March 19, 2003

Dr Maher Hathout, MPAC Senior Advisor was interviewed today by the Muslim Observer on the issue of war in Iraq.

Q. What are your thoughts about this war and do you support the President and the troops?

A. We, at MPAC, have always opposed the war but now it's a reality. The debate is over so we close ranks, look to the future and pray that this nightmare ends soon. We are praying for the safe return of our young American men and women, and the safety of the innocent Iraqi people.

Q. So, are you still going to participate in anti-war demonstrations?

A. Yes, because this is the beauty of America----the right to dissent. This is what makes our country stronger and different from totalitarian regimes.

Q. What are your major concerns and what is going on in the minds of Muslims?

A. I am not in the business of reading minds. I will tell you what's on my mind. The people I have talked to as well as the organization I represent, MPAC, are concerned about the innocent Iraqi civilians, the image of our country, the safety of the young American men and women, and the future of democracy in the Middle East. We are also concerned about the safety and solidarity of our home front.

Q. Do you believe there are Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq?

A. I don't know. As of now the inspectors have not found any and we will find out in the coming days.

Q. What do you think about how the war will affect Homeland Security, the fact that heightened alerts have already been issued and the possibility of terrorism?

A. We are concerned like other Americans and at MPAC as we have said before and will say it again, we consider ourselves partners with law enforcement and with all American citizens in preventing terrorism on the home front.

Q. Do you know Iraqi Americans who have relatives in Iraq?

A. Yes. Contact the MPAC office at (213) 383-3443.

Q. So if you are opposed to the war then what other alternatives are there or could there have been in regards to dismantling the Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq?

A. Diplomacy, inspections and patience.

Q. What do you think about the fact that the Muslim world is declaring a jihad in response to this war?

A. This is not a religious war. The millions who are opposing the war do not belong to one religion. We are calling for religious leaders to maintain a calm and comforting tone in their religious talks and not to invoke theological rhetoric to serve special interests.

Q. Are you concerned about hate crimes against the Muslim community during this time?

A. We have confidence in the majority of Americans and law enforcement agencies and we believe that together we will prevent wicked opportunists and ignorant fanatics from perpetrating hate crimes. But, yes we are concerned.