Columbus’s CAIR connection

From Central Ohioans Against Terrorism:

Following up on exclusive information we have provided here at the COAT blog, FrontPage Magazine today profiles our Columbus homeboy, Ahmad Al-Akhras, “Hometown Jihad: Getting By With a Little Help From His (Terrorist) Friends“. The article notes that Al-Akhras is one of Mayor Coleman’s closest associates, but also maintains some not-so-fashionable friendships. Say, with two Columbus men charged with being part of an active al-Qaeda cell. Or with his “longtime” friend, Cleveland imam Fawaz Damra, who was deported earlier this year after being convicted for being part of the terrorist Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization. And Ahmad Al-Akhras has been there to defend them all publicly.

Here’s the opening graf from the FrontPage article:

No one can deny that Ahmad Al-Akhras, CAIR National Vice Chairman and Columbus, Ohio-area resident, is connected. He is one of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman’s closest advisors, which no doubt has helped Al-Akhras get appointed to the city’s Community Relations Commission, the Street Car Working Group [pdf], and named chairman of the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission. Al-Akhras makes his living working for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. And as one of the first five inductees to the Leadership Columbus Hall of Fame, he circulates among the rich and powerful of the Central Ohio elite.

If you’re not concerned about CAIR, let me quote again from the Cleveland Jewish News:

CAIR has been presented as a civil rights group advocating acceptance of and equality for American Muslims. But there is another side to CAIR. Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) describes it as an organization “which we know has ties to terrorism.” And (anti-terrorist expert) Steve Emerson calls it “a radical front group for Hamas.”

CAIR officials have been indicted for various charges ranging from fundraising for terrorist organizations to aiding and abetting jihadists. An ADL report observed that CAIR was founded by leaders of the Islamic Association for Palestine, a Hamas-affiliated, anti-Semitic propaganda organization and that CAIR also endorsed and participated in several anti-Israel rallies supporting Hezbollah last August.

When he’s not helping to plan trolleys for the streets of Columbus, Dr. Al-Akhras can be found in the newspaper saying good things about Ohio terror suspects. On Christopher Paul:

“From the things I know, he is a loving husband and he has a wife and parents in town,” Al-Akhras said Thursday. “They are a good family together.”

On Nuradin Abdi:

“What we know about him is unlike how he is portrayed,” said Ahmad Al-Akhras, president of the Ohio office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

I’m sure they’re both quite charming. Here’s my previous post on Gov. Strickland’s dinner with CAIR.

One comment on “Columbus’s CAIR connection”

  1. Posted by Muslims Against Sharia | Nov 14, 2007 12:23 am

    Emerson, a Jew who gets it
    A perspective of a moderate Muslim

    At the risk of sounding anti-Semitic, I want to say this: either American Jews are completely clueless about the internal struggle inside Islam or they are so cowardly, that they are even afraid to voice their opinion. Or maybe it’s a combination of both.

    Every time there is a development that involves radical Islam, be it a Mayor of New York attending an Islamist parade, DOJ’s officials attending an Islamist conference, or a protester being sued for having the balls to expose an Islamist-sponsored event at an amusement park, the American Jewish community is as quiet as a church mouse. It’s like it is not even there.

    The effect of this silence is devastating. Not for the Jewish community, not yet. That time is still to come. The silence affects the American Muslim community. Every time moderate Muslims are ignored and Islamists are legitimized (by either direct support from government representatives or silent support of the ADL), radicals gain ground. In the current PC climate, moderate Muslims have pretty much no choice but to keep their mouths shut.

    Luckily for us, not everyone in the Jewish community is like that. There are some Jews that are speaking out. One of them is Steven Emerson, who has been warning the West about the dangers of Islamic fundamentalism since before PanAm 103. Most of his current work is focused on exposing the radicals masquerading as the moderates – those radicals who are embraced by the DOJ and the Pentagon, by the mayor of New York Bloomberg (Rudy would never get into bed with terrorist supporters) and the Treasury Department, by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, by the Congress and the White House.

    There is a war of ideas within Islam, and moderate Muslims are losing. Most of Muslim clergy and Muslim establishment are paid for by the Wahhabis. Moderate Muslims are being run out of Mosques and community centers, and in many cases are physically threatened. Moderate Muslims have no place in the media or public debate, because the place reserved for Muslims is filled by Islamic radicals, who attempt to make criticizing anything Islamic a taboo. According to the Islamists, a Muslim can do no wrong.
    1. When a non-Muslim criticizes Islam or Muslims, he/she is an Islamophobe.
    2. When a Muslim criticizes Islam or Muslim, he/she is not a real Muslim, therefore see #1.

