Posted on Monday 26 December 2005

Arab Voices Speak to American Hearts is an attempt by Samar Dahmash-Jarrah to create a bridge of communication between the Arab world and the Western world. It consists of a series of different Arabs answering in their own little chapter/interview, questions posed by Americans which concern religion, politics, society and common misconceptions.

It is a fascinating array of Arabs who range from a business executive in Cairo to a hair stylist in Amman, a student, an engineer, a preacher, professor, and an attorney. While it is a mix of Christians and Muslims answering different questions posed to them, all in a casual narrative form so you never actually read the question posed, the views are quite different. Most of these differences revolve around Islam and religion in general. Some see it as a social entity, others see it as an individual belief or practice. Some of those interviewed are practicing Muslims, others are not. So it does take a bite out of the current situation in the Arab world. (read more)