October 18, 2007

Feds Not Doing Homework On Virginia Madrassa?

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends that Congress take action to shut down a notorious Saudi-financed school in Virginia for teaching hatred and intolerance. Its report notes that schools in Saudi Arabia routinely use textbooks that contain inaccurate and hostile interpretations of Judaism and Christianity, and that these same texts are used in the Virginia madrassa. But are they, and did the USCIRF bother to check before filing its report?

A private Islamic school supported by the Saudi government should be shut down until the U.S. government can ensure the school is not fostering radical Islam, a federal panel recommends.

In a report released Thursday, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom broadly criticized what it calls a lack of religious freedom in Saudi society and promotion of religious extremism at Saudi schools.

Particular criticism is leveled at the Islamic Saudi Academy, a private school serving nearly 1,000 students in grades K-12 at two campuses in northern Virginia's Fairfax County.

The commission's report says the academy hews closely to the curriculum used at Saudi schools, which they criticize for promoting hatred of and intolerance against Jews, Christians and Shiite Muslims.

The school itself disputed the report, at least as far as it concerned ISA. The Virginia school's director complained that the USCIRF had not contacted the school, nor had it reviewed the textbooks in use now. After a series of negative reports following 9/11, ISA claims it has replaced those texts with new books that do not contain any negative references to other religions, and that the Saudis consider ISA a model for school reform. Its spokesman also insisted that the school employs both Christians and Jews as teachers.

The USCIRF responded by saying that contacting the school directly went beyond its mandate. It asked the State Department to investigate, and now claims they never got a response. In other words, the USCIRF actually has no idea whether ISA still uses those texts or not, despite the invitation extended through the press to have the USCIRF or the media come to the school to find out for themselves.

ISA has had a history of radicalism, so this isn't a case of wild paranoia by the USCIRF. The US has prosecuted one former student for joining al-Qaeda and plotting to assassinate President Bush. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali is now serving 30 years for those crimes. The Saudi ambassador's role as chairman of the board of ISA also has raised eyebrows about the nature of the curriculum and the propriety of his involvement there. And the Saudis have spent millions of dollars exporting Wahhabism through schools such as these, a practice that certainly doesn't help ecumenical understanding.

However, before we start demanding ISA's closure, would it be too much to ask USCIRF to actually go to ISA and make an independent determination? ISA appears willing to meet with them, and it would be better to have real information rather than sheer speculation. We should take action against schools that teach hatred and terrorism, but if we want credibility in that effort, we at least have to have the facts straight.

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Comments (26)

Posted by PierreLegrand | October 18, 2007 8:04 AM

No the school should be closed on principle. IF they have changed it is only to avoid being closed. The philosophy is still there and that means it will spring right back up as soon as we turn out heads.

We are war with these folks isn't it time we stop allowing them to recruit inside our very borders?

Posted by Immolate | October 18, 2007 8:13 AM

Agreed on principle Captain, but the issue doesn't rise to the level of concern for me when the majority of ivy-league universities in the US are offering majors in sedition and globalism. There is no shortage of talented lawyers willing to represent fringe clients. They are the protection my sense of justice requires for these test cases of the first amendment. I don't want the feds to violate the Constitution, but they inevitably will. I am not overly stressed by that unless such abuse withstands judicial scrutiny.

Posted by Otter | October 18, 2007 8:19 AM

But, Ed, this is just Multiculturalism in action! The Left Loooooves this stuff!

Quote from ‘Social Justice in islam,’ by Sayyid Qutb (one of the fathers of the Jihad movement that the Left denies even exists):

‘So, the islamic belief is that humanity is an essential unity; it’s scattered elements must be brought together, it’s diversity must give place to unity, it’s variety of creeds must in the end be brought into one.’

‘There can be no permanent system in human life until this integration and unification has taken place… even justifying the use of force against those who deviate from it.’
---

So much for multiculturalism.

Posted by patrick neid | October 18, 2007 8:53 AM

Just to have some entertainment with this we should inform the Saudis that any and all funding will be denied until other religions are allowed schools in Saudi Arabia. All schools will be closed here in the interim.

We could start by telling them that they will no longer be allowed to strip all visitors to Saudi Arabia of any religious jewelry, personal bibles etc. You know, tell them that they have to start being decent human beings respectful of other peoples choices in religion.

