Over at the global jihadi Islam Online, Sheik Yusuf Al-Qaradawi's site (who now has an office in Washington DC), has this interview with Obama's first Muslim woman appointee,
Egyptian born (any Americans in this administration?) Dalia Mogahed serves up plenty of taqiyya, but once you speak the language, you can read between the lines. The Organization of the Islamic Conference has its operatives in place in a Muhammadan presidency.
WASHINGTON - Dalia Mogahed, a hijab-clad American Muslim, has made history being the first Muslim woman appointed to a position in President Barack Obama's administration.
She sets on a newly-formed interfaith advisory board the administration hopes will improve relations with Muslims in the US and across the globe.
The Egyptian-born American heads the
Gallup American Center for Muslim Studies, a research center that produces
studies on Muslim public opinion worldwide.
- How do you feel about being the first Muslim appointed to the Obama administration?
I am not actually the first Muslim. There have been other Muslims appointed to Obama's administration. I am also not the only Muslim on the White House advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I join Dr. Eboo Patel as the second Muslim on the council. I am, however, the first Muslim woman in this council. I feel very honored for the privilege to serve in this way, but also recognize the responsibility that I've agreed to take on. I see my role much more in terms of what needs to get done rather than a historical accomplishment. I believe the accomplishments are yet to be fulfilled.
- What is the role of the Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership?
I am a member of a 25-person advisory council to the White House focused on offering solutions for societal problems sourced in the wisdom of faith communities. More specifically, I am on the Inter-religious Dialogue and Cooperation Task Force, a group of only 5. We will work on recommendations for our area of focus and these will be reviewed by the larger council and then included in an annual report with recommendations from the council to the President.
- What is your role as an advisor on Islam?
I would not say I am an advisor on Islam. I would say that it is my role to convey the facts about what Muslims think and feel. I see my role as offering the voices of the silenced majority of Muslims in America and around the world to the council so that our deliberations are informed by their ideas and wisdom. I believe that I was chosen because the administration cares about what Muslims think and wants to listen.
- What kind of advise would you be giving Obama to improve relations with US Muslims and the Muslim world?
I would advise him to listen first and foremost. Many have claimed that terrorists have 'hijacked Islam'. I disagree. I think Islam is safe and thriving in the lives of Muslims around the world. What the terrorists have been allowed to take over are Muslim grievances. Muslim concerns over injustice have been largely dismissed by the previous administration leaving a vacuum exploited by extremists. This is a dangerous reality for all of us. Instead, the US must hear mainstream Muslim concerns even if America does not agree with their perceptions. These issues can no longer be ignored or left and the extremists to monopolize.
- What areas of domestic and foreign policies you think the administration should be introducing change in?
I would endorse the action plan outlined in the report "Changing Course" which recommends four areas of action: Respect, Reform (political and economic) and Resolution of conflict.
BLUEPRINT FOR US SURRENDER TO ISLAM: THE US MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT...
I have blogged on this document, the blueprint for dhimmitude in the US, which was set out by the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
When it comes to the US, I would recommend that a senior member of the administration go on a "listening tour" of the US and hear what Muslim Americans are concerned over. Like all Americans, they are worried about the economic crisis, their financial future and jobs. And like many other US citizens, Muslim Americans are also worried about racial profiling, discriminatory immigration policy and the erosion of civil liberties.
- What do you think of the rising Islamphobia in America?
Islamphobia in America is very real. Gallup finds that Muslims are among the most unfavorably viewed groups in the US and only a little over a third of Americans say they have no prejudice against Muslims. This presents a grave danger to America as a whole. The disease of racism, by definition, is a bias in judgment. This means that racism clouds sound judgment and leads people to make irrational decisions. It also divides a nation and prevents the full utilization of its intellectual and cultural resources. Racism is wasteful. Racism is a strategic disadvantage. I am very proud of the progress America has made in fighting this problem as it relates to the relationship between blacks and whites. In 1956 only 4% of Americans approved of a marriage between whites and blacks. The marriage that produced our president was illegal in Virginia when he was born. Today 80% of Americans approve of marriage between blacks and whites. Last year, Barack Obama became the first Democratic Presidential candidate in decades to carry Virginia. We are a stronger and smarter nation because of this growth. Our next growth spurt will be in ridding our society of anti-Muslim prejudice.
- What do you think US Muslims themselves need to do?
Muslim Americans lag behind other Americans in their political and civic participation according to our research (National Portrait). The best thing they can do to strengthen America is to become fully engaged in writing its next chapter by getting involved and feeling a strong sense of ownership for the future of their country.
UPDATE: OT but related: BTW, if your missed one of Al Qaradawi's latest interviews go here: Sheik Yousuf Al-Qaradhawi: Allah Imposed Hitler upon the Jews to Punish Them
