Word: awad
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...between the areas served by the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). That means there is no monitoring of how interrogations are being conducted, or how suspected LTTE fighters are being treated. "We still don't have access to the screening process," says Amin Awad, head of UNHCR operations in Sri Lanka. "It is very important; it is part of our mandate, we are not only an assistance agency but a protection agency. I sincerely hope we get the screening access, otherwise we would be forced to roll back our engagement." It is unlikely, though...
...pairing of Noa and Awad is a watershed event for both Israel's sagging peace movement and its Arab minority, which represents 20% of the population. In the wake of the war in Gaza and Israel's recent election of a right-wing government, the duet is a melodious reminder that Israelis from all sides "have no other option but to continue our dialogue towards peace," says Awad, a rising stage and television star born to an Arab-Israeli father and a Bulgarian mother...
...Beyond its symbolism for the nation, Eurovision 2009 is also a milestone for Noa and Awad, who will perform in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Born south of Tel Aviv - but raised in New York City until her late teens - Noa (whose real name is Achinoam Nini) has spent her career using music to bridge the boundaries between Arabs and Jews. "I've always worked with Arab singers - from places like Lebanon and Algeria - but this is the first time we will sing together in a common language," says the folksy singer-songwriter, who has performed with the likes of Sheryl...
...Indeed, with up to 600 million viewers worldwide, Eurovision is a very large platform. Which is why Noa, after first being chosen to represent Israel solo, insisted that Awad accompany her to Moscow. The move provoked almost immediate attack from both Israeli Jewish and Arab groups. Awad, who is originally from Israel's northern Galilee region, was criticized by Arab-Israeli cultural figures for agreeing to sing on Israel's behalf at the height of its offensive in Gaza. The usually dovish Noa, meanwhile, came under fire for calling upon Gazans to rid their coastal territory of Hamas control...
...With both brouhahas now simmered down, Noa and Awad can focus on perfecting their harmonies. As for whether they will actually win in Moscow - as Israel has done three times since 1974 - Awad is both optimistic and realistic. "I'm not dwelling on winning, because we are already making a mark through the message of our music," she says. And if that message can take them all the way to the finals, so much the better. "At least that way we won't embarrass ourselves," Awad adds...