When this common sense approach to things starts happening I think the world will be well on its way towards a better future. We are knowingly letting a cancerous disease spread inside the US--Whabbism. We're nuts under the pretense of being open. Allowing this sect is no different than letting honor killings, wife burnings etc take place here because it's a "cultural thing".

Posted by Papa Ray | October 18, 2007 9:15 AM

So far, all the comments bring up excellent points and suggestions.

But, as everyone here understands, none of this will ever be done...well, maybe not ever, but when it is either almost too late or after some "Student" blows up a mall or uses some method to kill hundreds or thousands of American civilians.

We as a Nation, are starting to understand the threat, but our Government doesn't seem to or if one dept does, gets no help from the rest of the government.

Our Homeland Security is a joke. They shakedown the innocent and let the bombs and illegals walk right in. Our ports are not protected at all, our seashores are so unprotected that thousands of Islamics could be landed each day.

Don't start me on our Northern and Southern borders.

Do you know how often your water supply is checked or tested in your city? In mine, complete testing is only done 4 times a year. and the facility is not even guarded or has cameras.

Unprotected..yes and a disaster waiting to happen.

Papa Ray
West Texas
USA

Posted by TomB | October 18, 2007 9:31 AM

I second patrik neid:
"We're nuts under the pretense of being open."

Posted by Burford Holly | October 18, 2007 10:05 AM

Well, if you want religious schools and religious school textbooks, the federal government can't go picking which religions are officially "good." Heck, aren't madrassas entitled to "faith based" financial aid? The GOP policies are creating a many-headed monster.

>But, Ed, this is just Multiculturalism
>in action! The Left Loooooves this stuff!

Yep, the left just adores fundamentalist religion in public schools. Can't get enough of it.

Posted by obladioblada | October 18, 2007 10:19 AM

I'm no supporter of jihadists, but isn't it a little dangerous to encourage the federal government to close a private school because it doesn't like its curriculum? Is "hatred and intolerance" illegal? Further, isn't the regulation of academic curriculum a function of state government?

Depending on the political sentiments of the day, the same arguments can be used to close a myriad of mainstream parochial schools because some group proclaims their creed to be intolerant or hateful.

Posted by LarryD | October 18, 2007 10:22 AM

Yep, the left just adores fundamentalist religion in public schools.

As long as they aren't Christian or Jewish fundamentalists, yes they do.

The State Dept. non-cooperation does not surprise me, so perhaps USCIRF's mandate should be expanded, and funding for the additional manpower taken from State's budget.

Posted by docjim505 | October 18, 2007 10:29 AM

Ditto obladioblada. I'm leery of granting the feds the power to close a private school unless it can be demonstrated that some law is being broken.

Do I fear islamofascist indoctrination in America? Absolutely. I think that the FBI and local law enforcement should keep a close eye on such schools, and it might not be a bad idea for the Treasury Department to monitor where the funding is coming from. If the news media actually did their job (HAH!), they'd also investigate the schools so that the local population would be quite aware of what goes on there (and we MIGHT get more than one side of the story).

But close the school because somebody doesn't like the curriculum? No.

Posted by gregdn | October 18, 2007 11:25 AM

There's a difference between using 'inaccurate' textbooks and inciting violence. I happen to think that textbooks that don't teach evolution are inaccurate, but I would never advocate closing a private school for using them.

Posted by Pierre Legrand | October 18, 2007 11:30 AM

Do I fear islamofascist indoctrination in America? Absolutely. I think that the FBI and local law enforcement should keep a close eye on such schools, and it might not be a bad idea for the Treasury Department to monitor where the funding is coming from.

Yes it is a terrible option and yes it opens up a huge can of worms. But since the FBI and the rest of the Alphabet agencies have shown a remarkable ability to fail when it comes to policing the followers of Islam we are left with bad choices.

When even the President of the United States is hobnobbing with terrorists how can we have faith that he is keeping a close eye on subversive elements within the society?

Furthermore the line on the protection of religions should be drawn when those religions call for the use of the sword to convert us. The protection of religions is not limitless. And not all religions are gentle.

Posted by molonlabe28 | October 18, 2007 11:31 AM

I agree with docjim505 and obladilblada.

On what Constitutional/jurisdictional basis could the Congress act to close this institution?

I don't see any interstate commerce.

What I see is the potential violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

What I also see is a good reason why we should exercise our rights under the Second Amendment.

