Ahmed Kadret of the Iraqi Beauty Pageant in Baghdad discusses the pageant and life in Iraq on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009 www.radiochicagoland.com WJJG 1530 AM Radio

Israeli Knesset member Ahmed alTibi discusses the obstacles to peace set by Prime Minister Banjamin Netanyahu's refusal to freeze settlement activity, warning that although he and others support a two-state solution the Israeli intransigence may forever block two states and result in a one-state option. Al-tibi also discusses US Senator Joe Lieberman who is denying government sponsored healthcare for American citizens but ushers through $7 billion in US Taxpayer funded aid to Israel which pays for government sponsored healthcare for all citizens of Israel, a foreign country. Lieberman is a hypocrite and obstacle to Middle East peace. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Friday Nov. 13, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com

Fort Hood massacre discussion with Columnist Ali Younes, Deaborn Radio Host Laila al-Husseini and callers on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Friday Nov. 6, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Eyal Raviv, a Middle East peace activist and the publisher of MEPeace.org which brings together more than 3,200 peace activists from Palestinians and Israelis, discusses Middle East peace and the stalemate between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmound Abbas. Raviv also discusses the war crimes report by Justice Richard Goldstone (Goldstone Report) on the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Wednesday Nov. 4, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

maria Khoury, a writer and author, discusses her latest books on the challenges facing children in the Middle East conflict and her new one "Witness in the Holy Land." Khoury, who comes from Taybeh Palestine, one of a few Christian villages and cities in Israel and Palestine, discusses the challenges facing Christian Arabs in the Middle East and also the production of Taybeh Beer which has been challenged by the religious extremists in the Middle East on RadioC hicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Thursday Oct. 29, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

FOX Chicago News anchor Jeff Goldblatt discusses members of the National Guard in Indiana who are farmers and who are preparing to go to Afghanistan to help the Afghanies improve their farming skills. On RadioC hicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Tuesday Oct. 27, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Blogger and moderate pro-Israel Jewish activist Richard Silverstein discusses the fight to define the moderate Jewish voice and build support for peace based on compromise and two-states between Israelis and Palestinians. Silverstein is organizing a blogger conference at the hotel at the J-Street Conference ... though not sanctioned by J Street (you can read into that) the blogging session will bring together Palestinians and Israelis to fight for peace on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Thursday Oct. 22, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com. Silverstein's blog is www.RichardSilverstein.com.

SC MoCha, the Tunisian member of Checkpoint 303, discusses the power of music in fighting for justice and the cause of Palestine which is a focus of his groups powerful music. The team also features a Palestinian rapper and others from the Middle East on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Tuesday Oct. 13, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com. Also visit www.CheckPoint303.com for more information. Checkpoint 303 is an activist sonic project launched by sound-catcher SC Yosh (Palestine) and sound-cutter SC MoCha (Tunisia). Checkpoint 303 creates experimental electronic music that aims at raising international awareness about the ongoing injustice and suffering of the civilian populations throughout the Middle East. Checkpoint 303 combines field recordings performed in Palestine with electronic beats, FX and subtle oriental tunes. Checkpoint 303 has evolved into an international collective of artists, musicians, DJs and VJs including performances by Cheikh Julio, Miss K Sushi, Mehdi Douss, VH Diddy, Melski, etc. Checkpoint 303’s previous live shows include electronic performances as supporting act for UK trip-hop band Massive Attack in a series of benefit shows in the UK and in France in 2007 and 2008. CP-303 has also performed numerous shows in Sweden, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Palestine, Tunisia, USA (Los Angeles), Australia (Sydney & Melbourne), Japan (Tokyo) etc.

Scholar and author Hussein Ibish discusses the bold initiatives proposed by President Barack Obama that have stymied Israel's extremist leadership Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and could push Israel back into genuine peace negotiations with Palestinians and President Mahmoud Abbas. Ibish, who publishes the www.Ibishblog.com discusses the precedent setting efforts by Obama in his speech to the United Nations and Security Council demanding that Israel halt all illegal settlement expansion and re-inserting Jerusalem as a negotiating point in peace talks, a topic Israel has tried to exclude from peace discussions. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Thursday Sept. 24, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com. Ibish is the author of the new book "What's Wrong with the One-State Agenda," a brilliant analysis of why the One-state argument jeopardizes Palestinian statehood goals and even undermines the end of the Israeli occupation of the West bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip as a foundation for ending the conflict.

