March 23, 2016

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Dear Friend,

In the most recent string of terrorist attacks, including Turkey, Mali and now Belgium, we have seen a recent spike in global violence claiming the lives of dozens of innocent civilians. In Brussels, over 30 lives were lost; a car bomb in Ankara left at least 37 people dead; in Istanbul, a suspected ISIS-connected suicide bomber killed at least four people this past Saturday; yesterday, a gunman attacked an EU training mission headquarters in Bamako, Mali.

Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of all who were impacted by the attacks in these countries. We cannot ignore the undeniable violence we have seen in various countries across the world recently.

The response from presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz to the attacks in Brussels are what is to be expected from those who are willing to exploit this tragedy to push their hate-filled political agendas. Their proposals to “close our borders” and “patrol Muslim neighborhoods” is infested with wicked opportunism and is a divisive measure to push fear-driven policies on American voters.

What the world needs now are leaders who are able to take on the complexities of the challenges we currently face, be able to look past politics and offer real solutions on the issues.

It does not matter where the attacks take place. Whether in Belgium, Turkey, or Mali -- We must stand united for the common cause of ending all violence and attacks on our values as Americans and people of conscience.

In Peace,

Salam Al-Marayati

MPAC President