Informing Americans of CAIR’s Influence Operations

The Center for Security Policy created the CAIR Observatory in March 2010 to publicly present the case against CAIR as an unregistered foreign agent and to serve as a clearing house for CAIR-related documents and information.  The following month we began applying the principles of the CAIR Observatory in real-time.  As cases of CAIR influence operations involving government officials, candidates and other prominent Americans came to light, the Center for Security Policy sent letters from our President and CEO Frank Gaffney to the parties involved, warning them of CAIR’s possible foreign agent status and that they may have been a target of an illegal influence operation.

October 2010

Case #16: CAIR 16th Annual Banquet

Date: October 9, 2010

(Dowload Event Program (4MB PDF)

Foreign Delegation Attendees:

• The League of Arab States
• Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
• Embassy of Sudan
• Embassy of the State of Qatar
• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Congressional Endorsements:

• Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA)
• Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)
• Rep. James Moran (D-VA)
• Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
• Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
• Rep. Barbara Lee  (D-CA)
• Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN)

Actions:

On October 29 the Center for Security Policy sent letters to the seven members of Congress who endorsed the event alerting them to CAIR’s alleged foreign agent status and that CAIR’s soliciting of their endorsement may have been a violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.  Below are links to text and PDF copies of those letters:

• Center for Security Letter to Michael Honda

• Center for Security Letter to Keith Ellison

• Center for Security Letter to James Moran

• Center for Security Letter to Dutch Ruppersberger

• Center for Security Letter to Betty McCollum

• Center for Security Letter to Barbara Lee

• Center for Security Letter to Andre Carson

A copy of each letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #15: CAIR calls for NPR action against Juan Williams for “irresponsible and inflammatory” comments about Muslims

On October 18 on the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor,” Fox News contributor and former NPR employee Juan Williams stated “I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous.”

Two days later on October 20, CAIR issued a press release calling on NPR to take action against Williams. CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad called Williams’ comments “irresponsible and inflammatory” and complained that “media commentators who launch rhetorical attacks on Islam and Muslims normally do not suffer the professional consequences.”  CAIR’s Awad called on NPR to “address” Williams’ statements.  NPR publicly announced the termination of Williams’ contract the following day, October 21.

On October 21 the Center for Security Policy alerted five parties involved in this influence operation to CAIR’s alleged foreign agent status via email: Juan Williams; Vivian Schiller, President and CEO, NPR; Roger Ailes, President, Fox News Channel; Bill O’Reilly, Fox News Channel; and the Inspector General of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Actions:

The Center for Security Policy issued a press release on the evening of October 21 informing the public that these five parties had been warned and providing a background of CAIR’s alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

The next day, October 22, the Center sent formal letters to each of the five parties providing them with more background on CAIR’s apparent violations and asking that they request a Department of Justice investigation into CAIR’s violation of the FARA code:

• Juan Williams
• Vivian Schiller, President and CEO, NPR
• Roger Ailes, President, Fox News Channel
• Bill O’Reilly, Fox News Channel
• Inspector General of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

A copy of each letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #14:  Hooper claims that Nevada Senate nominee Sharron Angle “has something against Islam and Muslims“

At a tea party rally, Nevada Senate nominee Sharron Angle addressed the controversy over sharia law and stated that “[i]t seems to me there is something fundamentally wrong with allowing a foreign system of law to even take hold in any municipality or government situation in our United States.” CAIR Spokesman Ibrahim Hooper called Angle’s statements “bizarre.”

“This seems to be an example of incoherent bigotry. It is pretty clear that she has something against Islam and Muslims but she is so incoherent you don’t know what she stands for,” Hooper said. “The proper response would have been, ‘American Muslims are citizens like anyone else. They are free to practice their faith,’ not seeming to agree that Muslims are somehow seeking to take over.”