Chicago playright Iymen Chehade discusses his play "Garden of the Three" a look at Palestinians during the brutal military oppression of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2002. The play opens at the Gorilla Tango Theater in Chicago Sept 4 and runs on the weekends through Sept. 3. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on Radio Chicagoland WJJG 1530 AM Monday August 31, 2009 www.radiochicagoland.com.

Pundit and Middle East analyst Hussein Ibish (www.IbishBlog.com) discusses a wide range of issues and takes phone calls from radio show listeners on: the absence of Arab countries in the Miss Universe Pageant, is it extremism or modesty; Middle East peace and President Barack Obama, the dynamics of Obama's Middle East strategies; status of Palestinian-Israeli and Arab peace. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Thursday August 27, 2009. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Columnist Ali Younes discusses Ramadan, the absence of Arab contestants in the Miss Universe Pageant and is it significant that only 2 of 22 Arab countries participate, and also a discussion of the backlash against Libya by the West over the Scottish release of Abelbaset al-Megrahi, convicted in the bombing of PAN AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie. on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Monday August 24, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Blogger, spokesman, media pundit and columnist Hussein Ibish discusses the challenges American Arabs have in America from bias in the news media to stereotypes of Muslims and Arabs on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Tuesday August 4, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Columnist and media pundit Hussein Ibish (www.IbishBlog.com) discusses the growing public opposition to Muslim Women wearing the Hijab (and veil or Berqa) and why the American Muslim community is emphasizing the wrong defense that it is a religious issue rather than a cultural issue on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday July 22, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Adam Shapiro, a Jewish peace activist and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) describes the ordeal face by the volunteers who sought to bring food, clothing and medicine to the besieged civilians living in the Gaza Strip aboard the boat the Spirit of Gaza. Among the passengers arrested with Shapiro and imprisoned for nearly 10 days were former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Mairead Maguire and 15 others, many American Citizens. The US Government and President Barack Obama avoided addressing the issue and the mainstream American news media boycotted and blacklisted story coverage. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Monday July 13, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com

