Internationally acclaimed writer and scholar, Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and the recently released Beyond Fundamentalism sat down with elan: The Guide to Global Muslim culture to discuss his book, his experiences and, yes, his personal life.  We dug deep in our questions to show you the man that so many have learned to love through his writing. 

During one of the most polarized times in Washington DC, and with not even one Republican vote, President Obama was able to pass this week’s historic healthcare bill.  Yet on the heels of his victory, we of course need a party pooper. Enter the Harris Poll, which sheds some light on why the Republican party may be apprehensive to support the current president.

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 Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad couldn’t let his fellow Libyan leader, Moamar Qadafi, (aka the dude who can’t pitch a tent anywhere) take the entire spotlight reserved for crazy Middle Eastern leaders at the UN General Assembly this week.  Ahhh, yes.  Amid the world leaders congregating every year at the UN to express their country’s point of view, there are always a few bad eggs. 

It was a star-studded event at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York City on Saturday night, where Salman and Samina Ahmad’s Global Wellness Initiative fund (SSGWI) hosted a concert for Pakistan.  Salman, a humanitarian and member of the world famous Pakistani rock band, Junoon, organized this concert to help the 3 million displaced Pakistanis.

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.