I have written before about James Zogby. I have written before about the Muslim and Arab American organizations in DC: how they have become fronts for the polygamous ruling dynasties of the Gulf and/or for Muhammad Dahlan. This is why when I travel around the US, I never meet Arab Americans who feel that those fronts represent them in any way. But James Zogby is a particularly obnoxious case. This is a man desperately looking for a role (not to be confused with Desperately seeking Susan), and would sell the land and the cows to have his picture taken with anybody who works in the White House. Back in 1993, when Arab Americans were outraged about the appointment of a Zionist fanatic (who was not even a US citizen) in a key post in the Clinton administration (Martin Indyk), this Zogby guy came to his defense saying that he found him to be good. Back then, I called Zogby and told him: You have the right to sound stupid, but please don't speak on behalf of Arab-Americans as you are being stupid. I explained to him that I know of no Arabs that he speaks for, aside from the UAE's ruling family of course. He suggested that we meet and I refused. Later, Indyk hired Zogby's son at the US Department of State (his son is a nice person, having met him once as I debated an Israeli professor at Georgetwon University). After Sep. 11, I said repeatedly, that if Arab Americans and Muslim Americans were to be ever placed in concentration camps, Zogby would volunteer to drive the busses--provided he is permitted to have his picture taken with the prison guards. Here, he tells you that Rahm Imanuel has been unfairly criticized by Arabs. (thanks Soheil)
PS And how dumb do you have to be to believe this: "Emanuel volunteered for a few weeks, as a civilian, doing maintenance on Israeli vehicles." But Zogby here reveals why he likes him: "Rahm accepted my invitation to a luncheon with Arab American community leaders." Community leaders? Community leaders my potato.

theatrics of James Zogby

Ahmet in Tunisia sent me this:  "Asad, here is the man at his most vapid best, and notice the WE : "

"Referring to reports that Obama viewed the disputed platform prior to the convention, Zogby was indignant. “When they tell us the president did it, … this guy is way to smart to do something so dumb,” Zogby said. Zogby referred to the contentious floor fight over Israel as a net positive for Muslim Democrats.  “We got so much attention,” he said, dubbing the incident, “this Jerusalem thing.”  “When I hear all the boos, … [it] means we’re not isolated on the margins of American politics anymore,” said Zogby, who also praised the liberal fringe group J Street as his organization’s partner."

This is funny: when James Zogby parrots Wahhabi propaganda

Basil sent me this:  "I came across this article which summarizes the results of Iran's popularity in the Arab world conducted by IBOPE Zogby International on behalf of the Arab American Institute, with the conclusion being that Iran's popularity has plummeted. What do you make of this given James Zogby's association with Arab oil money, not to mention the timing of the poll as well?   Notice the quotes attributed to James Zogby as well, as if they are coming straight out of the Saudi Foreign Ministry:
"Zogby attributes Iran’s ratings slide to its “manifestly sectarian and aggressive” policies, he says."  "“This is clearly an indication of the fact that when Saudi Arabia and the UAE speak about Iran, they’ve got the people with them,” he says.""

Servants of the House of Saud and House of Nahyan:

"At the 16:30 mark you will find a very concerned Zogby inquiring about the herniated disc and health of the barely-literate King of “Saudi” Arabia.  After being reassured of  the King’s good health, a relieved-looking Zogby listens to Turki relay a joke Abdullah allegedly told which he (Zogby) appears to find witty and funny.   Incredibly, Zogby then describes the King as a reformer and man of “change” who is finding it “difficult” to reform in the face of “entrenched forces resistant to change.”  He then goes on to say “the King has undertaken a whole series of reform efforts.”  Listening to Zogby one would think the Servant of Zionism and Imperialism, who sits atop the most oppressive regime in the world has become a democracy and human rights activist.    If you don’t believe us, please watch the video." (thanks Marc)

Let the man be the judge

"“He’s neither pro-Israeli nor pro-Palestinian,” said Martin S. Indyk, a former American ambassador to Israel and an adviser to the Clinton administration. “He’s, in a sense, neutral.”" And who is better to judge neutrality on Arab-Israeli issues, than a founding element of the Israeli lobby in the US (and Australia). By the way, since James Zogby takes his marching orders from Indyk, watch: Zogby will come to the defense of Mitchell now. Hell, Zogby would come to the defense of Netanyahu if asked.

PS Sarah informs me that Zogby has already praised the appointment of Zogby.

