DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - MINNESOTA: AMERICA'S FIRST MOSLEM CONGRESSMAN BLOVIATES

Call for peaceful solution to conflict
By Jumana Al Tamimi, GCC & Middle East Editor

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Do you see any role for yourself in helping correct the distorted image of Islam and Muslims in the United States after the terrorist attacks of 9/11? (Could you please explain that role?)

To the extent that I can, I certainly want to use my faith in a positive manner. My faith embraces peace, equality and justice. Those who committed the horrific acts of terrorism on 9/11 hijacked not only planes, but my faith as well. It is up to all Muslims to help restore our faith to its rightful place in the panoply of peaceful religions. We can do so by considering ourselves ambassadors of our faith; knowing that the way in which we lead, live and conduct our daily lives reflects that in the eyes of the world.

What is your priority at present?

We spent the first 100 hours of the new Democratic Congress enacting the agenda of our leadership; an ambitious and progressive agenda that will restore dignity and fairness to the ordinary, hard-working families of America. I am working hard with other Congress members to extricate us from the Iraq war. I have joined the Out of Iraq Caucus and have spoken out on several occasions against the President's plan to escalate US participation in that war.

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Arabs and Muslims in the US and in the Middle East praised your election. Where do Middle East issues come in your areas of concern and attention?

First and foremost, peace is the guiding principle of all of my beliefs. Historically, it has been a guiding principle of our nation. I want to help restore it to its rightful place. We need to start using smart diplomacy to solve conflicts and not smart bombs. I believe we must find a peaceful, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and I don't believe that our involvement in Iraq is helping us move toward that goal.

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Appeasing moslem democratic jihadist...

Pertinent Links:

1) Call for peaceful solution to conflict