We believe that this specific act to influence a possible U.S. Senator meets the definition of a political influence operation under the terms of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Actions:

On October 13 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Sharron Angle alerting her to CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and asking that she requests a Department of Justice investigation into CAIR’s violation of the FARA code.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

September 2010

Case #13: CAIR requests Central Command General to personally visit controversial Pastor

In a letter dated September 8, 2010, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad urged USMC Gen. James Mattis to intervene in the case of Pastor Terry Jones’ plan to burn Qurans on September 11.  In the letter, Nihad Awad depicted the Quran burning event as a national security concern for the United States and, therefore, requests Gen. Mattis help in preventing  “this counterproductive and divisive event from complicating our relations with the Muslim world”

We believe that this specific act to influence a General of the United States Marine Corps meets the definition of a political influence operation under the terms of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Actions:

On September 27 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to General James Mattis alerting him to CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and asking that he request a Department of Justice investigation into CAIR’s violation of the FARA code.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

August 2010

Case #12: CAIR asks MN Gov. Pawlenty to “retract” comments against Ground Zero Mosque

In an August 9, 2010 press release CAIR demanded that Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota retract his statement in opposition to the planned Ground Zero Mosque in New York City.  “Our governor has engaged in collective guilt by saying that all Muslim activities and images anywhere near Ground Zero are degrading and disrespectful,” said CAIR-MN Civil Rights Director Taneeza Islam.  “All Americans, including Muslims, should seek to help heal our society and avoid statements that create division or distrust.”

We believe that this specific act to influence the sitting Governor of Minnesota meets the definition of a political influence operation under the terms of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Actions:

On August 11 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Governor Tim Pawlenty alerting him to CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and asking that he request a Department of Justice investigation into CAIR’s violation of the FARA code.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

July 2010

Case #11: CAIR protests “Islamophobic” training for Virginia terrorism task force

A CAIR press release called upon FBI Norfolk and the Tidewater Joint Terrorism Task Force (TJTTF) “explain” why Robert Spencer –  whom they described as “a leader of an anti-Islam hate group” –  was invited to offer training to state and federal law enforcement officers.  “Our nation’s law enforcement personnel should not receive training from the head of a hate group that seeks to demonize Islam and to prevent American Muslims from exercising their rights as citizens,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.

Spencer, a respected author, blogger, Islam expert and co-founder of Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA) stated in a blog post that he “gave two two-hour seminars on the belief-system of Islamic jihadists to the Tidewater Joint Terrorism Task Force.”

Actions:

On July 27th the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to FBI Agent Alex Turner concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status. The letter identified CAIR’s urging of the organization to “explain” its recent actions as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice. A similar letter was also sent to Robert Spencer.

Case #10: CAIR warns Marco Rubio away from tea party event; tells Rubio not to “lend legitimacy to this hate rally”

Just four days after asking  a Florida tea party group to drop ACT! for American founder Brigitte Gabriel as their keynote speaker for an August event, CAIR launched an aggressive press release against GOP Senate Candidate Marco Rubio, who was invited to the event but had not yet confirmed.

“We ask Mr. Rubio not to lend legitimacy to this hate rally and to demonstrate through his actions that the Republican Party will not seek to benefit from the rising level of Islamophobia in our society,” said CAIR-Tampa Communications Director Ramzy Kiliç. “Since the rally organizers obviously believe a hate-monger is an appropriate keynote speaker, we ask all the elected officials and candidates listed on the event flyer to cancel their appearances.”

Actions:

On July 22 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Marco Rubio concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and identifying CAIR’s urging of Mr. Rubio cancel his participation in the tea party event as a  foreign influence operation. Another letter was sent to Brigitte Gabriel, speaker and founder of ACT! for America, alerting her that CAIR’s statements on ACT! for America may be parrt of an illegal political influence operation. Copies of the letters were also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

As a response, Guy Rodgers, Executive Director of ACT! for America, also sent a letter to to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #9: CAIR condemns the Tea Party movement and asks GOP leadership to repudiate Tennessee congressional candidate

On June 25, CAIR called on Republican Party leaders to repudiate “Islamophobic” remarks by Tennessee GOP congressional candidate Lou Ann Zelenik who opposes the construction of a new mega-mosque complex in Murfreesboro, TN.

“State and national Republican leaders must repudiate Ms. Zelenik’s extremist and un-American remarks and address the growing perception that their party promotes Islamophobia and intolerance against minorities,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

On July 15, 2010, CAIR leaders joined the NAACP in criticizing the Tea Party Movement for failing to “repudiate elements within the movement who use racist or bigoted language.”  CAIR Director of Communications, Ibrahim Hooper said, “If the Tea Party wishes to be taken seriously by mainstream Americans, it must repudiate all those who express or promote extremist, racist or bigoted views while claiming to be affiliated with the movement.”

