MPAC DC

MPAC-DC Director Discusses Rising Tide of Islamophobia in Op-Ed, NPR Interview

August 23, 2010

Once again this week, MPAC staff, volunteers and allies have been on the national media circuit discussing the alarming rise in anti-Muslim sentiment being witnessed on the national airwaves from elected officials, pundits and professional bigots like Pamela Geller. The vitriol targeting mosque projects in at least five states around the country -- Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, Tennessee and California -- have taken a turn for the worse, one which we have sprung into action to address.

Attorney General & Congressman Praise American Muslim Community for Vigilance Against Extremists

August 22, 2010

Attorney General Eric Holder and Congressman Keith Ellison praised members of the American Muslim Community for their cooperation in the indictment of 14 people accused of aiding the Somali terrorist group, Al-Shabaab.

DC News & Views: The Rise of Intolerance Against Muslim Americans

August 20, 2010

From the Desk of the President: From New York to Tennessee to California, mosques and Muslim community centers are meeting a small but fierce swelling resistance from an increasingly vocal minority of local citizens’ groups who charge that mosques represent a major threat to America’s way of life and central values.  Such baseless and hateful attacks are at the heart of a dangerous miscalculation, particularly since many mosque founders and leaders today share a common commitment to promoting an authentic and mainstream vision of Islam that coexists with other faiths in America.

DC News & Views: Afghanistan: Where are We Nine Years Later?

August 13, 2010

Last week, 10 American aid workers joined the massive list of civilian casualties when they were brutally executed by insurgents because they were suspected of being Christian missionaries who were proselytizing. In reality, they were part of an eye care team that helped save people from becoming blind. They dedicated their lives to helping others.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Wants Palestinian Diplomats Kicked Out of U.S.

August 13, 2010

Last week, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) proposed that all Palestinian diplomatic representative be sent out of the country. These statements are causing more harm than good, and hinder the efforts put forth towards a two state solution. If such a proposition is actually executed, an image depicting the U.S. as unsympathetic to the Palestinian cause may be ingrained in the minds and hearts of the Palestinians causing further stalls in peace negotiations.

DC News & Views: Attorney General Acknowledges Muslim American Communities' Work in Countering Violent Extremism

August 06, 2010

On Thursday August 5th during a press conference announcing indictments against individuals connected to the Al-Shabab terrorist organization in Somalia, Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged the work of Muslim American communities in combating the terrorist threat.

The Security-Industrial Complex Run Amok

July 23, 2010

This week, the Washington Post ran an investigative series on the growth of America’s intelligence institutions, called “Top Secret America.” The Post investigation found after 9/11 the United States government outsourced intelligence duties to private groups thus turning core national security functions into a multi-billion dollar industry. The result is the creation of a massive security-industrial complex.

Young People & Politics -- Where to From Here?

July 15, 2010

American University Radio 99.5 FM talks to young progressives in the first part of a conversation about the political issues important to young voters today -- including MPAC Government Liaison Alejandro Beutel.

DC News & Views: Immigration Reform Should Not Compromise Civil Rights

July 09, 2010

This week the Justice Department announced its decision to legally challenge Arizona’s law forcing local and state police to check immigrant’s legal status. In a suit filed with the District of Arizona, the Obama administration contends “the Constitution and federal law do not permit the development of a patchwork of state and local immigration policies throughout the country.”

DC News & Views: National Muslim American Young Leaders Summit: Alumni Testimony

July 01, 2010

Last summer, I was privileged to be able to visit our nation’s capital with 14 other young Muslim American leaders. One year later, MPAC's National Muslim American Young Leaders Summit continues to impact my everyday life. I went to the summit unsure of what to expect. I was hesitant to participate; scared that my youth might in fact hinder me from fully engaging in the meetings, discussions, and visits MPAC had scheduled during those four packed days in D.C.

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