2011 Nobel Peace Prize

Congratulations to the dedicated and tenacious women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011. Two are women who have fought tirelessly for peace and stability in their post-conflict home nation of Liberia, and one who is currently combatting violence in her home country of Yemen. 

Looking Back On Ramadan

The All-American cross country road trip brings several things to mind: good friends, rock and roll, bad food, musty motels, gorgeous views, and the occasional breakdown. What probably doesn't normally come to mind is the Islamic month of Ramadan. However, two intrepid Muslim kids recently took Ramadan on the road, determined to explore

I recently discovered this two adventurous praying bloggers who undertook for the third year in a row an incredible journey and are traveling to 30 mosques in 30 days. Aman Ali and Bassam Tariq are two young voyagers who came up with the concept of showing the world Ramadan through American eyes. The guys crossed the United States while fasting, blogging, taking pictures, and listening to the stories of inspiring American citizens and immigrants alike.

This Ramadan, they are praying across the United States, beginning in Alaska and spending the last day before Eid-al-Fitr in none other than New York City. Flanked by reporters from CNN and the quirkiest Muslims the US has to offer, the Personally, we love the photo essays the boys put together.

Hope everyone had a great Eid this year!

Remembering September 11th, 2001

Today we remember the 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. 

Clean Water is Sexy

Gentlemen- you have to check out this brand new clothing line. Launched last week (!), One Hundred is a new kind of clothing store, one that is attempting to combine their love of fashion with their love of equality. The clothes produced by One Hundred are not only artistically hipster, they meld block colors with eye-catching designs that coyly hint at their social justice inspiration- water. Love it already? So do we.

Now girls, don't worry, they will be launching a line for more feminine taste (including accessories- yay!) but the men's line was the first to be introduced. The kids at One Hundred use only sweatshop-free shirts, water based inks,

So why the name? One Hundred is adopting an unusual business model, where 100% of their profits will be going to their philanthropic branch called charity: water, which funds access and sanitation projects.  they will be posting their quarterly financial statements on their website.

Happy Birthday, Nelson!

The Peace Report would like to wish a very merry happy 93rd birthday to Mr. Nelson Mandela, former South African President, Nobel Peace Laureate, equality advocate, and avid rugby lover. Originally named "Rohilahla" (aka Troublemaker), Mandela is most widely known for his perseverance through 27 years of imprisonment while opposing racial segregation in his native South Africa. For many, Mandela is a breathing example of success in the constant struggle against injustice and structural violence. The United Nations joined in the celebration today with the second annual International Nelson Mandela Day to both honor his birthday, as well as to inspire groups around the world to organize public service and volunteering events. Happy birthday, love. We hope we get to celebrate many more.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Japanese Gain Hard-Earned Victory in World Cup Final

Japanese Captain Sawa celebrating after equalizing against the US

Congratulations to the Japanese National Team for their stunning victory today over traditional soccer powerhouse United States. During the 2011 Women's World Cup held this month in Germany, underdog Japan continuously defied odds, overcoming physical and technical disadvantages to win it all while competing against the best in the world. Just four months after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that killed 25,000 of their friends, family, and compatriots, and still coping with the effects of nuclear crisis, the Japanese women's soccer team emerged victorious with age-defying Homare Sawa at the helm.


International sporting tournaments have been utilized since ancient times to bring communities together for competition and celebration. Intentionally or not, cups, meets, and games have become an important catalyst for improved international and interethnic relations. In playing sports together, different groups that might normally have little to no access to each other are flung onto a pitch and cheered on to battle it out in a healthy and exciting atmosphere. Especially since the invention of radio and television, global sportscasting has literally brought whole cultures into living rooms and bars across the world.


Think about it. What did you learn from your soccer team when you were little? You learned how to share. You learned how to play by the rules. You learned how to be fair, and you saw your own team penalized when you weren't. You learned that by helping another person on your team succeed, your whole team was victorious. You grew with the other kids, you fought with them, you gained skills with them, you celebrated with them, and sometimes you cried with them. But at the end of the season, you know you forged a bond that isn't easily replicated. You forged a bond of trust that was only achieved through pushing yourselves collectively further than you knew you could. 


These lessons play out several times a year on a global stage in different sporting events and tournaments. As communications becomes faster and more accessible, more fans will be able to share in the drama, delight, and agony that international sports have to offer. For its part, the World Cup has achieved great feats in breaking down barriers between races, and now sexes. Simple traditions, such as exchanging small gifts before the match or jerseys after the match, and holding local children's hands while the team is being introduced, FIFA its World Cup tournament have brought the world closer to institutionalizing acceptance and appreciation of talent, no matter the player. 

A quiet and unassuming team, the Japanese shocked the world with surprising resilience and passion. Through confidence and unique style of play, the Japanese kept the ball and withstood tremendous pressure from #1 ranked United States, while the world was critiquing each move. In this tournament, Japan came back from behind numerous times, each game tenaciously equalizing the scoreboard. With class and talent, Japan showed a higher level of play that did not capitalize on physical force, but instead on skill and strategy. Although their future at home remains unclear, Japan returns after this achievement with their heads held high, knowing that they have brought their country a semblance of a smile. That, in their words, is "the greatest victory".




Thanks to activist Jeff C. for his technical editing and continuous inspiration.

Need Motivation?

I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace. - Muhammed Ali