James Zogby

James Zogby is no Middle East expert but he is very eager to have his pictures taken with senior Democrats.  You don't have to read his silly and boring columns in Huffington Post but I will summarize the thrust: 1) I will say whatever sons of Zayid want me to say. 2) I will do anything to allow me to have my pictures taken with senior Zionist Democrats.  James Zogby: I told you in a phone call back in 1993 and I tell you again today: I have no problem of you making a fool of yourself, but please: don't do it on behalf of Arab-Americans who regard you as a mere messenger of UAE rulers.

The bogus poll of James Zogby on the Arab world

This is a scandal.  We have known for years that Mr. Zogby is a propagandist for the UAE: and he has been awarded a show on Abu Dhabi TV, which is watched by 2 people (he included).  But what is hilarious is that he released a poll of Arab attitudes toward Syria.  The poll is clearly cooked by the intelligence branch of one of the regimes of oil and gas.  It claims (in answer to question 3a) that of all the Lebanese people, a mere 1% of Lebanese sympathize with the Asad regime.  This is unbelievable simply because the pro-Syrian regime forces in Lebanon (Amal, Hizbullah, `Awn, Ba`th, SSNP, etc) amount to much more than 1% percent.  Just think of the matter in sectarian terms, especially that Lebanese tend to polarize along sectarian lines.  But you can simply compare the poll with the more comprehensive poll by Pew which says that 96% of all Lebanese Shi`ites have a favorable view of the Asad regime (and Shi`ites in Lebanon constitute at least 35% of the population).  I know that during intense propaganda moments, like the period we are witnessing today, numbers are cooked, polls fabricated, images distorted, and realities invented.  But Mr. Zogby: we know that you are loyal to UAE and are trying your best to serve them, but maybe the number should have been a bit higher, and maybe then we would not have noticed the propaganda ploy. 

Arab-American prostrators at the White House

The Barry Obama administration allowed a group of Arab-Americans to enter their premises.  The proud token and obedient Arabs (they are proud for being token and for being obedient) were picked on obedience and on their political cowardice toward Zionism, or for their actual Zionism in the case of the Dahlan-Fayyad TaskForce on Palestine.  They were led by the historically opportunist James Zogby, who posed as leftist in the past before becoming a profitable propagandist for the House of Nahyan in UAE.  I am not sure what the purpose of the meeting was because the three organizations selected (the two mentioned and the right-wing Lebanese taskforce for subservience) don't have a problem with US policies while one of them would like US policies to be more pro-Israel than ever.  What is funny is that the three groups are seen by Arab-Americans as totally irrelevant, and for that they were rewarded by the meeting.  But what would those groups seek?  The Dahlan-Fayyad Taskforce on Palestine is to the right of Democratic Zionists in Washington, DC and its leaders celebrate Israel's "independence" day with representatives of Netanyahu?  The Zogby guy (who I had urged years ago in a telephone call to him to make a fool of himself all he wants but not in the name of Arab-Americans) was the one who told the press in 1993 that Martin Indyk represents the aspirations of the Arab people because he secured a job for Zogby's son.  The Lebanese Taskforce is a right-wing association of wealthy people who receive orders from a dumb son of a dumb Lebanese wealthy guy (`Isam Faris--who was a lackey of the Syrian regime for years when he entered politics while his son in the US was funding George W. Bush campaigns).  But the scene must be hilarious.  I bet the Arab visitors volunteered to shine the shoes of every Zionist in the room.  But hey: Joe Biden stopped by and greeted them, and euphoria was reported in the room.  Just one question to you all: do you think that there is one young Arab-American in the US who look at those folks as his/her representatives?   Those people speak for Arab-Americans as much as Todd Akin speaks for American women. 

James Zogby and Saudi propaganda

James Zogby has been peddling (and trading in) UAE propaganda for years now.  I was reading his latest survey and the questions were all phrased in a way that serves Saudi propaganda in the region.  Notice that he did not dwell on the the fact that 95% of Egyptians viewed the US unfavorably: he was busy reporting the good news about perceptions of Iran to his Saudi/UAE masters.  Also, I noticed that he reported the obvious: Arabs indeed (and rightly so) view Iran's role in Iraq very unfavorably.  As it should be.  Yet, Zogby did not seem to ask Arabs about Iran's role toward the Palestinian question: was he afraid that the responses would embarrass his UAE oil shayks?  

