This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
Muslim Public Affairs Council
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free speech

Cenk Uygur: “Your Rights Aren’t Worth Anything If You Don’t Use Them”

Videos
american muslims
Cenk Uygur
civic engagement
civil rights
constitution
free speech
mpac
muslim public affairs council
Political Courage
salam al-marayati
The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati
The Young Turks
On October 9, 2026 By MPAC
In this clip from Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, The Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur delivers an impassioned message on civic participation, constitutional rights, and overcoming institutional intimidation. Cenk reminds American Muslims that they are 100% American with full constitutional protections - and that rights mean nothing unless communities have the courage to exercise them. Disclaimer:The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff. Watch full podcast episodes, analysis, and interviews on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Links in the description! Subscribe to MPAC's channel: http://bit.ly/MPACYouTube Like MPAC on Facebook: http://fb.com/mpacnational Follow MPAC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mpac_national Follow MPAC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mpac_national Visit MPAC's website: http://mpac.org About the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) We improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Help us to continue this work by making a donation today: http://mpac.org/give.
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Cenk Uygur on Media Propaganda, Foreign Policy & Challenging the Establishment

Videos
Cenk Uygur
free speech
Independent Media
Media Criticism
mpac
muslim public affairs council
Political Reform
Public Opinion
salam al-marayati
The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati
The Young Turks
TYT
US foreign policy
On October 7, 2026 By MPAC
On Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, host Salam Al-Marayati sits down with Cenk Uygur, founder and host of The Young Turks. Tracing the media landscape from the early 2000s Iraq War coverage to the current crisis in the Middle East, Cenk and Salam discuss how independent digital platforms broke through traditional network narratives, the shift in American public opinion regarding foreign intervention, and the structural hurdles that prevent public consensus from translating into political power. Cenk also details why he left cable news, the founding of TYT, and the vital role of civic organizing and courageous independent commentary. Timestamps: 00:00 - Teaser & Introduction 01:36 - Mainstream Media Guardrails vs. Independent Journalism 04:11 - The Iraq War, Narrative Control & Shifting Public Sentiment 10:36 - Translating 98% Public Support Into Actual Political Power 14:39 - Economic Vulnerabilities, Middle East Conflicts & Domestic Impact 24:46 - Regional Geopolitics: Gulf Alliances & Transnational Pressure 34:40 - Local Politics & The Gaza Litmus Test in Los Angeles 51:13 - The Origin of The Young Turks: From Sirius Radio to YouTube 57:51 - Civic Courage: Why Americans Must Speak Up and Organize Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff. Subscribe to MPAC's channel: http://bit.ly/MPACYouTube Like MPAC on Facebook: http://fb.com/mpacnational Follow MPAC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mpac_national Follow MPAC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mpac_national Visit MPAC's website: http://mpac.org About the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) We improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Help us to continue this work by making a donation today: http://mpac.org/give.
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TYT’S Cenk Uygur on Media Propaganda, Foreign Policy & Challenging the Establishment |

Videos
Cenk Uygur
free speech
Independent Media
Media Criticism
mpac
muslim public affairs council
Political Reform
Public Opinion
salam al-marayati
The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati
The Young Turks
TYT
US foreign policy
On October 7, 2026 By MPAC
On Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, host Salam Al-Marayati sits down with Cenk Uygur, founder and host of The Young Turks. Tracing the media landscape from the early 2000s Iraq War coverage to the current crisis in the Middle East, Cenk and Salam discuss how independent digital platforms broke through traditional network narratives, the shift in American public opinion regarding foreign intervention, and the structural hurdles that prevent public consensus from translating into political power. Cenk also details why he left cable news, the founding of TYT, and the vital role of civic organizing and courageous independent commentary. Timestamps: 00:00 - Teaser & Introduction 01:36 - Mainstream Media Guardrails vs. Independent Journalism 04:11 - The Iraq War, Narrative Control & Shifting Public Sentiment 10:36 - Translating 98% Public Support Into Actual Political Power 14:39 - Economic Vulnerabilities, Middle East Conflicts & Domestic Impact 24:46 - Regional Geopolitics: Gulf Alliances & Transnational Pressure 34:40 - Local Politics & The Gaza Litmus Test in Los Angeles 51:13 - The Origin of The Young Turks: From Sirius Radio to YouTube 57:51 - Civic Courage: Why Americans Must Speak Up and Organize Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff. Subscribe to MPAC's channel: http://bit.ly/MPACYouTube Like MPAC on Facebook: http://fb.com/mpacnational Follow MPAC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mpac_national Follow MPAC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mpac_national Visit MPAC's website: http://mpac.org About the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) We improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Help us to continue this work by making a donation today: http://mpac.org/give.
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Statement: The Burning of the Quran, Free Speech, and Double Standards in Public Discourse

Statements
free speech
hate speech
human rights
islam
islamophobia
quran
sweden
On January 27, 2023 By MPAC
Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | January 27, 2023 — The recent burning of the Quran in Sweden has brought into the mainstream questions around freedom of expression, the continued rise of right-wing ideologies across the globe, and double standards in public discourse.  Freedom of speech, enshrined in the…
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