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Are Islamist Groups Trying to Influence the White House Race?by Steven Emerson
BILL HEMMER: Alright, there is a group called the Muslim American Society (MAS). Its stated mission according to its website is to "uplift the individual, the family, and society." But according to counter-terrorism expert, Steve Emerson, there is more to this organization than meets the eye. Steve Emerson is with me live now. Sir, good morning to you. STEVEN EMERSON: Good morning, Bill. HEMMER: The Muslim American Society – first define it. What is it? EMERSON: The Muslim American Society was founded in 1992. It is the de facto arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States – the Muslim Brotherhood being a group founded in the 1920s in Egypt, and it seeks to establish Islamic societies all around the world. It itself – even though it says and describes itself in innocuous and peaceful terms – has supported suicide bombings in Israel, it supports radical Islamic leaders around the world, and is on tape calling for jihad numerous times at rallies and at speeches in the United States. HEMMER: Who is giving them the time and attention on the political scene, Steve? EMERSON: Well, unfortunately, they are playing part of American politics because that's what you do in the United States when you want to reconstitute yourself from a militant group into a "normal" group. So they are hosting party functions for candidates, they are hosting fundraisers, they are getting out party votes; that is their mission. Their mission is to influence the U.S. government from within, and, according to the document released during the HAMAS trial, it is part of the grand strategy to insinuate themselves into the American government. HEMMER: Did they have much pull with Muslim voters, Steve? EMERSON: Well, that's a very good question. They claimed that they had pulled in 47,000 votes in the race against Governor Allen in Virginia. I don't think they do. They claim they have a large constituency. That's a very good question. HEMMER: Your point though is that they're subversive. EMERSON: They're absolutely subversive, and they make believe that they're not. They say that they're for peace and justice – well, they may be for justice, but they're for the justice according to what the terrorists define themselves as. HEMMER: Alright, so there are Muslim groups – I want to be clear about this – that should get the attention of U.S. politicians, because the voting bloc – you know it can make the difference in a tight race. EMERSON: Listen, the vast majority of Muslims is not tethered to a radical agenda, and these groups that have the monopoly on the hierarchy of organizations are tethered to a radical agenda; they shouldn't be getting the attention. But other Muslim groups and other Muslim voters should get the attention because they do not believe in the radicalism that these groups believe in. HEMMER: Steve Emerson, thank you for your time. You brought it to our attention; we'll track it. Thank you, sir. Related ItemsComment on this item |
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