Writings
Living Islam Out Loud 
"Varied Muslim voices explore gray areas and confront stereotypes...For the editors of and contributors to these collections, the female voices offer an alternative perspective to the literature already out there." The Boston Globe
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'I felt more welcome in the Bible belt'
Friday April 20, 2007
The Guardian
One Sunday last month I went for my afternoon swim at my local David Lloyd's fitness club wearing the Islamic-style swimsuit I have been wearing for years. The swimsuit has recently been celebrated by media outlets from Newsweek to National Geographic as an innovative way for Muslim women to become more active. As an American-Muslim woman, I have always been determined to be active without compromising my faith. I have been swimming in capital cities across the world from Rio de Janeiro to Washington DC to Kuala Lumpur, and now London. Although I get curious stares, I have never had any awkward moments when I head out for a swim. Read full article.
A Humanitarian Eclipse
Issue 17
Islamica Magazine
Disbelief. It was the one word I heard over and over once I finally reached Beirut. Whether it was from individuals or non-governmental organizations, the description was of complete astonishment at the bombardment of a country that was finally transitioning out of war. It was not horror or fear, but an overwhelming sense of disbelief that within 34 days, Lebanon had faced so much death and destruction as the world stood by. The main victims were women and children as a political and psychological war was being waged at the expense of such a fragile country. Read full article.
My Iraqi Wedding
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Washington Post
AMMAN, Jordan There was always a fear of sectarian violence in Iraq. But when I arrived in Baghdad almost three years ago, it was only that -- a fear. Back then, right after Saddam Hussein was toppled, the country was full of hope and optimism. And it was in that heady atmosphere that I found love when I met the Iraqi man to whom I am now married. But the fear of sectarian strife became a searing reality for me last year, on the night before our wedding. Our house of celebration was transformed into a house of mourning when we learned that my husband's brother-in-law, Hussein, had been brutally murdered. As the mourners arrived, we turned away the florist and canceled the photographer. Our festival of love gave way to horror, as we realized that Hussein was just one of the many casualties of what Iraq was becoming-- a volatile mix of tribal tensions and local mafia-style killings. Read full article.
In The Sea Of Nation-Building: Anchoring Women’s Rights In The Iraqi Constitution
Summer 2005
Critical Half
“We did it. It is no accident that women exceeded the 25 percent quota in the elections. This is because we made it happen,” stated an enthusiastic and determined woman from Southern Iraq , echoing the sentiments of many Iraqi women across the nation. Indeed, the success in integrating women into Iraq’s newly elected National Assembly in January 2005 was the direct result of organizing and outreach efforts by Iraqi women. In the period leading up to the election, there was great concern that Iraqi women would be marginalized. Yet Iraqi women were able to quickly organize, lobby and take action, thereby earning themselves a place at the decision-making table. This has allowed Iraq to emerge as the clear leader in the region when it comes to women’s rights. Iraqi women have carried on the legacy of their foremothers, speaking up until their voices are heard on legal, social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Access full article in Critical Half journal.
A Woman's Perspective: Three Years Later, on the Eve of the Iraqi Elections
Dec 11, 2005
ABC News
Iraqi women throughout the nation have had their eyes on the events currently enveloping their nation. From the most socially and economically excluded to the more educated and well-established areas in the country, women have recognized that a potential window of opportunity is available through the nation-building process. Read full commentary.