AlJazeeraEnglish — June 04, 2010 — Was it affirmative action, political correctness, a plot to conceal a radical agenda or just a simple beauty pageant? The new Miss USA, Lebanese-born Rima Fakih, has sparked headlines around the globe for becoming the first Arab-American Muslim to win a major beauty contest. Those who see something more sinister at work than beauty and poise claim her appearance is just a pleasant mask lulling America into a false sense of comfort regarding the so-called 'Muslim threat'. Others say the contest was rigged to favour a Muslim candidate to promote Washington's liberal agenda.
On Wednesday's "Riz Khan" we speak with Miss USA, Rima Fakih, about the controversy surrounding her selection and what she hopes to achieve as she prepares to represent America in the Miss Universe pageant. Also joining the programme is Maya Berry of the Arab American Institute.
