Believe it or not, I am back in Doha, this time to speak at the US-Islamic World Forum about new media and the hopes and challenges of the ‘next generation’. If you are really interested in what’s happening at this conference you’d better check out what a serious political scientist like Abu Aardvark has to say (day 1, day 2, hip hop and public diplomacy).

I can tell you: this forum ain’t funny. I mean even your smile can leave your face had you attended the last plenary session on day 2, which focused on the situation in Iraq. And from what we’ve been seeing and hearing throughout this conference, US-Islamic relations are pretty bad these days (especially when it comes to the US administration).

But thank goodness for the dinner surprise in the shape of Azhar Usman. My tears were flowing down my face. I wish I had my camera with me to share with you his hilarious set. I must admit I never had the chance to see an American stand up comedian live, let alone an American Muslim one. He’s good. And yes he told the joke in the video above, along with making fun of Arabs, Indians, American, the Media.. Just amazing.

I found some of his stuff on YouTube and Google Video too.. Enjoy.

Read these related posts on 360east:

• A teddy bear called “Mohammad”: does Islam need an even scarier image?
• Is there Islamophobia on Digg?
• Jordan’s islamists have a real problem with women’s rights
• Wondering how the Prophet might have responded to the cartoons..
• The School of Adam’s First Son: Jawdat Said and non-violent Islam