Arab American

Arab-Americans are Americans of Arab ancestry. Over 4 million Americans trace their ancestry to Arab countries, and the vast majority are citizens of the United States. Over 75% are Christians, many having escaped religious persecution in their homelands. Today, one-third of Arab-Americans live in California, New York, and Michigan. They are better-educated than the average American. The average Arab-American entrepreneur may have a higher personal and household income than a non-Arab-American counterpart in most regions of the United States. The overall U.S. population grew by 13% in the 1990s, while the Arab-American increased by 38%.

A majority of Arab-Americans, around 62%, originate from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan.

Politics

Prominent Arab Americans in politics include:

• John H. Sununu (1939- ), Governor of New Hampshire (1983-1989) and White House Chief of Staff for George H. W. Bush (1989-1991); Roman Catholic
• John E. Sununu (1964- ), his son, Republican Congressman (1996-2002) from New Hampshire and U.S. Senator (2002-2008); Roman Catholic
• Spencer Abraham (1952- ), Republican Senator from Michigan (1994-2000), Secretary of Energy under George W. Bush (2001-5), Eastern Orthodox
• James Abdnor (1923- ), Republican Representative from South Dakota (1972-80) and Senator (1980-86); Syrian Orthodox

9-11

After the horrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, Arab-Americans braced for the worst, but thankfully the fears of heavy reprisals did not come as the vast majority of America realized they were not to blame. 326 incidents that were believed to be 'hate based' were recorded across the country in the first month after the attack - a large increase from the 20 or so normally expected, but still relatively small in comparison to the population size. Volume dropped substantially after that so that the last 10 months of the year combined actually had far fewer incidents than the first two months after the attack. The worst had passed.

As with many groups, Arab-Americans band together to make sure their concerns are heard. Organizations like the "American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee" seek to make sure American civil rights continue to be extended to people of Arab heritage

Extremism

It is said that American Muslim reject extremism and that this community is a valued partner in countering extremism.

American Muslims are as concerned about extremism and terrorism as other citizens. Their families and friends in "the old country" have been the primary victims of terrorist attacks. Like other Americans, Muslims were also victims; they too lost loved ones and friends in the 9/11 attacks. [1]

External links

• National Arab American Organizations
• Arab American National Museum
• The Arab American University
• American Arab Forum
• Arab American Institute
• The Arab-American News
• A vow for better Jewish, Muslim relations in US
• Arab Center of Washington
• American Muslims Ready to Attack USA? by Sher Zieve.