Host Ray Hanania rants on Hamas and extremism in the Middle East, followed by a discussion (22 minutes into the segment) with veteran journalist and commentator Ali Younes discusses the crackdown of Hamas in the Gaza Strip of individual freedoms. Also Youness discusses the arrest and detention of former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, Israel's resistance to genuine peace and the Arab World. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Tuesday July 7, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Media pundit and commentator Aaron Freeman discusses events in Iran and protests against President Ahmadinejad's re-election. And, discusses President Obama's response on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday June 24, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Author and Radio Tahrir host Barbara Nimri Aziz discusses her new book "Swimming up the Tigris" and also events in Iraq and Iran. Aziz hosts Radio Tahrir on WBAI Radio (www.RadioTahrir.org) on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday June 24, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Media columnist and pundit Aaron Freeman discusses the issues facing protestors in Iran challenging the re-election of President Ahmadinejad, with callers. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania, Wednesday June 17, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Bill Corcoran, president and CEO of ANERA, American Near East Refugee Aid, www.ANERA.org, discusses the findings of his recent visit to the besieged Gaza Strip, reporting on the destruction of more than 22,000 civilian homes and the desperation for food, medical assistance, work and more. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania, Tuesday, June 16, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, http://www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Israeli journalist and commentator on on reaction and response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the Israelis Sunday night. Friedman is currently a senior news correspondent for Mishpacha magazine, a weekly news journal aimed at the Orthodox Jewish community, and is a former senior editor at Ynetnews on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Monday June 15, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Media pundit and comentator Aaron Freeman discusses in detail the war crimes investigation by the United Nations of Israelim military actions in the Gaza Strip and the background behind its lead investigator Richard a South African judge who prosecuted war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Thursday June 11, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Andye Friedman Israeli journalist and commentator on President Obama's speech to the "Muslim World," the recent elections in Lebanon involving the Hariri-Hezbollah rivalry, and other Middle East topics. Friedman grew up in Southern California but has spent his adult life in Israel. He is currently a senior news correspondent for Mishpacha magazine, a weekly news journal aimed at the Orthodox Jewish community, and is a former senior editor at Ynetnews, the English language edition of Israel’s largest news website. His work has been published in the US, Australia and Israel, and he has lectured about Middle East affairs in Israel, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania, Monday June 8, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Warren David, the publisher of Arab Detroit, discusses the reaction and response of the American Arabs in Detroit, one of the nation's largest concentrations of Arabs, to the speech made by President Barack Obama at Cairo University to the Arab and Muslim World. David's web site www.ArabDetroit.com is a central hub for the American Arab community. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Friday June 5, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Arabisto.com columnist Ali Younes discusses his reaction and analysis of President Barack Obama's speech to the Arab and Muslim World during his appearance at Cairo University in Egypt . On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Thursday June 4, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Sam Bahour, an American peace activist in El-Bireh Palestine just north of Ramallah and Jerusalem, discusses Arab World reaction to President Barack Obama's precedent-setting speech to the Muslim World and Arab World during an appearance at Cairo University in Egypt. . On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Thursday June 4, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Media Commentator Aaron Freeman discusses the facts behind how the U.S. Government did and did not use torture, the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the "enhanced interrogation" techniques (torture) and resources in which Americans can find more accurate information. Among the details, The Bush administration replaced propofessional interrogation techniques that resulted int he identification of Padilla and Khaled Sheik Mohammed, with torture to force prisoners to make the non-existent connection between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda in March 2003 before the US Invasion. On Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on Friday May 29, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

A Muslim Chef in London sues the British Police Department claiming he was forced to prepare pork-based food which is against his religion, for the UK Police Department. David Sapsted, the London correspondent for The National Newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates reports on this controversy and discusses the increasing clashes between religion and government in England on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday May 13, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Einat Wilf, Israeli Labor Party member Einat Wilf in Jerusalem, Israel and former foreign policy adviser to Shimon Peres, discusses peace in the Middle East, the visit of Pope Benedict to the region, proposals by President Barack Obama and Kind Abdullah II of Jordan on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Tuesday May 12, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Tony Taouk reporter with Alhurra Arab Satellite TV joins the radio show in the studio with Israeli Comedian Charley Warady on SKYPE discussing the power of humor and relations between Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese and the Arab World on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Monday May 11, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Kayed Akkawi, Dean of the Business School at Robert Morris College and a member of the Chicago-Amman, Jordan Sister Cities Program, discusses a program to bring Chicago area kids 10-13 to spend a week in Jordan learning about the Arab World, Jordan and the Middle East on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Thursday May 7, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com. The program is Sponsored by the Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley.

Fadi Zanayed, the president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC, www.ADCChicago.com) discusses the groups fight against anti-Arab bigotry in the Chicagoland region and the upcoming ADC Media Awards Dinner May 12 at the Drury Lane Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois honoring five journalists including WBBM TV Reporter Jay Levine, Arlington Heights Daily Herald Columnist Burt Constable, Community Media Workshop Ethnic Media Director Stephen Franklin, The Future News Newspaper Publisher Mansour Tadros and The Arab Horizon News Newspaper publisher Amani Ghouleh on Radio Chicagoland's Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday May 6, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com. (The first 60 seconds of the introduction and discussion of the awards, to Stephen Franklin who speaks fluent Arabic was damaged in the audio recording)

Israeli dancer and choreographer Renana Raz discusses her performance to help at-risk children, brought to you by the Consul General of Israel Chicago and Hadassah Chicago on Mornings with Ray Hanania on RadioChicagoland WJJG 1530 AM Wednesday April 29, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com. Power of entertainment, music, dance, positive Middle East images. Arabic, Jewish, Israeli, Druze, Muslims, Christians.

