The inaugural benefit for the American Pakistan Foundation in New York City was a star-studded event, held at the reputed Ciprianis restaurant last Friday, December 11th.  The American Pakistan Foundation claims that it “is committed to establishing a trusted and secure channel for philanthropic efforts, with the highest standards for governance and transparency.”

Every year, the Saudi Government must prepare for the influx of pilgrims ready to perform the religious pilgrimage, the Hajj.  With roughly 2.5 million pilgrims entering the holy city of Mecca each year, the Saudis have a lot to worry about.  But luckily, because of modern technology and careful planning committees now in place, performing Hajj isn’t as chaotic as it has been in past years. 

Ok, so lately it seems like Obama’s everyone’s homeboy.  He seems very approachable, lovable, basically an average dude you’d be cool to chill with and talk about Kanye being a jackass.  But naturally, he is the President, and with great power comes great responsibility. Lately it seems that his physical moves (fly swat anyone?) come under fire just as much is his political ones.  So is the fact that he bows to foreign Kings and Emperors really so big a deal that it becomes a hotly debated topic in the US media?  Yes, apparently it is folks ... we’re following a theme here. 

The hearts and minds of fashionistas around the world are aimed squarely on New York City this week for the city’s annual Fashion Week extravaganza. One of the hottest trends emerging - at least, according to the coveted Vogue September issue - are the very Middle Eastern-looking harem pants. 

With Ramadan quickly coming to a close and Eid just around the corner, we at elan thought you might be in need of a little extra push to get you through the last few days. Here is our list of the Top 10 Most Valuable Things that are a must to close out the holiday. Enjoy!

Everybody has heard the rumors of - let’s say, “questionable” - tactics used to interrogate terrorism suspects in Guantanamo Bay and the like. But did you know that one method used was coercion via pop songs? Yes indeed, and of course everyone’s favorite entertainment rag - the Wall Street Journal - has the scoop. 

The long-time Muslim aide to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin just did the unthinkable...she scored a Jewish guy.  Congressman of New York’s ninth district, Anthony Weiner, proposed to Huma this past May, according to sources.

As if we haven’t suffered enough from Paris Hilton overload in the United States ... she’s going international.  Brace yourselves.

Are Iraqis now making love, not war? In yet another twisted policy actually implemented, the Iraqi government has allotted a budget to monetarily compensate Iraqi citizens to marry outside of their respective sects.  That’s right, now Sunni and Shia men and women are now encouraged to get it on, with each other ... thank you, America.

With Ramadan just around the corner in August, Hajj is closer than we think.  As usual, the Saudi government has been preparing and taking precautions organizing for millions of pilgrims who descend upon the country’s holy city of Mecca to perform Hajj.  This year, the administration has started the arrangements early especially because of the recent Swine Flu outbreak.