Zainab Al-Suwaij
Zainab Al-Suwaij | |
---|---|
Born | 1971 (age 52–53) |
Nationality | Iraqi |
Occupation(s) | activist and writer |
Zainab Al-Suwaij (
Biography
Suwaij was born in
Career
After arriving in the United States, Suwaij taught Arabic at Yale University and worked resettling Sudanese refugees in the United States. In 2001, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, she co-founded the American Islamic Congress to "represent those American Muslims who cherished the freedoms of the U.S. after living under repressive regimes."[4] Suwaij was a prominent public supporter of the 2003 U.S. war with Iraq.[5] In 2004, she spoke at the Republican National Convention, restating her support for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.[6]
Suwaij has served as AIC's Executive Director for eleven years. Under her leadership, the Muslim organization has trained young Middle Eastern activists in the methods of non-violent protest and social media mobilization, empowering them to challenge regimes during the
Recognition
Suwaij was named an "Ambassador of Peace" by the Interreligious and International Peace Council, received a Dialogue on Diversity's Liberty Award in and was recognized as "2006 International Person of the Year" by the National Liberty Museum.[8]
In 2012, Suwaij received the East West Vision of Peace Award from the Levantine Cultural Center for her work to bridge political and religious divides between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa.[9]
References
- ^ Wax, Emily (July 12, 2012). "Moderate American Muslim". Washington Post.
- ^ "Dispatches from Iraq's Feminist Front". Harvard Gazette.
- ^ Wax, Emily (July 12, 2012). "Moderate American Muslim". Washington Post.
- ^ Wax, Emily (July 12, 2012). "Moderate American Muslim". Washington Post.
- ^ Iraqi people yearn to taste freedom again Zainab Al Suwaij, USA Today, January 13, 2003
- ^ "RNC Al-Suwaij Transcript". Fox News. August 30, 2004.
- ^ "Zainab Al-Suwaij".
- ^ "Zainab Al-Suwaij".
- ^ "2012 East West Awards".