Saturday, December 30, 2006
Wrong Time to Execute The Dictator Saddam Hussein
CAIR Tampa Executive Director Ahmed Bedier offers a Muslim perspective on the execution of Saddam Hussein on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. While Bedier believes that Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator and that his crimes against humanity have caught up to him, Bedier thinks it is NOT wise to carry out an execution of a Muslim on the holiest day of the Islamic calendar. Just must be blind and should not be impacted by politics or revenge.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Ahmed Bedier Condemns anti-Holocaust Iran Conference
I condemn the recent shameful conference held in Iran that sought to deny the Holocaust, one of the lowest moments in human history.No legitimate cause can ever be advanced by denying the enormous human suffering caused by the massacre of millions of Jews and other minority groups by the Nazis. Attempts to use Holocaust denial as a political tool in the Middle East conflict will only serve to deepen the level of mistrust and hostility already present in the region.
Muslims are commanded in the Quran to "enjoin in the good and forbid the evil," and clearly the genocide of European Jews was nothing but evil. It is a shame that the current government of Iran, which claims to be an Islamic State, would ignore Islamic ethical values and belittle evil. Responsible governments must encourage the study of the Holocaust and other human atrocities to ensure that they are not repeated.
Americans in general and the Jewish and Muslim communities in particular should know that those who spew anti-Semitic bigotry do not speak for Islam; Muslims denounce their views and their hatred. Islam acknowledges Judaism (and Christianity) as a true revealed religion from God; furthermore Muslims view Jews (and Christians) as fellow "People of the Book" who believe in the same Abrahamic Monotheism.
While the cynical conference was held in Iran, it included many non-Muslim participants like former KKK leader David Duke and French "scholar" George Tail, who called the Holocaust a myth. The diverse participation is a reminder that bigotry is not exclusive to any one group.
As "People of the Book" we must stand united and challenge those who would fan the flames of all forms of hate, including anti-Semitism.
Note: The above opinion is based on CAIR's official release, see CAIR CONDEMNS IRANIAN HOLOCAUST DENIAL CONFERENCE
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Bill Nelson should be commended for speaking to Syria, others should follow
Mideast expert Ahmed Bedier quoted in today's Tampa Tribune on U.S. Senator Bill Nelson's plans to visit Syria. Bedier commends Senator Nelson for the bold move but it maybe "too little, too late."
Senator's Trip To Syria Lands Him In Hot Zone
Tampa Tribune, 12/13/06
TALLAHASSEE - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is scheduled to meet with Syrian
President Bashar Assad today despite President Bush's objections.
"We discourage the travel of members of Congress to Syria because we believe it
undermines the Siniora government" of Lebanon, White House spokesman Blair Jones said.
"He should be commended for reaching out and trying for dialogue," said
Ahmed Bedier of Tampa, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic
Relations. Syria, branded by the Bush administration as a supporter of
terrorism, could perhaps help bring stability to Iraq, he said.
"You don't have to agree on everything - but there are some common
interests for all countries in the region," Bedier said. "If you continue to
neglect and not speak to them, that will make your job a lot harder."
Although Bedier welcomed the trip, he added a note of caution.
"A lot of things that are happening now are too little, too late. These things should have been happening years ago," Bedier said.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Ahmed Bedier Receives 2006 Human Rights Award
(TAMPA, FL - 12/8/06) - CAIR Tampa Executive Director Ahmed Bedier today received the prestigious Human Rights Award at the 33rd Annual Awards Breakfast of the Tampa/Hillsborough Human Rights Council.
"I am grateful for this recognition and accept the award on behalf ofthe board, staff, volunteers, and members of CAIR who made it possible," said Bedier. Bedier added that the "true winner" of the award is the Muslim Community in the Tampa Bay area.
Other Human Rights Award winners included: Sheriff David Gee, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office; Dr. Sam Horton of the NAACP-Hillsborough; Rev. Beverly Lane.Friday, November 17, 2006
FBI Tampa chief thanks Ahmed Bedier for helping protect civil rights and working to keep nation safe
Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI Tampa Field office Special Agent in Charge Carl Whitehead praises and thanks Ahmed Bedier while speaking at the 2006 CAIR Tampa Annual Banquet.
"I wanted to say that we really appreciate the effort of Ahmed Bedier [Executive
Director, CAIR-Tampa] here in Florida and all the good work that he does on
behalf of CAIR in the community in the area of civil rights…Mr. Bedier has done
a great job in reaching out to law enforcement, establishing open forums for us
to exchange information in order to keep the nation safe.”
