Beiruting News

Not many people can say they are friends with Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Donna Karan. Nor can they say they have helped over 400,000 women in war-torn countries from Afghanistan and Iraq to Rwanda and Congo, and been profiled by Caroline Kennedy in Time Magazine, and honored at the White House for the commitment to help  women. If that wasn't enough, this trailblazing person is now launching a second career as a talk show host on a new program which launched in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East on Saturday (Oct. 24). That person is Iraqi born Zainab Salbi who, Time magazine said, "gives women a voice."

Zainab had Oprah, one of the most famous women in the world as her first guest. Oprah gave "Nida'a" a rare interview in the Middle East about life, faith and coming to terms with abuse as a child. Also appearing on the first show was the Saudi comedy sensation who has never revealed her true identity.

When asked about Oprah's support, Zainab told Saudi Gazette: "I am grateful. I am grateful. She has been a blessing in my life from the days she featured me when I was running Women for Women International to the gift of giving me the first interview at The Nida'a Show. She is a great teacher and a friend and I am blessed with this gift of her support."