CAIR |
| Blog | Posted By: hindtodaynews on:6/27/2012 7:39:45 AM |
CAIR Urges Denial of U.S. Visa for Assad Regime Figure
Religious leader provides religious 'veneer' for dictator's brutality
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/25/12) -- The Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today sent a letter to Secretary of
State Hillary Rodham Clinton asking that Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddine
Hassoun, a key supporter of the brutal Syrian regime and a source of
threats against America's national security, be denied a visa to enter
the United States for a speaking event later this week in Washington,
D.C.
Hassoun, a loyalist and appointee of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, is scheduled to speak at a June 28 forum on "Coexistence and Dialogue in Syria" sponsored by the Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP).
Hassoun has threatened the United States and Europe with
suicide attacks. In an October 2011 speech, he said, "I say to all of
Europe, I say to America, we will set up suicide bombers who are now in
your countries, if you bomb Syria or Lebanon."
AP: Top Syria Cleric Threatens Attacks on U.S.
Last year, Hassoun praised Assad, saying the Syrian president
is a leader "who wants to guide Syria to victory, put the Syrian people
on the path to victory, and give the homeland's sons the opportunity to
be proud of their values, religion and Arabism." The mufti told a German
publication, "It is well known that I generally support [Assad's]
policies."
SEE: Syria Blames 'Terrorist Group' for Killing Mufti's Son (LA Times)
Spiegel: Interview with Syrian Grand Mufti
According to an FMEP official, Hassoun's visa may be granted today.
In a letter to Secretary Clinton, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote in part:
"We urge you to deny entry to Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddine
Hassoun, who has threatened our nation's national security with calls
for suicide attacks and whose state-appointed function is to provide a
religious veneer for a brutal regime that has killed and tortured
thousands of its own people...
"Hassoun's entry into the United States would only serve to
provide credibility for his false claim that the ongoing revolution
against the Assad dictatorship is inspired by foreign interests, instead
of the Syrian people's clear desire for peace, freedom and the rule of
law.
"By allowing Hassoun entry to the United States, we would
send a contradictory and counterproductive message to the beleaguered
people of Syria at time when they are suffering such hardships at the
hands of the regime's forces."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam,
encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims,
and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.