-Carl Whitehead, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Tampa Field Office, speaking at the CAIR 2006 Tampa Banquet
Thursday, November 16, 2006
FL Congress woman Brown-Waite defends Muslim Bashers and says All Terrorists are Muslim
Florida Congress woman Ginny Brown-Waite at her best, calling all Terrorists Muslim
Watch her embarrassing performance on WTVT Fox News:
Text Version courtesy of WTVT:
Last Edited: Thursday, 09 Nov 2006, 10:18 PM EST
Created: Thursday, 09 Nov 2006, 10:18 PM EST
Ginny Brown-Waite is defending a supporter's comments. We've got you covered
BROOKSVILLE - When Governor-elect Charlie Crist heard one of his
supporters call Islam a "hateful and frightening" religion, he kicked
her off his election team.
Governor Bush also condemned Hernando Commissioner Tom Hogan's and
his wife for the remark.
Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite didn't respond until after the
election, then she rushed to the couple's defense.
"Ms. Hogan is entitled to her views, and her husband stood by her
side as a good husband should," stated Brown-Waite.
The congresswoman also attacked the Governor and the Governor-elect
for condemning the comment.
"Not every Muslim is a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim
except for Tim McVeigh," offered Brown-Waite.
"What about Eric Rudolph?" FOX 13 asked.
"Well except him too," said Brown-Waite.
"What about the Klan?" we asked.
"They're not doing terrorist activities right now. We're talking
about a group that wants to do away with our way of life. With all
due respect, I don't think there's any comparison," said Brown-Waite.
We can find many non-Muslim terrorists, but Islamic groups say that's
not the point.
"She's actually standing up on the wrong side of the aisle, defending
bigotry and hatred," stated Ahmed Bedier with the Council on American
Islamic Relations.
The Congresswoman says she defends anti-Muslim remarks on grounds of
free speech.
She wrote a scorching three-page defense claiming those who call
Islam 'hateful and frightening' just reflect her community.
"If this does reflect the views of your community, what will you do
to educate the community?" FOX 13 asked.
"I think it's up to the moderate Muslims," Brown-Waite responded
Watch her embarrassing performance on WTVT Fox News:
Text Version courtesy of WTVT:
Last Edited: Thursday, 09 Nov 2006, 10:18 PM EST
Created: Thursday, 09 Nov 2006, 10:18 PM EST
Ginny Brown-Waite is defending a supporter's comments. We've got you covered
BROOKSVILLE - When Governor-elect Charlie Crist heard one of his
supporters call Islam a "hateful and frightening" religion, he kicked
her off his election team.
Governor Bush also condemned Hernando Commissioner Tom Hogan's and
his wife for the remark.
Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite didn't respond until after the
election, then she rushed to the couple's defense.
"Ms. Hogan is entitled to her views, and her husband stood by her
side as a good husband should," stated Brown-Waite.
The congresswoman also attacked the Governor and the Governor-elect
for condemning the comment.
"Not every Muslim is a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim
except for Tim McVeigh," offered Brown-Waite.
"What about Eric Rudolph?" FOX 13 asked.
"Well except him too," said Brown-Waite.
"What about the Klan?" we asked.
"They're not doing terrorist activities right now. We're talking
about a group that wants to do away with our way of life. With all
due respect, I don't think there's any comparison," said Brown-Waite.
We can find many non-Muslim terrorists, but Islamic groups say that's
not the point.
"She's actually standing up on the wrong side of the aisle, defending
bigotry and hatred," stated Ahmed Bedier with the Council on American
Islamic Relations.
The Congresswoman says she defends anti-Muslim remarks on grounds of
free speech.
She wrote a scorching three-page defense claiming those who call
Islam 'hateful and frightening' just reflect her community.
"If this does reflect the views of your community, what will you do
to educate the community?" FOX 13 asked.
"I think it's up to the moderate Muslims," Brown-Waite responded
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
FAQ: How does blog have anonymous comments, when it is not allowed
On 11/8/06, American Crusader asks the following:
Why does a site that does not allow anonymous comments have so many?Out ofANSWER: Very simple, when I started this blog, the setting to accept Anonymous comments was enabled. After a flood of spam, I disabled it. Visitors in the past were able to post anonymous comments, visitors now can't.
have five comments...four of them are anonymous.