If these clowns want to inclucate their children with the notions that Jews are apes and pigs and that Christians are infidels, they can do so within the confines of their "schools".

If they want to take those messages to the street, or, better yet, act in accordance with their Godless beliefs, they do so at their own peril.

Posted by PersonFromPorlock | October 18, 2007 11:48 AM

molonlabe28: What I see is the potential violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

The Establishment Clause forbids the federal government from being a church's sponsor; it doesn't forbid it from being a church's enemy.

I don't see any interstate commerce.

Aha! Nobody expects the Interstate Commerce Clause!

Posted by docjim505 | October 18, 2007 12:25 PM

molonlabe28: What I also see is a good reason why we should exercise our rights under the Second Amendment.

If these clowns want to inclucate their children with the notions that Jews are apes and pigs and that Christians are infidels, they can do so within the confines of their "schools".

If they want to take those messages to the street, or, better yet, act in accordance with their Godless beliefs, they do so at their own peril.

Exactly. I'm not in favor of trying to stifle somebody's speech or religion outside of the very broad limits of the laws against inciting violence, riot, or sedition.

I AM in favor of making it known that attempts to harm other people will be met with 147 grains of copper-jacketed lead (or 230 grains if one wants to be a purist).

Posted by skydaddy | October 18, 2007 12:27 PM

Good comments. If they close down a private madras today, they'll close down a private Bible Academy tomorrow. I don't want the government deciding which religious speech is allowed.

But did anyone notice the rich irony of the school's name? "Isa" is the Arabic equivalent of the Hebrew "Y'Shua." Filtered through Greek / Latin into Western languages, "Isa" becomes "Jesus." :-D

Posted by Immolate | October 18, 2007 1:13 PM

I disagree skydaddy. The reason I don't think conservatives should get excited about this issue is because we have a three coequal branches for a reason. When the legislative or executive leaves the reservation, it is the responsibility of the judicial to rein them in.

I believe conservatives should keep their ammo dry for issues and institutions that directly concern them. It is not hypocritical to actively support, say, a Iraq veteran whose first amendment rights are violated by the government but remain passive when a radical lefty suffers the same treatment. We conservatives have influence, but it is limited. We should spend it wisely. Let the lefty's allies spend their influence on him. Of course the lefty should not be ignored when trying to make an argument that only conservatives are so poorly treated.

For some reason, Republicans seem to feel compelled to defend our enemies as vociferously as we defend our friends, if not more so. It must be a variation of white guilt.

Posted by docjim505 | October 18, 2007 2:32 PM

Immolate: For some reason, Republicans seem to feel compelled to defend our enemies as vociferously as we defend our friends, if not more so. It must be a variation of white guilt.

I call it "sense of fair play".

Posted by TomB | October 18, 2007 2:36 PM

Large parts of the "teachings" of the Islamic schools could be qualified as hate speech. If we can persecute people for gay-bashing and holocaust denying, we surely can for comparing Jews to monkeys. Just use the damn law.

Posted by patrick neid | October 18, 2007 3:05 PM

"Well, if you want religious schools and religious school textbooks, the federal government can't go picking which religions are officially "good." Heck, aren't madrassas entitled to "faith based" financial aid? The GOP policies are creating a many-headed monster. "

"I'm no supporter of jihadists, but isn't it a little dangerous to encourage the federal government to close a private school because it doesn't like its curriculum? Is "hatred and intolerance" illegal?"

"If these clowns want to inclucate their children with the notions that Jews are apes and pigs and that Christians are infidels, they can do so within the confines of their "schools".

"Exactly. I'm not in favor of trying to stifle somebody's speech or religion outside of the very broad limits of the laws against inciting violence, riot, or sedition."

"Good comments. If they close down a private madras today, they'll close down a private Bible Academy tomorrow. I don't want the government deciding which religious speech is allowed."


Wow guys, I think you are all toking on the same pipe today. Your comments, no matter how remotely you try to connect them to law, indicates a real failing when it comes to your knowledge of Whabbism. The fact that the Justice department has no clue doesn't mean you should stay ignorant.

Everything connected to Whabbism should be treated with extreme chemotherapy. Read their writings. The war on terror starts at their front door. They flew the planes. Everyone connected, even remotely would be deported if we took this war seriously.

As to the inane comments that it's a "religious" school, you have to be kidding---they are military academies grooming cadets for the extinction of our Western society. They mean to kill all the "monkeys and pigs".

