How Obama Can Stick It To Netanyahu How Obama Can Stick It To Netanyahu
Inking a deal with Iran soon would box the Israeli Prime Minister into denouncing a major foreign policy achievement.
Feb 11, 2015 / Blog / Ali Gharib
The Best Foreign Policy News From SOTU? No Iran Sanctions The Best Foreign Policy News From SOTU? No Iran Sanctions
President Obama’s speech was a mixed bag for progressives on foreign policy.
Jan 21, 2015 / Blog / Ali Gharib
Ganzeer Versus the NYPD Ganzeer Versus the NYPD
One of the works appearing prominently in the Egyptian artist Ganzeer’s first US solo show has already been displayed to the thousands who attended this fall’s anti-police brutality protests. It’s a silkscreened print in yellow and blue, with a picture of Eric Garner being choked by an NYPD officer. Along the side, bold lettering reads: BE BRUTAL. The mock recruiting poster carries contact information at the bottom: NYPDKILLS.COM / 212-KILL-PEOPLE. Mohamed Fahmy, 32, who goes by the name Ganzeer (or “bicycle chain”) achieved international fame during the Arab Spring uprising in Egypt. For many foreign artists, a New York show might be viewed as an opportunity to focus an audience’s attention on their home country, but Ganzeer wasn’t interested. “I think that’s what they were expecting: ‘This guy’s from Egypt. He’s going to do a show about Egypt and the situation there,’” he said about being approached by the Leila Heller Gallery curator and Middle Eastern art expert Shiva Balaghi. But Ganzeer had other ideas; he wasn’t going to be Orientalized—a problem, he noted, that never seemed to be experienced by the British street artist Banksy or the Italian artist Blu. “I’m interested in making art about relevant things that are happening in the world,” he said. In other words, when in America, set your sights on America. “At first there was some hesitancy,” he said of the gallery, “but I think they really got into it.” Please support our journalism. Get a digital subscription for just $9.50! He arrived in New York in mid-May, his first trip to the United States. He began to immerse himself in American politics and history. “He’s been reading Howard Zinn,” said Balaghi. The only link to his Egyptian work is a reference to a poster that landed him in the clink. In 2011, Ganzeer and two associates were arrested by Egyptian security forces while hanging a silkscreen called The Mask of Freedom, of a man wearing a ball-gag and blinders, wings protruding from his temples. In the new image, the ball-gag remains, the blinder is replaced by a full Captain America mask with no eye holes, and the man sports a business suit. “Great American Mask of Freedom,” the poster reads, “since 1776 and still going strong.” At least for now, Egypt’s loss is our gain. Ganzeer’s show will be on display at the Leila Heller Gallery through February 21. Read Next: Michelle Chen on police unions
Jan 21, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Ali Gharib
Egypt’s Revolutionary Artist Takes On the NYPD Egypt’s Revolutionary Artist Takes On the NYPD
Ganzeer’s new show opens today in New York.
Jan 16, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Ali Gharib
Pro-Sanctions Group Targets Legal Humanitarian Trade With Iran Pro-Sanctions Group Targets Legal Humanitarian Trade With Iran
United Against Nuclear Iran targets legal trade with Iran as part of its divestment campaign.
Nov 13, 2014 / Blog / Eli Clifton and Ali Gharib
Is the Justice Department Shielding an Anti-Iran Smear Campaign? Is the Justice Department Shielding an Anti-Iran Smear Campaign?
An anti-Iran group is accused in court of peddling false information anew while enjoying protection from the Obama Justice Department.
Nov 4, 2014 / Blog / Ali Gharib and Eli Clifton
Iran Hawks Need to Bone Up on Iran’s Nuke Program Iran Hawks Need to Bone Up on Iran’s Nuke Program
Neocon pundit Jennifer Rubin wants to bomb Iran—but doesn’t even have her facts straight.
Oct 8, 2014 / Blog / Ali Gharib
AIPAC’s Fight Against Iran Diplomacy AIPAC’s Fight Against Iran Diplomacy
How the Israel lobby is pushing us to war with Iran.
Sep 2, 2014 / Blog / Ali Gharib
Washington’s Sketchy Pro-Israel/Anti-Iran Camp Washington’s Sketchy Pro-Israel/Anti-Iran Camp
Two major anti-Iran groups in DC are more than they appear.
Aug 11, 2014 / Blog / Ali Gharib
How Partisanship Could Save Iran Diplomacy How Partisanship Could Save Iran Diplomacy
Efforts to kill nuclear talks with Iran are only coming from Republicans. That helps Obama.
Jul 29, 2014 / Blog / Ali Gharib