Commentator and media analyst Ali Younes discusses the imprisonment in Iran of Iranian American journalist Roxana Saberi and also the possibility of prosecuting former Vice President Dick Cheney for torture and war crimes on Mornings with Ray Hanania, Radio Chicagoland on WJJG 1530 AM Friday April 24, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Writer Richard Silverstein of the popular Tikun-Olam blog, discusses the challenges facing Jewish American and American Arab pursuit of peace between Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East on Mornings with Ray Hanania on Radio Chicagoland Thursday April 23, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com. Silverstein's blog is www.RichardSilverstein.com. 

Abraham's Tent activists Daoud Nasser and Mark braverman discuss the challenges of defdning the rights of Palestinian civilians living in Israel's occupation of the West Bank near Bethlehem where land is being confiscated by the Israeli government to create and expand illegal Israeli settlements on Mornings with Ray Hanania on Radio Chicagoland Thursday April 23, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com. Daoud and Mark were among speakers at a special program hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Illinois. www.Fotonna.org (Friends of Tents of Nations North America).

Jewish Orthodox Comedian Yisrael Campbell talks about his comedy tour and show March 28 in Chicago on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday March 25, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Palestinian activist and journalist Sam Bahour discusses recent reports in the Israeli media of Israeli soldiers who admitted being told they could kill anyone during the Israeli government assault ont he Gaza Strip. Of the 1,500 Palestinians killed, as many as 900 were reportedly civilians. Israel denied intentionally killing civilians but the Israeli media now reports that in many cases, old women, women and children were intentionally killed reflecting an attitude from their commanders that they could shoot anyone on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday March 25, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Washington State Congressman Brian Baird discusses his observations and feelings after visiting both sides of the Gaza war, in the Gaza Strip in Palestine and Sderot in Israel on Mornings with Ray Hanania, Tuesday March 24, 2009 WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Grant Smith, the director of the Washington DC based Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (www.IRMEP.org) discusses how Israel is misusing the bilateral Free Trade Agreement they lobbied for 1984 that passed in 1985. The US government solicited confidential business information from affected businesses and trade associations to share their trade secrets, market share, and other sensitive information with the US government to negotiate the best deal.  Israel was the very first beneficiary of a free trade agreement with the US. But last year, new details were revealed about how Israel and the lobbying group AIPAC obtained the business trade secrets submitted by American companies.  ... Since the agreement was ratified, US industry, counter espionage agencies and the US Trade Representative (USTR) continue to combat the misuse of intellectual property of US companies by Israeli companies exporting to the world, and preferentially to the US market. The USTR has been aware of these violations for years but details of petitions and other information has never been made public: complaints from corporations have been secret for the past 25 years.  The original trade secrets report is still classified (though not to AIPAC and the Israeli government.)  The Obama administration will now have to consider the results of this agreement as his new trade representative, Ron Kirk, reevaluates all free trade agreements. And what are those results? Free Trade Agreements basically work like this: Foreign country A manufactures Apples and sells them to the US. The US manufactures Oranges and, under the Free Trade Agreement, sells them to Israel, bypassing all of the two country's trade restrictions. In the end, both countries get something they don"t have. And the balance in trade should increase trade volume as both countries focus on producing merchandise they are most efficient at manufacturing. However, since 1984, the US has cumulatively Lost $71 Billion (seventy-one). Last year, the US-Israel deficit was equivalent to 126,000 lost jobs. Additionally, Israeli companies benefitting from the Free Trade Accord are in fact engaged in construction and maintenance of Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank, fueled by revenue from US tariff free sales!  An agreement that violates the rights of US companies and workers, now finances the expropriation of Palestinian land—in violation of international law and US policy. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on Wednesday March 11, 2009 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.   

