U.S. State Dept Now Tweeting in Arabic
- Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:02pm by
Meredith Jessup
- Print »
- Email »
From the U.S. Department of State‘s Arabic Media Hub comes news that America’s top diplomatic agency will be sharing America’s foreign policy goals with the Arab world in their native language. The move comes as DOS hopes to widen its audience amid growing unrest in the Middle East and growing favor for social media outlets such as Twitter.
Tweeting under the account “USAbilAraby,“ which means ”USA in Arabic,” the State Department’s first entry announced that Washington recognizes the “historic role” of social media in the Arab world. “We want to be in your conversation,” it said.
Subsequent posts have reiterated the Obama administration’s stance that only Egyptians can decide their future and announced a phone conversation between Vice President Joe Biden and his Egyptian counterpart, Omar Suleiman.
At press time, the account had attracted just over 300 followers.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 589 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 379 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 375 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 379 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know 100 Comments- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (97)
beverlee
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:54pmAs a German American (and a whole lot of others…a true mutt) I now request that the DOS tweet in German, rewrite the history books as to not offend me on the history of WWI & II, don’t ask if my people (ya know, cause I’m German) are displaced foreign travelers, oh, yeah, we want a holiday where we can wear German flag t-shirts to school, get offended if YOUR kids dare wear American flag t-shirts on that day and have them sent home. And of course, don’t forget forcing your kids to learn German language and culture cause we are the up and comers in the world.
Sorry for the ramble but some things just stick in my craw!
Sinista Mace
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:35pmI’m living in topsy turvy land.
If only I could walk on the ceiling….
Impeach Obama, indict Napolitano. Arrest Bush AND Cheney, and vote for Ron Paul.
Report Post »bcarron4
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:25pmI guess this explains why the DOE thought they should give schools in Texas a grant to teach Arabic in school and they thought it was the language of the future.
nskipper
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:23pmI can tell you that TEXANS will not stand for Arabic here, and because of that the schools that put the information out are now changing their minds!!! As AMERICANS, how can they think we would put up with conducting business in Arabic? This whole administration should be investigated for treason against the people!
Malcom0983
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:23pmIs America the only super power in world history to not have an official language?
1: Why does the American government need to reach out to foreign “tweeters”?
2: If this is for arab Americans, has assimilation just gone out the window?
3: They better be tweeting in other languages.
Enough is enough already. When will it end?
Sledgehammer
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:14pmI still blame the State Department for the beirut bombing!
capitalismrocks
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:06pmIt would really help if the Western World stopped giving the Islamic World a podium and a public voice…
Ever since they came out of their caves, discovered cellphones and the internet – the Islamic world has done everything to put itself front in center in the media and the world…
Stop pandering to them, stop giving them so much coverage, boycott any service that carries Al Jazeera, boycott, Discovery Go for putting on that Islamic cartoon… If you’re a realtor, stop selling properties for new Mosques or Islamic Schools and the like, just stop it all together…
These looney toons love the attention, they love all of the focus, and feed out it…. stop feeding the monster!
In a Bunker
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:10pmExactly, a forum gives power.
Report Post »Oldphoto678
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:37pmStart with the TP.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:04pmGreat Idea, bring the concept of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to the social media pages. Again not everything is a consipracy, despite what becks says.
DashRipRock
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:12pmEncino
pull my finger
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:38pmMethinks that looks like Obama’s bony finger, and it is pointed at America. Yup!
Report Post »Katayno
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:12amUh oh….I was starting to agree with the whole radio free Europe concept until Encinom said it was a good idea….I digress….It is a horrible idea.
Report Post »iriewoolf
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:56pmIts not all bad News….Apache Helicopters Rain Hell on Taliban Camp
http://blog.politca.com/2011/02/09/apache-helicopters-rain-hell-on-taliban-camp.aspx
kryptonite
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 7:22pmWhat’s the use?? The Traitor said that come magic stabilization of Afghanistan, if the Taliban wanted to run for office they should.
Report Post »vic138
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:52pmI wonder how much is being spent on this program? If its more than 200k/yr we’re getting ripped off, again…
JD Carp
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:50pmHave we become the French? Raise the white flags and surrender as quick as you can. Get this administration out of there NOW!
8jrts
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:13pmCertainly seems so….not just white flags by this administration, but jobs you can’t be fired from.. and benefits by law….mosques everywhere you look and rude (fighting) people everywhere. Sounds like France to me.