Hooper made clear that “Islamophobic” elements should be included in the condemnation.   He went on to specifically name a number of these ‘Islamophobic’ perpetrators inncluding former congressman Tom Tancredo and Tennessee congressional candidate Lou Ann Zelenik.

Actions:

On June 16 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Tenessee congressional candidate, Lou Ann Zelenik, concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status. The letter identified that by openly denouncing  Zelenik and attempting to tarnish her standing with Republican Party leaders, CAIR’s actions constitute a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

June 2010

Case #8: CAIR-NY urges Sen. Schumer to retract statement against Hamas

On June 14 CAIR-New York accused Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who faces reelection in November, of making statements that were “unconscionable, reprehensible and in blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life,” and demanded he retract them. CAIR lifted a quote from Schumer’s remarks at a public event on June 9 that it “makes sense” to “strangle [Gaza] economically,” while omitting the context of the statement in which Schumer made clear that his criticism was reserved for the Hamas regime and that “certainly there should be humanitarian aid and people not starving to death.”  The full quote follows:

The boycott of Gaza to me has another purpose — obviously the first purpose is to prevent Hamas from getting weapons by which they will use to hurt Israel — but the second is actually to show the Palestinians that when there’s some moderation and cooperation, they can have an economic advancement. When there’s total war against Israel, which Hamas wages, they’re going to get nowhere. And to me, since the Palestinians in Gaza elected Hamas, while certainly there should be humanitarian aid and people not starving to death, to strangle them economically until they see that’s not the way to go, makes sense.

Actions:

• On June 16 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Senator Charles Schumer concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and identifying CAIR’s urging Mr. Schumer to retract his statement as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #7: CAIR claims victory in Navy law-enforcement agency “Islamophobia” case

On March 23, 2010 CAIR called for a probe of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to investigate a report of “anti-Islam bias” in the NCIS’s training of security personnel.  CAIR had received a report that an NCIS surveillance detection course included the viewing of the movie “Obsession,” which CAIR terms a “propagandistic anti-Islam film” featuring “Islamophobes.”

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote a letter to NCIS Director Mark D. Clookie stating: “NCIS has an important role to play in securing our nation and can best carry out that role when its actions are based on accurate and balanced information, not on religious or ethnic stereotyping.”  Awad requested an investigation “to ensure that our nation’s security personnel are receiving training that is free of political or religious agendas.”

On May 11, 2010 a CAIR press release announced that the NCIS had acknowledged that the film “should not have been used in training,” citing a May 7 letter from NCIS Director Clookie to Nihad Awad.  CAIR concluded the release by expressing concern that “military, security and law enforcement personnel nationwide may be receiving agenda-driven Islamophobic training.”

Actions:

• Center for Security Policy sends a letter to Director Mark D. Clookie of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status, identifying their attempted censorship of a movie shown to train law enforcement as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #6: CAIR Asks Members of Congress and Pentagon officials to Disinvite Franklin Graham from Day of Prayer

On April 26 CAIR issued a press release urging congressional sponsors to disinvite Rev. Franklin Graham from the National Day of Prayer event scheduled for May 6, 2010 at the Cannon House Office Building.  CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor referred to Graham as an “Islamophobe” bringing a “message of religious intolerance.”

On April 22 CAIR issued an action alert urging the Pentagon to disinvite speaker Rev. Franklin Graham from a special day of prayer.  CAIR urged the public to contact the Pentagon’s public affairs office to express concerns about “a person with such Islamophobic views speaking to military personnel.”  On the same day Rev. Graham announced that he had indeed been disinvited by the army.  CAIR applauded the decision.

Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) called for hearings into the Pentagon’s “politically correct” decision on this matter.

Actions:

• On June 1 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to the Rev. Franklin Graham concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status, identifying their attempt to exclude Graham from the Pentagon prayer service as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

May 2010

Case #5: CAIR asks Tennessee Tea Party to drop “anti-Islam speaker”

CAIR called on the organizers of the inaugural Tennessee Tea Party Convention to disinvite blogger and Executive Director of Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) Pamela Geller from speaking at the event.  CAIR described Geller as an “extremist anti-Islam speaker, far-right blogger” and called SIOA a “hate group.”

