Islamist influence in American politics is growing steadily. |
PHILADELPHIA – July 26, 2019 – The Middle East Forum has launched the Islamism in Politics (IIP) project, to monitor and challenge the growing danger of Islamist influence in politics.
Working with Muslim reformers, activists, and political leaders, IIP counters the growing power of Islamist groups in Washington D.C. and state capitals. IIP grew out of the Forum’s Islamist Money in Politics project, which tracks Islamist campaign contributions to political candidates. In particular, they have adopted the tactic of building coalitions with non-Muslim progressives. IIP continues to track these payments, as just one of many new and upcoming IIP initiatives.
IIP Director Oren Litwin and IIP Coordinator Benjamin Baird will explain the threat posed by Islamist involvement in politics, research Islamist efforts in both the Capitol and state legislatures across the United States, and organize to counter these efforts.
“The time has come to stand up to the Islamist establishment, which for far too long has forced itself on American Muslims,” said Mr. Baird. “Now it is working to impose its agenda on American politics. A new array of Islamist organizations, closely linked to the old ones, are fielding hundreds of candidates, organizing ‘Muslim Day’ lobbying events in state capitals, raising money through donor clubs and PACs, and drafting Islamist legislation designed to undermine democratic interests.”
The growing power of Islamist political endeavors was on full display last week. |
The launch of IIP comes in the wake of the “Muslim Collective for Equitable Democracy” conference in Washington, D.C. The conference highlighted the growing power of Islamist political endeavors and the concerns of ordinary Muslims with these self-appointed Islamist spokespeople, politicians and lobbyists. Widespread media coverage followed the decision of Representative Ilhan Omar (Democrat of Minnesota) to denounce a Muslim activist at the conference who asked her about efforts to combat the illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Several leading reformist Muslim activists have now released statements warning of the conference’s underlying Islamist agenda.
“The Islamists’ recent political success points to the need for Islamists in Politics,” notes Shireen Qudosi, national correspondent for the Clarion Project. “IIP is precisely the kind of initiative we reform Muslims need.”
The Middle East Forum argues that “radical Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution.”
The Middle East Forum promotes American interests and protects Western civilization from Islamism through a unique combination of original ideas, effective activism, and funding allies.
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Sam Westrop
Islamist Watch Director
215-546-5406
westrop@MEForum.org
