"We Ask the World Not to Help Us" - Acclaimed Lebanese Composer, Singer Marcel Khalife on U.S. interference in Lebanon, War,

Khalife is a cultural icon of the Arab world, he is sometimes called the Bob Dylan of Lebanon. He has consistently opposed war, performed in bombed-out buildings during the Lebanese civil war, and passionately defended the rights of Palestinians. In 2005 he was named UNESCO's Artist for Peace.

During Israel's bombing of Lebanon in 2006 Khalife wrote to fellow UNESCO Artists for Peace. He said, "Nothing justifies our art other than to speak for those who cannot speak. This is the cause for which we dedicated our efforts, and the cause that endorsed our voices. We only wished to take it as far as we can, and vowed to release our work as songs of love for, and unity with, the victims of persecution everywhere."

Marcel Khalife is also no stranger to controversy and persecution. He is banned in Tunisia, was tried for blasphemy by a Lebanese court, and was denounced by Bahraini parliamentarians for "encouraging debauchery."

Most recently, a venue in San Diego canceled his scheduled concert claiming it would be "divisive" and "unbalanced" to host Khalife without an Israeli artist alongside him.

Khalife and his Al-Mayadine ensemble have just completed a 25-city tour of the United States and Canada. Marcel Khalife joins me now in the firehouse studio in New York.

• Marcel Khalife, world-renowned Lebanese composer, singer, and oud player.