November 19, 2014

The Muslim Public Affairs Council is extremely concerned with the United Arab Emirates’ decision to include two American Muslim organizations, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim American Society (MAS), on a terrorism designation list.

SEE: "Two U.S. Islamic Groups Called Terrorist by U.A.E." (Bloomberg)

The list compares the two institutions to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram. These American Muslim institutions work on various advocacy, civil rights, education and community empowerment programs and are supported by various American Muslim communities.

MPAC sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry requesting a response and clarification ensuring that the inclusion of these American Muslim groups on this list will in no way negatively impact government policies toward American Muslims and the manner in which the government engages with American Muslim communities and individuals.

Foreign governments should in no way impact how the U.S. government deals with legally-established domestic institutions functioning within the United States. American Muslims or their institutions should not be used as tools by foreign governments in their geopolitical goals and policies..