I hope that clarifies things for you.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Reacting to the Pope's Comments: Muslims Must Not Use Violence When Accused of Being Violent
CAIR Tampa Executive Director speaking out against the violent reaction by a few Muslims in response to Pope Benedict's recent comments against Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In a statement Bedier "While I was upset by and disagree with the Pope's comments on Islam, I am more upset by the violent reaction by a few ignorant people." CAIR announced a new campaign to raise money for the damaged churches in the mideast that were vandalized in reaction to the controversy.
THREE VIDEO CLIPS: To Watch Select the clip from menu on right, then play:
THREE VIDEO CLIPS: To Watch Select the clip from menu on right, then play:
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Police Audio: AirTran Removes Muslim Passengers Because "Iranian" Look
On August 20, 2006, two young Pakistani-American Muslim men returning home to Washington, D.C. from Tampa on AirTran flight 941 were abruptly kicked off (or removed) the aircraft and handed over to law enforcement for questioning. Minutes later they were cleared but could not re-board that same flight.
The incident upset me enough to dig deeper, because there is no justification to selectively remove passengers off flights. I decided to research further and what I found was a very disturbing case of racial or ethnic or religious (whatever you want to call it) profiling and maybe a troubling trend in the aviation industry.
I believe that the evidence (when available) will always lead to the truth, because evidence does not lie. In this situation the evidence would be any audio archives between the flight crew and law enforcement. I've tracked it down courtesy of the Tampa Airport Police Department. Below is a transcript of the brief phone call from "Jeff" at AirTran to the Tampa Airport Police dispatch.
The conversation clearly shows that AirTran had no justified reason to remove the two Muslims from the aircraft except that they acted "suspicious" and looked "Iranian." What's an Iranian look like? does that mean anyone who is percieved to be Iranian is a suspect?
The incident upset me enough to dig deeper, because there is no justification to selectively remove passengers off flights. I decided to research further and what I found was a very disturbing case of racial or ethnic or religious (whatever you want to call it) profiling and maybe a troubling trend in the aviation industry.
I believe that the evidence (when available) will always lead to the truth, because evidence does not lie. In this situation the evidence would be any audio archives between the flight crew and law enforcement. I've tracked it down courtesy of the Tampa Airport Police Department. Below is a transcript of the brief phone call from "Jeff" at AirTran to the Tampa Airport Police dispatch.
The conversation clearly shows that AirTran had no justified reason to remove the two Muslims from the aircraft except that they acted "suspicious" and looked "Iranian." What's an Iranian look like? does that mean anyone who is percieved to be Iranian is a suspect?
Ahmed Bedier is Not Spokesperson for Al-Arian and Has Never Met Him
The anti-Muslim bashers are at it again, every chance they have to spew hatred at American Muslim leaders they maximize it by resorting to lies, defamation and fabrication. Today Florida's leading Islamaphobe blogger Joe Kaufman fabricated a story Campaign Cash from Al-Arian's Mouthpiece in FrontpageMag.com (a known extremist online publication) naming Ahmed Bedier, Dr. Sami Al-Arian's Spokesperson (also mouthpiece). For more about Sami Al-Arian click here. Kaufman could not be further from the truth.
What Kaufman fails to mention is that Ahmed Bedier has NEVER met Dr. Sami Al-Arian, NEVER spoke with Al-Arian on the phone and NEVER corresponded with Al-Arian via email/mail. So how can Kaufman claim that Bedier is a spokesperson of someone he has NEVER been in contact with??
Bedier is a community leader in Tampa and is the director of American Muslim civil rights group (CAIR) in that city. The Al-Arian trial was the biggest case in Tampa's Federal Judicial history, Bedier spoke a great deal to the media about the case, but so did everyone else. It was top news for several years. Bedier does NOT regret any of the comments he made surrounding the case. As a civil rights leader, Bedier speaks up on behalf of CAIR and its members calling for justice and due process. If Kaufman is upset that individuals are calling for the implementation of the U.S. constitution, than it is Kaufman who should answer whom does he speak for?
Kaufman's hatred for Muslims blinded him from looking at the true facts of the case. An American Jury of 12 who listened to all the evidence for six months overwhelmingly chose not to convict Al-Arian on a single count. Perhaps that's what Kaufman is so angry about, that a Palestinian Professor would get any justice in America. Kaufman is known for his extreme pro-Zionist sentiments which explains his hatred for Palestinians.
Joe Kaufman is recognized in the State of Florida for his hatred towards American Muslims and Arab Americans, just this year alone Americans United awarded him their infamous "Onion Award" recognizing his hatred and bigotry. If one is to review Kaufman's writings he would find that he has accused every Muslim he knows with terror ties, and has never written anything positive about a single Muslim. In his poor writing style, Kaufman attempts to link all Muslims to each other and labels them guilty by association (even if it does not exist, the mere fact that two people share the same religion is association in Kaufman's eyes).