 

Actress Maggie Cain discusses her role and the theatrical performance of "The Arab-Israeli Cookbook" which features individual stories in a new play in Chicago at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs theater in Chicago March 5 thru April 5, 2009 on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Wednesday March 4, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Iran expert Fatemeh Aman and Middle East Analyst Ali Younis inW ashington DC discuss the significance of Iran and the Bush administration drive to go to war. Also Iran's alleged nuclear weapon campaign and the possibility that Israel might attack Iran with nuclear weapons on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Wednesday March 4, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Sam Bahour in Ramallah in the Israeli occupied West Bank discusses the implications of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to the region to discuss peace. Clinton blasted Hamas demanding that rocket fire end and that Hamas recognize Israel and then met with the PNA official Mahmoud Abbas declaring them the representative government of the Palestinians and also calling on Israel to end the destruction of Palestinian civilian homes in Israeli occupied East Jerusalem on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Wednesday March 4, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com. Also joined by Ali Younis Middle East analyst in Washington DC

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Richard Schmierer of the administration of President Barack Obama and working with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses the challenges facing this country in Iraq, the timetable for withdrawal and the impact it will have on the Middle East region on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Thursday Feb. 26, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Israeli and Orthodox Jewish comedian Israel Campbell discusses his new film "Circumcise Me" and his upcoming one-man show on Broadway. Yisrael is a member of the Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour (www.IPComedyTour.com) and his website is www.YisraelCampbell.com. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday Feb. 25, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Brian Zakem of Bnai Yehuda Beth Shalom Synagogue in Homewood, Illinois discusses issues facing Jewish Americans, from israel and the War in Gaza, to interfaith relations with Muslims and Christians on Mornings with Ray Hanania, Wednesday Feb. 18, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Journalist and analyst Ali Alarabi and Abderrahim Foukara, Washington DC bureau chief for  al-Jazeera Satellite TV discuss Middle East issues including the Gaza Strip war, Israel's elections, Israeli extremism, bias in the mainstream American media, the bias and hatred against Arabs, Muslims and al-Jazeera and other media, President Barack Obama's decision to appear on al-Arabiyya and more on Mornings with Ray Hanania, Wednesday Feb. 18, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Listeners discuss their reviews of the film "American East" produced by Egyptian American filmmaker Sayed Badreya and also starring Tony Shalhoub, and the issue of ethnicity, hyphenated Americans and the experience of ethnic groups like Irish, Polish, Jewish, Italian, African Americans, Hispanics and Arabs and more on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Thursday Feb. 12, 2009. www.RadioChicagoland.com. Arab experience post Sept. 11, 2001. Discrimination. Assimilation. Also includes the weekly Thursday segment "Entertainment Chicagoland" with reporter Chuck Salvatore.

Israeli journalist Alan Abbey with Hartman.org.il, discusses the Israeli elections taking place Tuesday Feb. 9, 2009 from his home in Jerusalem, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Tzipi Livni of Kadima, the Labor Party, versus the extremist leader Benjamin Netanyahu and his rightwing religious zealots On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Monday Feb. 8, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Award winning journalist and media pundit discusses President Brack Obama's appearance on al-Arabiyya Satellite TV to speak to the Arab and Muslim World, and why he chose that station as opposed to al-Jazeera Satellite TV on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Wednesday Feb. 4, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Sayed Badreya, born in Port Said, Egypt, came to the United States from Egypt after suffering through the Arab-Israeli wars in 1967 and again in 1973, and was moved by the images of America he saw on the big screen in his hometown, is today a Hollywood producer, filmmaker, writer and actor and he stars in the film he helped produce with Hesham Issawi, also Egyptian, called "AmericanEast" about the lives of Arab Americans in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001. It is a fantastic and informative and engaging film that everyone should see, but that was banned from being shown in movie theaters. In fact, not one theater would show it even though it wasn't about politics, but it portrayed the Arab Americans in a positive light. It was released on DVD Jan. 20, 2009 and is now available from most retail DVD stores, bot not all. Badreya talks about the film and its message and his other movies including Independence Day, and more on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Wednesday Jan. 28, 2009 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Every Wednesday, Mornings with Ray Hanania focuses te entire radio show on Middle East peace and dialogue between Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians. This week, guests include Jewish activists for peace Cantor Michael Davis of Lake Side Congregation in Highland Park, and Brit Tzedek vShalom board member Aliza Becker, and Palestinian peace activist Saffiya Shillo. Becker and Shillo discuss their dual narrative performance in which they speak to audiences about their individual experiences growing up Arab and Jewish in America. WJJG 1530 AM Radio. Wednesday Jan. 21, 2009. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Veteran journalists Joe Farah and Ali Alarabi debate the causes and conflicts of the Middle East, the war in the Gaza Strip, Israel, the Palestinians, Lebanon and assess President-elect Barack Obama from their differing perspectives on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Monday Jan. 19, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