    This is a tactic used by “moderate” Muslims, the darlings of the government and the media. But how can you call someone who praises bin Laden, or has ties to Hamas, or calls for the elimination of Israel, or wants to replace the Constitution with the Koran a moderate? They are anything but moderates, however nobody except for a few people like Steven Emerson seems to notice that. But even when the Emersons of America appeal to the public, they are often being dismissed as alarmists and racists. Well, they are anything, but. You don’t have to be a clairvoyant to predict the future when it comes to expansion of radical Islam and extinction of moderate Muslims. All you need to do is get your heads out of the sand.

    Why our government is so forgiving and forgetful when it comes to individuals or organizations with known terrorist ties and anti-American views is beyond me. Why the Jewish leaders are so timid when it comes to the subject of radical Islam is incomprehensible.

    I thank God every day for people like Steven Emerson, because they are the last glimmer of hope for moderate Muslims.

    K.M.

    Original post

Leave a comment

The Feed

2 Dead In Ohio After Stabbed Woman Strikes Child

Cleveland police investigating two deaths say a woman who had been stabbed in the neck apparently tried to drive a vehicle and struck a 2-year-old....

nbc4i.com

May 18, 2012 6:00 am

Tip Leads Deputies To Apparent Meth Lab

An anonymous tip leads authorities to what is being called a clandestine methamphetamine lab in Beaver,Ohio.

nbc4i.com

May 18, 2012 5:31 am

Overnight Fire Razes Local Feed Store

An overnight fire tears through local feed supply store.

nbc4i.com

May 18, 2012 4:46 am

Suspect Opens Fire On Officers On The South Side

Columbus police patrol officers and SWAT officers have been called to the South Side on a report of an officer involved shooting.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 9:59 pm

Suspect Opens Fire On Officers On The South Side

Columbus police patrol officers and SWAT officers have been called to the South Side on a report of an officer involved shooting.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 9:59 pm

Police K-9: An Officer's Best Friend And A Criminal's Worst Enemy

Whether it's finding drugs or catching criminals, police K-9 units have proven to be valuable and effective tools in law enforcement.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 8:58 pm

Police K-9: An Officer's Best Friend And A Criminal's Worst Enemy

Whether it's finding drugs or catching criminals, police K-9 units have proven to be valuable and effective tools in law enforcement.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 8:58 pm

Suspect Opens Fire On Officers On The South Side

Columbus police patrol officers and SWAT officers have been called to the South Side on a report of an officer involved shooting.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 8:28 pm

NBC4 Investigates Alleged Misuse Of School Seclusion Rooms

NBC4 is investigating the use of seclusion rooms in Central Ohio, and getting you answers on why Ohio doesn't regulate the use of restraints and....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:15 pm

NBC4 Investigates Alleged Misuse Of School Seclusion Rooms

NBC4 is investigating the use of seclusion rooms in Central Ohio, and getting you answers on why Ohio doesn't regulate the use of restraints and....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:15 pm

NBC4 Investigates Alleged Misuse Of School Seclusion Rooms

NBC4 is investigating the use of seclusion rooms in Central Ohio, and getting you answers on why Ohio doesn't regulate the use of restraints and....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:09 pm

Honeybees Dying Or Disappearing Again

Honeybees pollinate one-third of American crops that end up on our dining-room table.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:04 pm

Honeybees Dying Or Disappearing Again

Honeybees pollinate one-third of American crops that end up on our dining-room table.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:04 pm

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:02 pm

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 5:02 pm

Propane Tank Explosion Destroys Garage, Rattles Village

A propane tank exploded at a former repair shop in Champaign County Thursday afternoon, destroying the building and several vehicles inside.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 4:50 pm

MORPC reconsidering its options for downtown HQ

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has cooled on plans to buy the building at 99 E. Main St. in Columbus for its headquarters, sending the....