In the same article Kaufman repeats an allegation he made last year that Bedier defended Palestinian Islamic Jihad on a TV show. A flat out lie which Bedier answered last year, for details read the posting Responding to the distortion: Bedier says "Nothing Immoral" About Islamic Jihad.
Finally, Kaufman recycles a FALSE claim that CAIR has some sort of terror ties. CAIR is a legitimate mainstream American organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and 33 offices nationwide with a combined staff of over 75. CAIR and Bedier have a positive working relationship with all levels of government and law enforcement including the FBI. If Kaufman believes his lies he should report them to the appropriate authorities so they can take appropriate action (or laugh at him).
If anyone is not familiar with the great work of CAIR or has concerns about the organization, feel free to visit www.cair.com and read What Public Officials Say About CAIR.
What Kaufman fails to mention is that Ahmed Bedier has NEVER met Dr. Sami Al-Arian, NEVER spoke with Al-Arian on the phone and NEVER corresponded with Al-Arian via email/mail. So how can Kaufman claim that Bedier is a spokesperson of someone he has NEVER been in contact with??
Bedier is a community leader in Tampa and is the director of American Muslim civil rights group (CAIR) in that city. The Al-Arian trial was the biggest case in Tampa's Federal Judicial history, Bedier spoke a great deal to the media about the case, but so did everyone else. It was top news for several years. Bedier does NOT regret any of the comments he made surrounding the case. As a civil rights leader, Bedier speaks up on behalf of CAIR and its members calling for justice and due process. If Kaufman is upset that individuals are calling for the implementation of the U.S. constitution, than it is Kaufman who should answer whom does he speak for?
Kaufman's hatred for Muslims blinded him from looking at the true facts of the case. An American Jury of 12 who listened to all the evidence for six months overwhelmingly chose not to convict Al-Arian on a single count. Perhaps that's what Kaufman is so angry about, that a Palestinian Professor would get any justice in America. Kaufman is known for his extreme pro-Zionist sentiments which explains his hatred for Palestinians.
Joe Kaufman is recognized in the State of Florida for his hatred towards American Muslims and Arab Americans, just this year alone Americans United awarded him their infamous "Onion Award" recognizing his hatred and bigotry. If one is to review Kaufman's writings he would find that he has accused every Muslim he knows with terror ties, and has never written anything positive about a single Muslim. In his poor writing style, Kaufman attempts to link all Muslims to each other and labels them guilty by association (even if it does not exist, the mere fact that two people share the same religion is association in Kaufman's eyes).
In the same article Kaufman repeats an allegation he made last year that Bedier defended Palestinian Islamic Jihad on a TV show. A flat out lie which Bedier answered last year, for details read the posting Responding to the distortion: Bedier says "Nothing Immoral" About Islamic Jihad.
Finally, Kaufman recycles a FALSE claim that CAIR has some sort of terror ties. CAIR is a legitimate mainstream American organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and 33 offices nationwide with a combined staff of over 75. CAIR and Bedier have a positive working relationship with all levels of government and law enforcement including the FBI. If Kaufman believes his lies he should report them to the appropriate authorities so they can take appropriate action (or laugh at him).
If anyone is not familiar with the great work of CAIR or has concerns about the organization, feel free to visit www.cair.com and read What Public Officials Say About CAIR.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Remember CAIR's "Not In The Name of Islam" Campaign
With the recent foiled UK airline terror plot came the hype and attacks that Muslims condemn terrorism. Muslims around the world including the Council on American Islamic Relations have repeatedly condemn terrorism. In a May 2004 post I included the text of the "Not in the Name of Islam" campaign, here it is again:
“We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him."
View or sign the CAIR petition at:http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=169&theType=AA
See also: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/not-in-name-of-islam-petition.html
“We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him."
View or sign the CAIR petition at:http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=169&theType=AA
See also: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/not-in-name-of-islam-petition.html
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Bedier Reacts to UK Terror Plot, Concern of Backlash
Tampa Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations Ahmed Bedier explains the American Muslim perspective on the foiled UK Terror plot (aug 2006) and the Muslim Community's fear of backlash. Islamic centers nationwide have and are encouraged to step security measures. Bedier condemned the terror plot as un-Islamic. Watch below.
SOURCE: BAYNEWS9
Feeling a great deal of fear
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Ahmed Bedier said the center has received hate e-mails.