I agree get these people out of here and become America the Great once again!!
anno Domini
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:50pmAs the Church Layd would say (Well isn’t that special)
eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:49pmHad enough America? Dethrone the Clown 2012!
alpha41
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:46pmThis just seems like an extension of the efforts of Voice of America into social media. Not really a big deal unless the tweets turn apologetic of US policy. We, the US, have always used many mediums to communicate with non-US cultures and this is just a natural extension of those efforts. Being a former military intel analyst who trained at DLI in Modern Standard Arabic, I will certainly keep an eye on this to see where it goes.
rappini
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:45pmThe State dept thinks they will eliminate another attack if we cozy up to the *******.
Zcat
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:44pmYou can’t tell me Obama is not a muslim! Thats why he has the funny color lips! Also look at Eric Holders light skin he too is a closet muslim! I also read today where the DOE states Arabic is the language of the future! Its in the article of kids taking muslim classes! What is wrong with the American people. How much more evidence is needed. When are the American people going to say enough! Look at NASA out reach to muslims, it goes on and on… day after day!
Report Post »Katayno
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:09amAre you a plant.
Report Post »randy
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:42pmWell, Looks like it won’t be long before big business starts printing Arabic next to Spanish on the front of our consumer products. Or Press 1 for Arabic, 2 for Spanish, 3 for Chinese and 4 if you’re English and still waiting. OBAMA Administration = Treason!
Grandpa
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:41pmThis is updated version of Radio Free Europe. I think we should give it a chance. Somehow we need to get back to politics ending at the border. Somehow we need to share the hope of liberty.
Katayno
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:08amI think I may agree with you.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:40pmWe are seeing the culmination of the muslim brotherhood in America since Eisenhower let them in…
Report Post »parmajohn
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:38pmThey can count are money Least they can do is learn OUR language I’m to busy lernin chineese to lern Arabica
Star Spangled
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:33pmWow ! What are they thinking ?
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:05pmwell, it could be to talk directly to those who speak Arabic in oppressed countries who don’t know what America thinks and/or thinks America is supporting oppressive regimes like the one in Egypt. Kinda like Radio-Free Europe. Done to circumvent state-run media lies.
Or, of course, to the conspiritorial inclined, it means Obama is a muslim and wants to destroy the US and join a global NWO Marxist Islamic Caliphate..
Smart-money is on the former.
Report Post »Lion420
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:31pmAnd yet…folks who think Obama is a secret Muslim, are stupid? Or is it crazy…….?
Report Post »BMartin1776
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:48pmI dont think he is. My money is he is a follower/ believer in liberation theology http://www.savingtherepublic.com/What_is_Obamas_Religion.html
Oldphoto678
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:33pmYes they are stupid!
Report Post »buckeye0720
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:31pmIf we don‘t get these muslim loving communists out of power we won’t have a nation left to defend. It is absolutely unbelievable how this administration and other liberals in this country are bending over backwards to coddle and even promote people who have sworn to wipe us off the face of the earth.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:56pmI think it’s because they are more afraid than we think, they know the Islamists will take over, if we let them, and maybe they think if they “ play nice” that the will be spared? It may not be as far fetched as one would think!
kentuckypatriot
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:57pmAnd I’m NOT defending them, far from it. I personally hope they get what’s coming to them, it was just an observation.
Report Post »cemorela
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:37pmWho do you think is floating all the money around? The old saying, “Follow the money trail” certainly applies here. The Saudis have their hand in many pockets.
Report Post »Edgar Bennet
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:27pmTwitter of Babel
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:03pmNice!
kickagrandma
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:28pm@ EDGAR.. Nice, indeed! And GOD will destroy this one, too.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:28pmBrilliant!
Report Post »mgibs363
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:26pmCOME ON!!!!! This is getting just plain ridiculous!!!!
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:32pmI’m sure they just want the kids in Texas to understand them !-)
(yesterdays story on fed funded mandatory arabic classes)
Report Post »incredulous
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:32pmwhy?
Report Post »taskmaster78
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:33pmThese people drop to their knees and have no ability to understand we’re Americans and English is the universal language.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:35pmHere we go again. Let the conspiracy theories soar like they always do.
Devil Dog 7175
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:39pmThats so Obozo can understand it… Comon 2012!