 

David Holdridge, Mercy Corps' Middle East Regional Director since 2005 discusses Mercy Corps efforts to bring Humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip. Holdridge is a seasoned emergency and development professional with over twenty-five years of experience leading non-government humanitarian organizations throughout the Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and the United States. David is a strong advocate of peace-building, economic development and support for civil society, particularly in the Middle East. Prior to joining Mercy Corps, worked for Catholic Relief Services for almost 20 years -- serving first as the field manager in Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco and later the Regional Director overseeing the Middle East. He has successfully managed hundreds of millions of dollars in programs in some of the most difficult environments in the world. Their web site is www.MercyCorps.org. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Friday Jan. 16, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Israeli David Steiner and Palestinian Fadi Zanayed discuss issues that separate their two communities in an unprecedented and rare meeting between leaders of the two communities. Steiner is President of the Chicago Chapter of Americans for Peace Now (www.PeaceNow.org), and Zanayed is President of the Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (www.ADCChicago.com). The two are helping to launch a regular feature on Mornings with Ray Hanania every Wednesday on dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Arabs, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday Jan. 14, 2009. www.RadioChicagoland.com. Topics include the Gaza Strip war, the responsibilities of Israel and the Palestinians, Hamas terrorism, Israeli government violence, how to achieve peace, trust and respect. The shwo also includes numerous calls from radio listeners.

Jewish Peace activist Daniel Sieradski discusses his planned demonstration in support of peace between Palestinians and Israelis to be held in New York City Jan. 11, 2009 between pro-Israel protests and pro-Palestinian protests on Mornings with Ray Hanania on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2009, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Award winning columnist and writer Ali Alarabi hammers Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip, denouncing the carnage and the massacre of civilians there by Israeli soldiers using American military equipment in violation of American laws on Mornings with Ray Hanania, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Tuesday Jan. 6, 2009. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

jerusalem Post Editor David Horovitz joins Ray Hanania in a discussion about the Middle East conflicta nd the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Strip, including on expectations for peace and the policies of the president-elect Barack Obama on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Thursday Jan. 1, 2009, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Amani Ghouleh, publisher of the Arab Horizon Newspaper, discusses the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip and the reaction of Arab Americans in Chicago and an upcoming protest on Friday on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday Dec. 31, 2008 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Israeli Labor Party member Einat Wilf and candidate for the Knesset, living in Tel Aviv, discusses the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the perspective of Israelis on peace, and other issues on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday Dec. 31, 2008 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Award winning columnist and media consultant and activist Ali Alarabi discusses the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip in a spirited discussion with the host Ray Hanania (both Palestinian American journalists) on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Tuesday Dec. 30, 2008 www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Complete 90 minute radio show for Monday Dec, 29, 2008 featuring in this order: (8:05 am) Joe Boyle sports editor for the Southwest News-Herald Newspaper discussing the poor performance of the Chicagoland sports teams like the Chicago Bears, some hope for the Chicago Blackhawks; (8:15 am) author William Hazelgrove on his new book "Rocket Man" about life in the Chicagoland suburbs; (8:30 am) Fadi Zanayed president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Ant-Discrimination Committee (ADC) discusses the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas (Palestine, Palestinians) and why Israel's response to Hamas rocket attacks is excessive and war crimes; (9:10 am) Greg Mitchell of Editor & Publisher Magazine discusses his column in the HuffingtonPost.com on the failure of the mainstream American media to addresses sensitive issues involving Israel and the Palestinians while Middle East publications like Haaretz and others are freer to explore these sensitive issues. Is it media bias, or just lack of professional or fear? On Mornings with Ray Hanania WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Moderate American activist Sam Bahour who now lives in al-Bireh in Palestine in the Israeli occupied West bank, discusses in this full 90 minute program the status of Palestinians, the way Christians celebrate Christmas under military occupation on this Christmas Eve, on Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday Dec. 24, 2008, www.RadioChicagoland.com. Bahour discusses Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Christians, Muslims, Jews and relations between the religions. The 24 foot tall Wall that Israel built in part to confiscate and steal Palestinian lands in the West Bank, and how Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, Muslims and Christians are trying to fight the extremists on all sides and achieve a lasting peace. this is the entire radio show segment including callers, and a discusses with callers on issues such as Arafat's corruption, Hamas terrorism, mainstream American media bias, former Congressman Paul Findley and more.