I can't think of anybody that I disrespect more than James Zogby (and I like his brother, John, the pollster by the way). I once called Zogby in Washington, DC and told him: "Look. I absolutely understand that you want to make a fool of yourself. Just don't do it on behalf of any Arab American except yourself." Zogby sent a tribute for Hariri to Hariri rag, Al-Mustaqbal. In it, he said something very original: something that people never say in funerals or in tributes. He said that: "Hariri did not die." Really?

James Zogby cheers Saudi regime in...Saudi regime media

Saudi regime media are very active in calling on its tools, functionaries, and propagandists to cheer the Saudi regime.  Zogby does not disappoint.  Yesterday, he spoke against Qatar and defense of Saudi regime in...Saudi regime media. You can't accuse the man of lack of political courage.

James Zogby speaks

If you are bored and the phone book is not close buy to read, and you are compelled to read what James Zogby writes, I will spare you the agonizing effort.  I have made a concise summary of his articles.  Here they are:  "I have no opinions.  None whatsoever.  My business is with the entourage of the UAE ruling families.  Whatever they wish, I say.  I am a mere puppet for UAE government.  Read my articles with the same respect and dignity that you read press releases of UAE embassy in Washington, DC."

At the feet of UAE rulers (under their feet would be more appropriate for this man)

"James Zogby couldn’t have picked a more appropriate setting to launch his new book than a party and reception at the Washington embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The event was hosted by “H.E.” Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, and, true to form, the following day Zogby slavishly  thanked the Nahyan family representative: “I was so gratified by last night’s reception. Ambassador al Otaiba’s hospitality, his kind words of introduction and the great work of his staff provided Arab Voices with such a wonderful launch.”"

Richard Holbrooke

This is hilarious. MEMRI (the propaganda outfit founded by a "former" Israeli intelligence creep) issued a special bulletin that it is mourning the passing of Holbrooke.

PS Let me guess. James Zogby will issue a mourning statement praising Holbrooke.  Zogby has never met a Zionist whose "anguish" he did not identity with--but he prefers the "anguish" of UAE ruling dynasties.

When James Zogby tries to analyze the Arab world

I always tell the story when in 1992, Zogby took to the Washington Post to support the appointment of Martin Indyk for a senior Middle East policy position in the Clinton administration.  "I called him up and said to him: I don't mind that you make a fool of yourself in the US, just don't do it on behalf of Arab-Americans."  He now wants to analyze the Arab world for you:  "Myth three: The Angry Arab. There certainly are some angry Arabs, but most people say they are mostly concerned about their families and jobs. They like watching movies and TV shows. You know, they're people."  Like people with concerns about families and jobs can't be angry--POLITICALLY.

James Zogby

I would rather read the phone book than the analysis of James Zogby of any matter under the sun.

James Zogby is about to cry

You read first and notice that he is singling out Al Gore for praise: "I personally will never forget how after the September 1993 Rabin-Arafat signing ceremony on the White House lawn, president Bill Clinton and vice-president Al Gore brought together the leaders of both communities urging them to support peacemaking." And then you realize why: "To lead the effort, Gore asked former Congressman Mel Levine and myself to serve as co- chairs." Back in 1993, I called Zogby and said to him: you are free to make a fool of yourself, but please do so in your own name and not in the name of anybody else. This was when he praised the appointment of Martin Indyk (Indyk rewarded him back by hiring his son). Is that not cute?

He wants his picture taken with Obama

"James Zogby, director of the Arab American Institute, a Washington lobby, said Arab-Americans also were optimistic that Obama was uniquely positioned to achieve a breakthrough. "He gets it. He really gets it," Zogby said of Obama's understanding of the core issues. "He believes in reconciling diverse communities."" And he wants a job for a family member.

"Thirty-five rights advocates from Adalah-NY and Brooklyn for Peace rallied Monday evening outside the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York's Times Square to protest a fundraiser held there by the Brooklyn-based Israeli settlement group the Hebron Fund, the right groups said in a statement." But James Zogby disagreed. He said that Arabs were wrong in juging the Hebrong Fund. In return for his position, Zogby was permitted to have his picture taken with directors of the Hebron Fund. (thanks Mohammed)

This just in. James Zogby said that Arab Americans were too hasty in misjudging Bush. He said that Bush really would like to liberate Palestine, if he obtained the support of Arab Americans. In return for his position, Zogby was permitted to have his picture taken with Bush.