While many Americans were shaken by the latest developments regarding a possible terror plot to blow up airliners, American Muslims are dealing with an additional fear.
They're afraid people who associate Islam with terrorism judge them because they're Muslim.
"There's a great deal of fear," Council on American-Islamic Relations of Tampa Director Ahmed Bedier said. "There's a great deal of uncertainty and it's a hostile environment."
This comes after charges of a plot to blow up jetliners from Britain to the United States. All 24 suspects arrested are British citizens and are mostly men of Pakistani descent.
American Muslims in the Bay area are now afraid of a backlash, something Bedier said has been the reality for Muslims since 9/11.
"There's been a number of incidents across the country and also the state of Florida as far as mosques being targeted and hate crimes directed at mosques," Bedier said.
In response to that past, security at area Islamic centers and schools like the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay was noticeably heightened during the Day of Congregation. Hundreds of Muslims made their way into the mosque for worship under a close watch.
"All gates are being blocked except some specific gates," Bedier said. "Cars will be blocking the gates individual cars or trucks cannot get close to the structures or facilities."..... MORE
SOURCE: BAYNEWS9
Feeling a great deal of fear
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Ahmed Bedier said the center has received hate e-mails.
While many Americans were shaken by the latest developments regarding a possible terror plot to blow up airliners, American Muslims are dealing with an additional fear.
They're afraid people who associate Islam with terrorism judge them because they're Muslim.
"There's a great deal of fear," Council on American-Islamic Relations of Tampa Director Ahmed Bedier said. "There's a great deal of uncertainty and it's a hostile environment."
This comes after charges of a plot to blow up jetliners from Britain to the United States. All 24 suspects arrested are British citizens and are mostly men of Pakistani descent.
American Muslims in the Bay area are now afraid of a backlash, something Bedier said has been the reality for Muslims since 9/11.
"There's been a number of incidents across the country and also the state of Florida as far as mosques being targeted and hate crimes directed at mosques," Bedier said.
In response to that past, security at area Islamic centers and schools like the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay was noticeably heightened during the Day of Congregation. Hundreds of Muslims made their way into the mosque for worship under a close watch.
"All gates are being blocked except some specific gates," Bedier said. "Cars will be blocking the gates individual cars or trucks cannot get close to the structures or facilities."..... MORE
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Bedier Condemns Attack on Seattle Jewish Center
On July 29, 2006, Council on American-Islamic Relations Representative Ahmed Bedier appeared on WFTS ABC News to denounce the recent attack by a Pakistani-American on a Jewish Federation Center in Seattle, Washington.
The national office CAIR and American Muslim religious leaders in Washington also condemned the attack:
See:
CAIR CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SEATTLE JEWISH CENTER
Group says Mideast conflict must not be ‘transplanted’ to America
(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/28/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned an attack on a Jewish community center in Seattle, Wash., that left one person dead and several more injured. (A statement signed by representatives of the Seattle Muslim community, including CAIR-Seattle, is attached below.)
A lone gunman who reportedly said, “I'm a Muslim American; I'm angry at Israel," entered the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and began shooting. The alleged gunman was later arrested.
In a statement, the Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said:
“We condemn this senseless attack on a religious institution and offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured. The American Muslim and Jewish communities must do whatever is within their power to prevent the current conflict in the Middle East from being transplanted to this country. We also urge local, state and national law enforcement authorities to step up security measures at synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions of both faiths.”
full release click here
The national office CAIR and American Muslim religious leaders in Washington also condemned the attack:
See:
CAIR CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SEATTLE JEWISH CENTER
Group says Mideast conflict must not be ‘transplanted’ to America
(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/28/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned an attack on a Jewish community center in Seattle, Wash., that left one person dead and several more injured. (A statement signed by representatives of the Seattle Muslim community, including CAIR-Seattle, is attached below.)
A lone gunman who reportedly said, “I'm a Muslim American; I'm angry at Israel," entered the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and began shooting. The alleged gunman was later arrested.
In a statement, the Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said:
“We condemn this senseless attack on a religious institution and offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured. The American Muslim and Jewish communities must do whatever is within their power to prevent the current conflict in the Middle East from being transplanted to this country. We also urge local, state and national law enforcement authorities to step up security measures at synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions of both faiths.”
full release click here
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Bedier Perspective on the Israeli Attacks on Lebanon and Gaza
CAIR Florida Tampa Director Ahmed Bedier appeared on Baynews 9 Political Connections Soapbox segment to comment on the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. In the commentary Bedier urged the U.S. government to call for an immediate cease fire.