Report Post »Think4yourself
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:41pmIt’s only going to get worse!! Perhaps they are teaching Arabic in Texas because they want to make that the new Universal language….
http://www.unsalvageable.org
Report Post »BMartin1776
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:46pm‘But if course’ (imagine a frenchy frog saying it in english) you are already in bed with them might as well speak in the native tongue!
Oh that whole Muslim brotherhood and caliphate thing thats nothing… nothing to see keep moving along meanwhile “we will do what we can to communicate with those :wink: rioti… er uhhm protesting”.
Didnt give a rats squirt when it was going on in Iran but hey this time we care and “..want to be in your conversation,”
What movie is this, someone pls let me know so I can ffwd to see how it ends!? http://www.savingtherepublic.com
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 4:47pmIs this from the Onion?.Really is it?
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:01pmOf all the languages spoken on this planet
why are we adapting one that requires you to
spit in the face of the person you are talking to.
HillBillySam1
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:02pmThe State Dept. already tweets to our Israeli allies in Hebrew, don’t they???…..No??…..No Hebrew tweets??……hmmmmm……has anybody notified Miss Hillary yet??……in Arabic, perhaps…..????
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:04pmانها ليست ضرورية لسقسقة باللغة العربية. هناك الكثير من المترجمين المتاحة. هو وزارة الخارجية سوف تبدأ تويتينغ كذلك في الاسبانية والصينية و؟ أم أننا لصالح فئة سكانية معينة الآن؟
مخجل.
Interesting. The Arabic characters must use all (or most) caps, because TheBlaze spanked me for using them.
Showtime
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:08pm@NoMoreGray –
Report Post »I got to thinking about that, too. Then I wondered why the Arabs don’t have to learn English instead.
MareeClaire
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:12pmKing began to speak of the need for fundamental changes in the political and economic life of the nation. Towards the time of his murder, King more frequently expressed his opposition to the war and his desire to see a redistribution of resources to correct racial and economic injustice.[96] Though his public language was guarded, so as to avoid being linked to communism by his political enemies, in private he sometimes spoke of his support for democratic socialism. In one speech, he stated that “something is wrong with capitalism” and claimed, “There must be a better distribution of wealth, and maybe America must move toward a democratic socialism.”[97]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_luther_king
So MLK said that there was something wrong with capitalism.
Report Post »Multiple Arms
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 5:35pmDon’t worry. There is no way the Arabs can take over the U.S.
The Chinese would never let them!
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:01pmWell, they print voting ballots in Chinese, how long before US ballots in Arabic?
Your tax dollars at work.
rodamaa
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:26pmWe start on 2012 by removing the socialist in the white house and his communist administration
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 6:32pmThe Master of the Universe is reading… Please, Mr. Present, I beg you, keep getting in Jesus’ face!
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 7:35pmUm….. if an entire religion wants to see all Infidels wiped off the face of the earth, Tweeting them happy little slogans and propaganda isn’t going to change thier minds.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 7:36pmSure, why not, they can’t talk to us in Plain English, hate the British, love the French but don’t speak the language, so they tweet in Arabic. They sign their checks in Chinese.
Report Post »Jovan2
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 7:58pmThis makes me absolutely want to (pardon me) THROW UP!!!!!!!
Whoever came up with this one…………………get rid of their @@@@sssses.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are Americans!!!!!!, it’s time we act like it…..Let me rephrase that some of us are still Americans!!!
Report Post »davecoolworld
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:04pmFeels like an old Benny Hill skit. (When will the nightmare end)
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:20pmdavecoolworld
Report Post »When a bunch of halfnaked women and an Old Man start chasing you and saxaphone music starts playing.
davecoolworld
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:01pmDARMOK AND JALAD AT TANAGRA…..Can’t come soon enough (sigh).
Report Post »davecoolworld
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:04pmLt. Colonel Allen West would not have this happen on his watch.
West/Rubio 2012
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:01amOf course, in a language Obama can read and understand. I will bet Obama is fluent in Arabic, Pakastani, and whatever they speak in Indonesia. Christian my @$$. A wolf in lambs clothing.
Report Post »TruthLover
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 2:44amWhy? This is pretty smart actually. Now Obama can communicate directly with his brotherhood without worrying that Billy Bob will find out what he’s planning. Genius.
(In all seriousness, it is a good idea, I just wish we could trust that the messages were actually helpful!)
Report Post »chazman
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 2:06pmJust another reason the American people distrust’s the government. Come 2012 you commies are outta here!!
Report Post »