New York based Arab American Christian comedian Nasry Malak joins in banter and discussion on topics from the show-throwing protestor at the Bush press conference in Baghdad to the scandal surrounding Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday Dec. 17, 2008 on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Ray Hanania rants on the persecution of Mohammad Salah, falsely accused of terrorism and then after beating the allegations of terrorism is convicted by federal Judge Amy St. Eve on a technicality of "lying" in the David Boim terrorist victim case. A Federal appeals court today ruled ASalah had nothing to do with the Boim case, yet Salah is continuing to serve out his sentence. He was imprisoned and is now in a halfway house. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Thursday Dec. 4, 2008, www.RadioChicagoland.com. Israel. Palestine. Hamas. terrorism. US Attorney John Ashcroft. racism. Bigotry. American Gulag.

Comedian and playwrite and writer Jameeleh Shelo discusses her work in New York's TV industry, and her new one woman play "My American Cousin" which explores a variety of topics including American and foreigh culture on Mornings with Ray Hanania Wednesday Dec. 3, 2008, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Chicago attorney Fadi Zanayed launches the "One Million Email Campaign to President Barack Obama" to convince him to jumpstart the Middle East peace process and bring Israelis and Palestinians to a fair and just compromise resulting in two sovereign states. Zanayed, a Chicago attorney, wants one million people to send an email to Obama on Tuesday Jan. 20, 2009, at 12 noon, the same day that Obama is sworn in as president. On "Point to Point" Podcasts with host Ray Hanania (independent of his WJJG radio show) at www.RadioChicagoland.com. 12 minutes. Nov. 28, 2008.

SPC Daniel J. Turner, on his 2nd tour of duty in Camp Taji Iraq discusses life in the military and the war in Iraq. Turner is originally from California. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday Nov. 12, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com. Part of our Salute our American Soldiers and Veteran's Radio Series. Live interview with Turner calling from Iraq.

Ron Kukal, petty officer on the USS Liberty American naval vessel that was brutally assaulted on June 8, 1967 by the Israeli airforce, navy and helicopter sapirs. A survivor, Kukal has accused the U.S. Government of covering up the incident and ignoring the suffering experienced by the ship's crew and the deaths of 34 Americans to protect its political alliance with Israel. On Mornings with Ray Hanania, WJJG 1530 AM Radio Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

 

Jay Paul Deratany, former candidate for Cook County Board of Tax Appeals who had one of the most impactful campaign commercials on television this past Spring, discusses his candidacy and a recent play he wrote and being performed called "Haram Iran," the story about two Iranian 15 year olds who were put to death in Iran in 2005. Deratany's play is being performed through Dec. 7, 2008 at the Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N Southport Ave, in Chicago. On Mornings with Ray Hanania, WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

 

Award winning journalist Ali Alarabi discusses Barack Obama and the chances for Middle East peace, a review of his first appointments including David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel, the son of Benjamin Emanuel a member of the terrorist organization the Irgun Friday Nov. 7, 2008 on Mornings with Ray Hanania, WJJG 1530 AM Radio. www.RadioChicagoland.com. Iran. Palestine. Israel. Rashid Khalidi. Joe Biden. Richard Perle. Paul Wolfowitz, Ari Fleischer. George W. Bush.