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bedier Leads Tampa Delegation Calling for Immediate Cease Fire in Lebanon and Safe Passage for Evacuees
Ahmed Bedier of the Tampa office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, today called on the U.S. Government to pressure an immediate cease fire for Humanitarian and Evacuation purposes. Family relatives of American Citizens Trapped in Lebanon joined the News conference and criticized the slow and confusing Evacuation process. The news conference took place following a meeting with the Tampa office U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.
In the news clip a U.S. Embassy spokeswoman encourages the use of "word of mouth" as an effective communication method that spreads "quicker than email."
In the news clip a U.S. Embassy spokeswoman encourages the use of "word of mouth" as an effective communication method that spreads "quicker than email."
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Is Israel a strategic friend or spoiled brat?
The Washington Post today published published and long extensive article examining the U.S. - Israel relationship. The article also reflects on the much talked about and critically acclaimed paper "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy" by Stephen Walt from Harvard and John Mearsheimer from the University of Chicago.
In light of the recent acts of War against Gaza and Lebanon, more and more Americans are questioning the liability of Israel's irrational behavior.
A brief side note: There is a clear distinction between the great religion of Judaism (recognized by the Quran as legitimate and from The One True Creator) and the government of Israel. Israel does not act in the name of Judaism and their illegal acts should not be seen as encouraged by Judaism. Criticism against Israel and the various Zionist parties should never be equated to the great Divine religion of Judaism. If Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was here today, I would imagine that he would have some serious issues with how Israeli leaders are misrepresenting their faith.
Just like if Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was here today he would have issues with what the violent extremist are doing (i.e. attacking civilians, corruption, injustice).
NOW HERE IS THE ARTICLE:
A Beautiful Friendship?
In search of the truth about the Israel lobby's influence on Washington
By Glenn FrankelSunday, July 16, 2006; W13
All David Ben-Gurion wanted was 15 minutes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's time.
Israel's founding father, one of the indomitable political leaders of the 20th century, came to Washington in December 1941 yearning to present the case for a Jewish state directly to the American president. He took a two-room suite at the old Ambassador Hotel at 14th and K for $1,000 a month and cooled his heels for 10 weeks, writing letters and reports and making passes at Miriam Cohen, his attractive American secretary. But Ben-Gurion didn't get the meeting. Not then, not ever. Not even a pair of presidential cuff links.
Now let's fast-forward 64 years to late May and a news conference in the East Room of the White House. That tall, freckled, slightly nervous-looking man with the rust-colored hair standing alongside President Bush at matching lecterns is Ehud Olmert, 12th prime minister of Israel. The two leaders and their advisers have just spent two hours together in the Oval Office. Bush is reaffirming the "deep and abiding ties between Israel and the United States" and praising Olmert's "bold ideas" and commitment to peace. Afterward, they'll adjourn for a private session without aides or note-takers and then go to dinner together. And the next day Olmert will address a joint session of Congress, whose members will interrupt his speech with 16 standing ovations. Ben-Gurion, whose remains rest in a simple grave overlooking the Negev Desert, would be stunned.
It's not that Olmert is a more commanding figure than Ben-Gurion. Far from it. No, it's about power. And not just Israeli power. It's really about the perceived power of the Israel lobby, a collection of American Jewish organizations, campaign contributors and think tanks -- aided by Christian conservatives and other non-Jewish supporters -- that arose over the second half of the 20th century and that sees as a principle goal the support and promotion of the interests of the state of Israel.
Thanks to the work of the lobby and its allies, Israel gets more direct foreign aid -- about $3 billion a year -- than any other nation. There's a file cabinet somewhere in the State Department full of memoranda of understanding on military, diplomatic and economic affairs. Israel gets treated like a NATO member when it comes to military matters and like Canada or Mexico when it comes to free trade. There's an annual calendar full of meetings of joint strategic task forces and other collaborative sessions. And there's a presidential pledge, re-avowed by Bush in the East Room, that the United States will come to Israel's aid in the event of attack.
On Capitol Hill the Israel lobby commands large majorities in both the House and Senate. Polls show strong public support for Israel -- a connection that has grown even deeper after the September 11 attacks. The popular equation goes like this: Israelis equal good guys, Arabs equal terrorists. Working the Hill these days, says Josh Block, spokesman for the premier Israeli lobbying group known as AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, "is like pushing at an open door."