Allowing a whabbist school in America is the exact same thing as allowing the KKK etc to open a school that labels blacks "niggers" and looks forward to the day they are hanging from trees. I want no part of your logic that uses laws to protect that shit.

Posted by gregdn | October 18, 2007 3:10 PM

TomB:
We shouldn't be able to 'persecute' people for any form of speech short of inciting violence. If you make 'Holocaust denial' a crime today, tomorrow it might be 'Global Warming denial'.

Posted by TomB | October 18, 2007 3:25 PM

gregdn,
In the perfect world - I agree. In the meantime however we create hate crime laws and don't apply them to the clearest and "presentest" danger.

Posted by docjim505 | October 18, 2007 4:54 PM

patrick neid,

You have absolutely valid concerns. And it may be (though God forbid) that we'll be forced by terrible circumstances to shut down the madrassas and lock up everybody connected with them. I hope not. Please understand that I don't at all advocate turning a blind eye to what they are and what they are doing. As I said before, the FBI, local law enforcement, and the Treasury Dept. should keep a very close eye on them. But if we get into the practice of shutting down schools or other organizations because they espouse violence or "hate speech"... Well, that's a very slippery slope, and I don't want to tread on it until we absolutely have to.

Posted by obladioblada | October 18, 2007 5:00 PM

Patrick Neid:

Wow guys, I think you are all toking on the same pipe today. Your comments, no matter how remotely you try to connect them to law, indicates a real failing when it comes to your knowledge of Whabbism. The fact that the Justice department has no clue doesn't mean you should stay ignorant.

USCIRF is advocating closure of the school based on speculation about curriculum content. Despite an open offer to review the textbooks, USCIRF has not done so.

A legitimate investigation considers all of the evidence objectively and progresses without preconceived notions as to the outcome. There has been no investigation whatsoever, therefore it is premature to call for closure.

USCIRF's allegation is that the curriculum teaches "hatred and intolerance", neither of which are crimes. If there is hard evidence that the school is inciting violence and criminal activity, then it is a different matter.

It may be that USCIRF's report is really just an attempt to force the State Department to investigate the school. Does the State Department has the authority to investigate a private school based on unsubstantiated allegations?

Posted by patrick neid | October 18, 2007 8:33 PM

you still don't get ob

"USCIRF's allegation is that the curriculum teaches "hatred and intolerance", neither of which are crimes. If there is hard evidence that the school is inciting violence and criminal activity, then it is a different matter."

Inciting violence and criminal activity is your legal dodge. As I previously mentioned you don't understand whabbism.

Again I ask you. Would this school be allowed in the US?

"Allowing a whabbist school in America is the exact same thing as allowing the KKK etc to open a school that labels blacks "niggers" and looks forward to the day they are hanging from trees."

We don't allow indoctrination of this sort. We know from experience that teaching hate leads to violence. Whabbist schools teach extreme hate 24/7 365 days a year by simply existing. They need to all be closed down along with all the Saudi funded mosques. Tell the Saudi family they can open up when the residing immans at Friday prayers and the printed material, videos, tapes etc at the front door preach tolerance and christians can visit Mecca.

Whabbist muslims are a cancer. There are no moderate Whabbists. You mark my words, before this war is over the house of Saud as it is currently constituted will not exist. There will be no Whabbist funded schools or mosques in this country. Every single 9/11 terrorist was a Whabbist. We waste our time looking for a dead bin Laden when his philosophy is right here being spread by Saudi funds hiding inside a trojan horse that we let in because we don't want to close the gate.

I don't fear the boogie man canard that gets trotted out all the time about "what if the government starts closing down" religious schools etc. I don't lose any rights by not being allowed to yell fire in a movie theatre. I don't want schools that teach pigs, apes and niggers allowed to be open because they haven't shot any pigs yet.

Anyway study up on Whabbism.

Posted by burt | October 18, 2007 9:07 PM

This school may not be a private school. It seems to be a Saudi government business. One of the commission's points is that it is against US federal law to operate business's out of an embassy which appears to be happening.

The commission believes that it is not within its purview to go to the schools and that it is the State Departments responsibility. They have requested that the State Department do so. The State Department did not respond to the request.

Whether we like it or not, we have laws against hate speech and inciting violence. Both of these things are in play in this case.

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