Arab journalists denounce Congressional effort to censor Arab World media reporting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mounzer Sleiman, Ph.D

Telephone: (202) 341-7047

Email: globalzr@aol.com

WAAJ EXPRESSES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER HR 2278 UNWISELY

TARGETTING ARAB MEDIA

The Bill Paves the Way to Crack Down on Freedom of Expression

WASHINGTON, DC, February 24, 2010— U.S. Congress is currently debating passing a bill designed to suffocate freedom of expression throughout the Arab World. The Bill, H.R. 2278, while broadly worded stipulates that the President submit to Congress a “report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East, and for other purposes.” The Bill, passed the House with three dissenting votes, is aimed at certain satellite television outlets as “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” groups.

While the Bill sponsors maintain that the intention is not to suppress freedom of expression, if it passes the Senate, is precisely what it seeks to accomplish. The United States is historically credited with uncompromising resolve to defend freedom of expression; however, the Bill and its sponsors are setting a dangerous precedent to the contrary.  As CNN’s veritable journalist, Fareed Zakaria, eloquently argued on his show broadcast on Sunday, February 21, 2010, “… freedom of speech … competition of ideas … and the exporting of these ideas have historically been the cornerstone” of U.S. Foreign Policy.

The sponsors rush to pass into law a repressive measure is disturbing and may lead to legitimizes further acts of containing a vibrant freedom of expression current. We urge our colleagues in the various outlets of U.S. media to expose this narrative and continue to support expressions to bring political reform.

The Washington Association of Arab Journalists (WAAJ) is a professional organization, based in Washington, D.C., and represents accredited Arab journalists.

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AAI Condemns Congressman's Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. King

AAI Condemns Congressman's Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. King

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDirector of Communications: Christina Zola, 202-429-9210, ext. 21 or 202-494-9859

AAI Condemns Congressman's Anti-Muslim Remarks, Calls on Congressional Leaders to Censure Rep. KingWASHINGTON - March 10, 2008 - The Arab American Institute (AAI) condemns remarks made by Congressman Steve King (R-IA) linking Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to al-Qaeda and Islamist extremism and suggesting that the senator's election as U.S. President would jeopardize national security. AAI calls on Congressional leadership to formally censure these comments. AAI is deeply troubled that Senator Obama's name continues to raise suspicions about his religious affiliation and is especially concerned about how commonplace and acceptable it has become to defame and degrade Islam. Any notion that questions the fitness of any loyal American to elected office because of race or religion is unacceptable and must be addressed.

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) said this weekend that "if [Obama] is elected president, then the radical Islamists and their supporters will be dancing in the streets in greater numbers than they did on September 11 because they will declare victory in this War on Terror." The congressman went on to say that "[Obama's] middle name does matter...because they read a meaning into that in the rest of the world...They will be dancing in the streets because of his middle name [and] because of who his father was and because of his posture that says: pull out of the Middle East and pull out of this conflict." These disparaging and dishonest comments by Congressman King only demonstrate how anti-Muslim rhetoric and general Islamophobia have come to be accepted in our national discourse since September 11, 2001.

"We believe that Congressman King's comments and behavior go beyond politics and partisanship and must be addressed by Congress as a whole," said AAI President Dr. James Zogby. "It is outrageous when a radio talk show host spews such venom, but it is much worse and sends a dangerous message when such statements come from the ranking Republican member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. He must be held accountable by his colleagues."

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.
For more information on AAI, please visit www.aaiusa.org.

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