Not everyone believes this is a good thing. In March two distinguished political scientists -- Stephen Walt from Harvard and John Mearsheimer from the University of Chicago -- published a 42-page, heavily footnoted essay arguing that the Bush administration's support for Israel and its related effort to spread democracy throughout the Middle East have "inflamed Arab and Islamic opinion and jeopardized U.S. security."
The professors claim that our intimate partnership with Israel is both dangerous and unprecedented. "Other special interest groups have managed to skew foreign policy, but no lobby has managed to divert it as far from what the national interest would suggest," they argue. They go on to say that the war in Iraq "was due in large part to the Lobby's influence," and that the same combine is "using all of the strategies in its playbook" to pressure the administration into being aggressive and belligerent with Iran. The bottom line: "Israel's enemies get weakened or overthrown, Israel gets a free hand with the Palestinians, and the United States does most of the fighting, dying, rebuilding and paying."
A sweet deal for Israel, in other words, but a very bad one for America.
Full article here
In light of the recent acts of War against Gaza and Lebanon, more and more Americans are questioning the liability of Israel's irrational behavior.
A brief side note: There is a clear distinction between the great religion of Judaism (recognized by the Quran as legitimate and from The One True Creator) and the government of Israel. Israel does not act in the name of Judaism and their illegal acts should not be seen as encouraged by Judaism. Criticism against Israel and the various Zionist parties should never be equated to the great Divine religion of Judaism. If Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was here today, I would imagine that he would have some serious issues with how Israeli leaders are misrepresenting their faith.
Just like if Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was here today he would have issues with what the violent extremist are doing (i.e. attacking civilians, corruption, injustice).
Ahmed Bedier
NOW HERE IS THE ARTICLE:
A Beautiful Friendship?
In search of the truth about the Israel lobby's influence on Washington
By Glenn FrankelSunday, July 16, 2006; W13
All David Ben-Gurion wanted was 15 minutes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's time.
Israel's founding father, one of the indomitable political leaders of the 20th century, came to Washington in December 1941 yearning to present the case for a Jewish state directly to the American president. He took a two-room suite at the old Ambassador Hotel at 14th and K for $1,000 a month and cooled his heels for 10 weeks, writing letters and reports and making passes at Miriam Cohen, his attractive American secretary. But Ben-Gurion didn't get the meeting. Not then, not ever. Not even a pair of presidential cuff links.
Now let's fast-forward 64 years to late May and a news conference in the East Room of the White House. That tall, freckled, slightly nervous-looking man with the rust-colored hair standing alongside President Bush at matching lecterns is Ehud Olmert, 12th prime minister of Israel. The two leaders and their advisers have just spent two hours together in the Oval Office. Bush is reaffirming the "deep and abiding ties between Israel and the United States" and praising Olmert's "bold ideas" and commitment to peace. Afterward, they'll adjourn for a private session without aides or note-takers and then go to dinner together. And the next day Olmert will address a joint session of Congress, whose members will interrupt his speech with 16 standing ovations. Ben-Gurion, whose remains rest in a simple grave overlooking the Negev Desert, would be stunned.
It's not that Olmert is a more commanding figure than Ben-Gurion. Far from it. No, it's about power. And not just Israeli power. It's really about the perceived power of the Israel lobby, a collection of American Jewish organizations, campaign contributors and think tanks -- aided by Christian conservatives and other non-Jewish supporters -- that arose over the second half of the 20th century and that sees as a principle goal the support and promotion of the interests of the state of Israel.
Thanks to the work of the lobby and its allies, Israel gets more direct foreign aid -- about $3 billion a year -- than any other nation. There's a file cabinet somewhere in the State Department full of memoranda of understanding on military, diplomatic and economic affairs. Israel gets treated like a NATO member when it comes to military matters and like Canada or Mexico when it comes to free trade. There's an annual calendar full of meetings of joint strategic task forces and other collaborative sessions. And there's a presidential pledge, re-avowed by Bush in the East Room, that the United States will come to Israel's aid in the event of attack.
On Capitol Hill the Israel lobby commands large majorities in both the House and Senate. Polls show strong public support for Israel -- a connection that has grown even deeper after the September 11 attacks. The popular equation goes like this: Israelis equal good guys, Arabs equal terrorists. Working the Hill these days, says Josh Block, spokesman for the premier Israeli lobbying group known as AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, "is like pushing at an open door."
Not everyone believes this is a good thing. In March two distinguished political scientists -- Stephen Walt from Harvard and John Mearsheimer from the University of Chicago -- published a 42-page, heavily footnoted essay arguing that the Bush administration's support for Israel and its related effort to spread democracy throughout the Middle East have "inflamed Arab and Islamic opinion and jeopardized U.S. security."