Mark Weston author of "Prophets and Princes: Saudi Arabia from Muhammad to the Present

 

." A former Visiting Scholar at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, Weston offers an objective and balanced history of Saudi Arabia, the birth of Islam, and current events surrounding the area. Weston argues that despite some serious shortcomings, the kingdom is still America’s most important ally in the Middle East, a voice for moderation toward Israel, and a nation with a surprising ability to make many of the economic and cultural changes necessary to adjust to modern realities. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Wednesday 8:05 am, Oct. 29, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com. Discussion includes OPEC, oil Arab oil, the stereotypes against Arabs and more.

 

Ray Hanania interviews Nadia Hilou, a Christian Arab Woman member of the Israeli Knesset on challenges facing Christians and her role as a Palestinian working in mainstream Israeli society. On Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio taped Wednesday Oct. 8, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Ray Hanania interviews Phillip Tourney, an American Navy Veteran who was serving on the U.S.S. Liberty on June 8, 1967 when it was intentionally attacked by the Israelis in several Midway-like assaults that lasted over two hours killing 34 American soldier and injuring 174 more. The Israelis hoped to destroy the ship and kill all of the Americans on board to provoke the US into bombing Egypt (similar to the Gulf of Tonkin scam). Navy Admiral John McCain, the father of Senator John McCain, now a Republican candidate for President, issued orders that contravened attempts by the commander of the 6th Fleet to intervene to stop the first assault which killed 10 American soldiers. That order resulted in Israel attacking a second time with marked torpedo boats that killed 24 more Americans/ Years later. to protect his father, Sen. McCain embraced a pro-Israeli book that whitewashed the scandal and contradicted the facts of the attack in order to make it look like it was an accident and his father was  not involved. Broadcast Thursday Oct. 9, 2008 on "Mornings with Ray Hanania" on WJJG 1530 AM Radio. www.RadioChicagoland.com. This is the entire radio show with calls from listeners.

Mornings with Ray Hanania host commentary on the achievements of Nadia Hilou a Christian Arab Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset who champions the rights of families, children and peace based on Compromise. Hilou is in Chicago for a speech and benefit featuring the Infidels of Comedy Christian Arab Comedy group including Maria Shehata, Nasry Malak and Ray Hanania ... www.InfidelsofComedy.com. The commentary was read on his weekday morning radio show, Monday Oct. 6, 2008. Go to www.RadioChicagoland.com for more information. WJJG 1530 AM Radio, Mon-Fri at 8 am.

Ray Hanania interviews Michael Deutsch, the defense attorney for Mohammed Salah who was arrested, tortured and charged with supporting terrorism in Israel. he spent under 5 years in jail there. And then a few years later, he was singled out by the Bush administration and former US Attorney John Ashcroft as a symbol of world terrorism in a politically motivated prosecution. Salah beat back the two charges of terrorism -- the Justice Department withdrew one when they discovered their informant was a liar. Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio, broadcast Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008. www.RadioChicagoland.com.

Israeli Charley Warady, a member of the Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour (www.IPComedyTour.com), discusses developments in Israel from his home in Jerusalem involving the replacement of Ehud Olmert as Israeli Prime Minister. The Kadima party picks a new prime minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is considered one of the leading contenders. Mornings with Ray Hanania on WJJG 1530 AM Radio Monday-Friday 8-9:30 AM. This show was broadcast live on the radio on Wednesday Sept. 17, 2008. And also broadcast live on the Internet at www.RadioChicagoland.com.

August 12, 2008: Eyal Raviv, the founder and co-director of mepeace.org (www.mepeace.org) discusses why he set up what Haaretz Newspaper describes as the "Facebook" of Middle East peace. Based in Israel, Eyal oversees an internet social network that he launched in August 2006 to bring Palestinians and Israelis and Arabs and Jews together for peace. Today, the network is about to cross the 1,000 membership line. Point to Point is hosted by Ray Hanania and the podcasts are available at www.TheMediaOasis.com on the Point to Point link. Tuesday August 12, 2008. 16 minutes.