Business First of Columbus

May 17, 2012 4:09 pm

Not Guilty Pleas In Ohio Adoptive Dad Rape Case

Not guilty pleas have been entered for an adoptive father accused of raping a boy in his care at a southwest Ohio home where authorities say another....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:28 pm

Biden: Running Company Not Same As Leading Country

Vice President Joe Biden says the business background of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is not all that's needed to run a....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:27 pm

Alabama Fan Indicted On After-BCS Game Sex Charge

An Alabama fan has been charged with sexual battery after authorities say he was captured on video performing a simulated sex act on an unconscious....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:15 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

Patrol To Hold OVI Checkpoints In 5 Local Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” Friday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 3:01 pm

CPD Invites Community Members To Tonight's Police Memorial

The Columbus Division of Police would like to extend an invitation to all Central Ohio residents to attend the annual police memorial ceremony....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 2:55 pm

Loose Horse Causes Traffic Issues During Morning Commute

An escaped horse caused some traffic issues on the city’s west side Thursday morning.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 2:34 pm

Ceasefire Columbus Pushing Forward With Message

As Columbus Police swarmed a Columbus neighborhood Wednesday, community leaders are coming together Thursday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 2:34 pm

Michigan Boy Finds Finger Piece In Arby's Sandwich

A Michigan teen finishing off an Arby's roast beef sandwich chomped down on something tough that tasted like rubber, so he spit it out.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 2:19 pm

Ohio State Highway Patrol To Hold "All Out Day"

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be conducting an “All Out Day” on May 18, which consists of high visibility on the roads to deter....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 2:08 pm

Bob-Boyd making fresh start as city’s lone Lincoln dealer

Bob-Boyd Lincoln of Columbus relocated to the northwest side a year ago, but the Dawes family could be forgiven if they view Thursday as the real....

Business First of Columbus

May 17, 2012 1:51 pm

4 Shot, 2 Dead, In West Louisville Neighborhood

Police say two of four people have died after being shot on a street corner in a west Louisville neighborhood.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 1:48 pm

Police Name Shooting Suspect, Say He Might Be Wounded

Columbus police have named a gunman they believe was the subject of a SWAT situation with police on Wednesday evening at 910 S. Champion Avenue.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 1:24 pm

Loose Horse Causes Traffic Issues During Morning Commute

An escaped horse caused some traffic issues on the city’s west side Thursday morning.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:46 pm

Apartment Fire Victim Identified

The Franklin County coroner has positively identified the man whose body was found in a hallway of a burning apartment building Sunday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:18 pm

Donna Summer, Queen Of Disco, Dies At 63

Disco queen Donna Summer, whose pulsing anthems became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, has died. She was....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:16 pm

Teacher Suspended For Inappropiate Language

Jefferson Local School District Social Studies teacher Don Hammer was suspended for the rest of the school year for inappropiate comments to a female....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:14 pm

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:06 pm

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 12:06 pm

Ernst & Young study favorable to Kasich’s oil and gas tax plan

An Ernst & Young LLP study on Gov. John Kasich’s oil and gas severance tax proposal has prompted a bit of a dust-up between the influential Ohio....

Business First of Columbus

May 17, 2012 12:03 pm

Ohio Lawyer Disciplined For Intercepting Emails

The Ohio Supreme Court is temporarily suspending the law license of a former state lawyer who was fired for intercepting sensitive emails between....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:54 am

Biden: Running Company Not Same As Leading Country

Vice President Joe Biden says the business background of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is not all that's needed to run a....

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:45 am

Apartment Fire Victim Identified

The Franklin County coroner has positively identified the man whose body was found in a hallway of a burning apartment building Sunday.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:44 am

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:26 am

Donna Summer, 63, Dead After Cancer Battle

Disco legend Donna Summer died Thursday at age 63 after a battle with cancer.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:18 am

Investigation

Plunderbund has breaking news:Two months ago Portage County Republican Party Chairman Andrew Manning asked the FBI to look into allegations that....

Ohio 15th District

May 17, 2012 11:11 am

Report: Donna Summer Dead At 63

Disco legend Donna Summer died Thursday at age 63 after a battle with cancer.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 11:06 am

MedCentral partner search could inspire Columbus-Cleveland tug-of-wa

As Mansfield’s MedCentral Health System seeks a dance partner, will it curtsy toward Frankie Yankovic – or swoon for Capsoul? Officials at....

Business First of Columbus

May 17, 2012 11:05 am

Charter School Treasurer Accused Of Embezzlement

UPDATE: A Ohio charter school treasurer is accused of embezzling $472,000 in taxpayer dollars.

nbc4i.com

May 17, 2012 10:51 am