The professors claim that our intimate partnership with Israel is both dangerous and unprecedented. "Other special interest groups have managed to skew foreign policy, but no lobby has managed to divert it as far from what the national interest would suggest," they argue. They go on to say that the war in Iraq "was due in large part to the Lobby's influence," and that the same combine is "using all of the strategies in its playbook" to pressure the administration into being aggressive and belligerent with Iran. The bottom line: "Israel's enemies get weakened or overthrown, Israel gets a free hand with the Palestinians, and the United States does most of the fighting, dying, rebuilding and paying."
A sweet deal for Israel, in other words, but a very bad one for America.
Full article here
Monday, July 10, 2006
Was Racist Remark trigger of Zidane Head-Butt Foul at World Cup Final
Yesterday the world (over 1 billion of us) witnessed in slow motion the now infamous head butt fouled by French sports star Zinedine Zidane against Italy's Marco Materazzi. Whatever language you heard it in, all the announcers were saying the same thing pourqoi, pourqoi , why, why????
Today analysts, commentators and the world continues to ponder over the incident. Some news is filtering out, by the AP, European organizations and others that Materazzi might have triggered the foul by making a racist slur at Zidane.
I was disappointed that Zidane lost it and committed the foul. A star of his status should try to keep his cool, but there seems to be more to this story than just a player gone mad. Here are the articles:
AP:
The Zidane mystery: What set him off?
See Also: Why Today I Wear My Zidane Jersey
Friday, June 09, 2006
VIDEO: Ahmed Bedier Reacts to Death of Al-Zarqawi
I (Ahmed Bedier) appeared on Tampa FOX affiliate WTVT to debate the Impact of the Death of Iraqi Terror Leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Bedier condemned Zaraqwi's actions as un-Islamic.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations - aka CAIR, the organization that I represent has released the following statement:
The Council on American-Islamic Relations - aka CAIR, the organization that I represent has released the following statement:
CAIR HOPES DEATH OF ZARQAWI LEADS TO DECREASED IRAQ VIOLENCE
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/8/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR) today said it hopes the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi will help bring
about a decrease in civilian casualties and sectarian violence in Iraq.
In a statement, CAIR said:
"We hope the death of terrorist
leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi will lead to a decrease in the skyrocketing number
of civilian deaths in Iraq and will help slow the downward spiral of sectarian
violence gripping that nation. The violent actions of al-Zarqawi and his
followers violated basic Islamic teachings and resulted directly or indirectly
in the deaths of many innocent Iraqis and foreign nationals."
Friday, May 26, 2006
Ahmed Bedier Debates Attorney on Religious Holidays in Schools
Ahmed Bedier debates New York Attorney Michael Gross on FOX News Channel "Fair & Balanced" segment on the topic of religious holidays in public schools.
Thou Shalt Not Lie: Pat Robertson Says he Leg-Pressed 2000 Pounds
People across the country are questioning claims by Pat Robertson's (founder of the Christian Coalition) claim that he has leg pressed 200 pounds. From the Associated Press (via Yahoo News):
According to the CBN Web site, Robertson worked his way up to lifting a ton with
the help of his physician, who is not named. The posting does not say when the
lift occurred, but a CBN spokeswoman released photos to The Associated Press
that she said showed Robertson lifting 2,000 pounds in 2003, when Robertson was 73. He is now 76.
The Web posting said two men loaded the leg-press machine
with 2,000 pounds "and then let it down on Mr. Robertson, who pushed it up one
rep and let it go back down again." The Web site said several people witnessed
the event, and shows video of Robertson leg-pressing what appears to be 1,000
pounds.
However most experts think Robertson is lying:
Clay Travis of CBS SportsLine.com called the 2,000-pound assertion impossible in
a column this week, writing that the leg-press record for football players at
Florida State University is 665 pounds less.
"Where in the world did Robertson even find a machine that could hold 2,000 pounds at one time?" Travis asked.
Why would anyone be surprised about Robertson's false witness. He does it all the time. Constantly attacking all non Judeo-Christian religions. He constantly bears false witness against God (Allah in Arabic) claiming that God and Allah are not the same. He defined Allah as the "moon god from Mecca." What an insult to all the Arabic speaking Christians who call upon God in their native tongue as Allah. If Robertson has no problem lying to the world about God, then there is nothing else he would not lie about.
Pat Robertson should practice what he preaches by following the bible and at least the 10 Commandments.
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