“We ask that convention organizers not legitimize Geller’s extremist anti-Muslim rhetoric by offering her an official platform,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad also called on Rep. Steve King (R-IA) to cancel his scheduled keynote address to the convention if Geller was kept on the schedule.

The Tea Party refused CAIR’s demands and both Geller and King spoke as planned.

Actions:

• On May 26 the Center for Security Policy sent letters to Pamela Geller and U.S. Representative Steve King (R-IA) concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status, identifying their intimidation of the Tennessee Tea Party Convention and attempted silencing of Pamela Geller as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #4: CAIR calls on Connecticut GOP to repudiate candidate’s “Islamophobic” comments

The Connecticut  chapter of CAIR called on state Republican leaders to repudiate statements made by congressional candidate Rick Torres during a GOP primary debate.

CAIR’s press release described Torres’ remarks as “racist,” “anti-Muslim,” “intolerant,” and “Islamophobic.”  CAIR also attributed a May 10, 2010 bomb attack on a Florida  mosque to a “growing atmosphere of anti-Muslim sentiment nationwide that results from Islamophobic statements like those made by Torres.”

Actions:

• On May 20 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to congressional candidate Rick Torres and selected members of the Connecticut Republican leadership concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status, identifying their censure of Mr. Torres and intimidation of the CT-GOP as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

Case #3: CAIR Asks GOP to Repudiate “Islamophobic” Florida Ads

Description:

CAIR called on national Republican leaders to repudiate campaign advertisements released by Dan Fanelli, a Florida GOP Republican candidate for Congress. CAIR said the ads “advocate racial profiling and promote Islamophobia.” CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ramzy Kiliç called the ads “overt racism.” CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor called the ads “outrageously racist and Islamophobic” and called on local, state and national GOP leaders to condemn “such racist and un-American campaign tactics.”

Actions:

• On May 27 the Center for Security Policy sent letters to GOP congressional candidate Dan Fanelli and RNC Chairman Michael Steele concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status, identifying their intimidation of national Republican leaders and attempted censoring of Mr. Fanelli’s campaign ads as a foreign influence operation.  A copy of the letter was also sent to Bureau Chief Heather Hunt of the Foreign Agents Registration Unit at the Department of Justice.

April 2010

Case #2: Parvez Ahmed nominated to Jacksonville Human Rights Commission

Former CAIR Board Chairman (2005-2008) Parvez Ahmed was nominated to the Jacksonville (FL) Human Rights Commission by Mayor John Peyton.  On April 5 the city council Rules Committee recommended him for approval.  On April 16, responding to information on Ahmed provided by ACT for America, the Florida Security Council, Former Muslims United and others, the Jacksonville City Council voted 13-5 to refer the appointment back to the council Rules Committee. The Rules Committee approved the nomination again on April 19, this time by a vote of 4-1 with Councilman Clay Yarborough dissenting.

Actions:

• On April 15 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to the Jacksonville City Council concerning CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status and Parvez Ahmed’s responsibility as former Board Chairman.

• On April 16 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to the Jacksonville City Council concerning CAIR’s possible violation of Iranian Assets Control Regulations during  Parvez Ahmed’s tenure in 2006

Case #1: CAIR Smears Rep. Sue Myrick and ACT for America

On April 5 CAIR issued a press release urging GOP leaders to “insist” that Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-NC) withdraw support from the non-profit grassroots advocacy organization ACT! for America.  CAIR referred to ACT! for America, the largest national security citizens organization in the United States, as an “anti-Islam hate group.”

On April 13 CAIR-Tampa echoed the CAIR national office message  with this action alert and directed readers to a petition calling for 5,000 signatures condemning the GOP and Myrick for associating with ACT! for America.  CAIR enlisted Reverend Wilifred Allen-Faiella of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, FL to provide “interfaith” credibility for their attack.

Actions:

• On April 15 the Center for Security Policy sent a letter to Rev. Allen-Faiella alerting her to CAIR’s unregistered foreign agent status.

• On April 18 Big Government posted an article on this subject by CAIR Observatory Editor Adam Savit.