. The film is produced by Witness.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Young Leaders Summit on Global Health with the theme: “Innovative Solutions to Healthcare in Low Resource Settings - 10/29
Young Leaders Summit on
Global Health
Global Health
The NYU Global Health Review and Americans for Informed Democracy are hosting a Young Leaders Summit on Global Health on October 29, 2006 with the theme: “Innovative Solutions to Healthcare in Low Resource Settings.” The summit will bring together young professionals and students from across the world for a series of panels, discussions, and workshops aimed at examining the unique opportunities for young leaders to promote better health care infrastructure in developing countries through innovative global partnerships and social entrepreneurship.
Confirmed speakers at the summit include:
- Ira Magaziner, Chairman of the Policy Board, The Clinton Foundation
- Aleya Hammad, Former Executive Director/Asst. Director General, World Health Organization
- Paul Zeitz, Co-founder and Executive Director, Global AIDS Alliance
- Carolyn Makinson, Executive Director, Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children
- John Sexton, President, New York University
- Derek Yach, Director, Global Health Program, Rockefeller Foundation
Thanks to the generous support of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Open Society Institute, and Ford Foundation, the summit is free for selected participants, including tuition and food. Travel to the conference is at the participant’s expense, but Americans for Informed Democracy will do its best to set up car pools for participants coming from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region.
TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY, VISIT:
www.aidemocracy.org/globalhealt
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