-- Amil Imani

"Today, I am proud to announce my candidacy for the United States Congress in Texas' 32nd Congressional district," said Pierson on her opening statement, giving her reasons for running. "I was raised in this district. It is my home. I have seen it grow into one of the most vibrant, influential areas in the country. Families of all backgrounds call this district home, raise families, and start businesses here.

It is with heavy hearts and a sense of great loss that we Iranians, the descendants of Cyrus the Great, honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. We are in solidarity with the Jewish people in their unshakable resolve that never again any aspiring individual or government would even contemplate, much less carry out, the horrors similar to the ones committed by the Nazis.

It is axiomatic that to be a Muslim you must: believe in Allah by taking him as your one and only lord, accept Muhammad as Allah’s beloved messenger and take the Quran as a literal work of Allah and a perfect prescription for living.

Hard as I tried, I had a terrible time being a Muslim right at the entry level. I, therefore, decided to write this open letter in the hope of receiving some satisfactory answers to the many questions that trouble me greatly.

From the first breath of life to the last pang of death, Islam relentlessly bombards us: surrender yourself fully to Allah, pray for his help, let him make all decisions for you and run your life, don’t ever question anything, since questioning is the whisperings of the accursed Satan who strives to take you astray.

From Peshawar Pakistan to Nairobi Kenya, from Damascus Syria to Benghazi Libya, Muslims are on a killing rampage. The civilized world is shocked and distressed. Some mutation seems to take place in the humanness of the person the minute he announces his subservience to Islam by reciting the Shahada: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.” The individual becomes intolerant, violent and the shedding of blood becomes central to his life.

The vast land of America was once inhabited by a relatively small number of indigenous people. These native 'Indians' had lived throughout the land for thousands of years, and they will always remain the true fathers of America. American Indians helped the Pilgrims survive the winter.  Later, more European immigrants came, and American settlement finally outgrew the Indian fathers.

Then, on July 4, 1776, America declared its independence from England, the old white grandfather across the sea.  The miracle of America happened, and its dynamic birth rapidly changed the entire world.

Arabic mandatory at city public school

Beginning next semester, all 200 second- through fifth-graders at PS 368 in Hamilton Heights will be taught the language twice a week for 45 minutes — putting it on equal footing with science and music courses.