Michelle Obama

Michelle writes college letter for Iranian-American actress

Los Angeles - Arab Today

“Black-ish” star Yara Shahidi had lots of fans and supporters as she applied for college. She also had a letter of recommendation — and some encouragement — from Michelle Obama. The actress and model of Iranian-American and African-American descent told W magazine that the former First Lady gave her a “go get ‘em, tiger” backrub before Shahidi took her AdvancedRead more

Michelle Obama writes college letter for ‘black-ish’ star

Los Angeles - Arab Today

Black-ish star Yara Shahidi says her college applications got a boost with a recommendation letter from former US first lady Michelle Obama. Shahidi tells W magazine that Obama also gave her a “go get ‘em, tiger” backrub before Shahidi took her Advanced Placement exams. She says Obama is “very amazing and such a supporter, which is something very surreal to say.” Obama andRead more

Barack, Michelle Obama sign bumper book deal

New York - ArabToday

Barack and Michelle Obama have signed a deal to publish their memoirs with New York-based Penguin Random House, in a coveted contract reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars. America's first African American president is already the author of two memoirs and a children's book. He has frequently declared himself to have a "writer's sensibility" and has said he doesRead more

Sweden defends trade minister for wearing headscarf

Stockholm - Lyna El Assy

Sweden defended its female state officials for wearing hijab, during their trip to Iran, in the wake of an angry reaction from women's movements. Ann Lindh, Swedish Minister of Trade, led a staff of officials in Tehran last week, angering a group of activists and politicians, in the field of women's rights for wear headscarf during the visit. But MsRead more

Queen Rania of Jordan pays tribute to Michelle

Amman - Arab Today

Queen Rania of Jordan, one of the most powerful and successful women in the Middle East, has written a touching sendoff to First Lady Michelle Obama on her last day in the White House. The Queen, 46, and Mrs. Obama, 53, have shared warm relations, with both advocating for the education of girls around the world. The Jordanian royal hasRead more

Obama warns Trump, tells supporters 'we'll be okay'

Washington - Arab Today

Barack Obama vowed to speak up if Donald Trump threatens core US values and reassured Americans "we'll be okay" Wednesday, in a political swansong after eight years as president. During his final press conference and public appearance before Trump's inauguration on Friday, the 55-year-old said he was stepping back but would return to the political breach in extremis. "I wantRead more

Michelle Obama: Diversity makes us who we are

Washington - ArabToday

Her voice breaking and eyes filling with tears, an unusually emotional Michelle Obama said Friday that being first lady “has been the greatest honour of my life” as she bid an early farewell to the White House. An East Room ceremony honouring the 2017 school counsellor of the year, and the work of all school counsellors, marked her final eventRead more

Michelle Obama gave a sombre exit interview to Oprah Winfrey

us - Arab Today

Washington As Michelle Obama prepares to exit the White House, she seems to be in a sombre mood. In a wide-ranging interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said the weight her husband’s presidency placed on their family has lifted “knowing that we’ve made it this far, and we’ve survived and in many ways thrived.” But she sounded concerned about the future,Read more

How Ivanka Trump and the Obamas could be neighbours

Washington - ArabToday

One of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Washington was already abuzz with word that Barack and Michelle Obama will reside there when he leaves office. Now, it’s reportedly making room for Ivanka Trump. The elder Trump daughter and her husband Jared Kushner — both seemingly headed to play important roles in the administration when Donald Trump becomes president on JanuaryRead more

Buffalo, NY school board seeks to oust member for racist jabs at Obama

New York - ArabToday

A western New York builder and former Republican nominee for governor was censured on Thursday by fellow members of the Buffalo Board of Education and asked to resign his seat for making racial slurs about President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The school board called a special meeting and approved a resolution demanding the resignation of Carl Paladino,Read more