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"Washington Notes" is MPAC's weekly round-up of Washington, DC news and events that impact the American Muslim community. By highlighting Congressional hearings and policy forums, MPAC connects you directly with the Senate, House of Representatives, think-tanks, organizations, and federal agencies. We monitor important conversations on Islam and Muslims in order to enhance the role of American Muslims in the future of our nation. We invite you to do the same...
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July 18, 2006
SENATOR LUGAR EVALUATES ISLAM AND THE WEST
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
"To evaluate the U.S. anti-terrorism strategy, we have to know what causes a person to embrace an ideology that would have them resort to terrorism as a tactic. Once inclined toward such an ideology, what is it that would dissuade them from committing violence toward Americans in the first place? Congressional oversight should ensure that we are getting the maximum benefit out of our anti-terrorism investments, that agencies are working cooperatively and effectively with one another, and that we are implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on achievable short and long term objectives." Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee
SEE: Opening Statement of hearing on "Islam and the West: Searching for Common Ground" (7/18/06)
July 11, 2006
SENATORS URGE QUICK EVACUATION OF AMERICANS IN LEBANON
Senate Democrats Press Release
"Given the intensity of the conflict and the need to ensure the safety of American citizens, we would ask that the decision to evacuate Americans be made at once and that sufficient resources to expedite the evacuation be made available. Ensuring the safety of these Americans must be our top priority." - Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
SEE: "Kennedy, Democrats Press for Support to Americans Wishing to Leave Lebanon" (Senator's Kennedy's website, 7/19/06)
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July 18, 2006
CONGRESS BACKS ISRAEL
"Both Syria and Iran are directly responsible for this act of terrorism and should be held accountable." - Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr. (R-FL)
SEE: "Congress Is Giving Israel Vote of Confidence" (Washington Post, 7/18/06)
July 19, 2006
CONYERS URGES CEASEFIRE
Conyers Statement Regarding Violence in Middle East
"I am extremely concerned over the increasing deaths, injuries, destruction and suffering in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and Israel. We all agree that actions of the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah that sparked the present conflict were reprehensible. We also believe there needs to be a change in America's posture of non-involvement." - Congressman John Conyers, Jr.
SEE: "Conyers Urges Action to Quell Violence in Middle East" (Congressman Conyers' website, 7/19/06)
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July 18, 2006
PRESIDENT SAYS U.S. INTERESTS AT STAKE
Presidential Cabinet Briefing
"I strongly believe every nation ought to be able to defend herself from terrorist attacks. We're also mindful -- and I talked to the members about -- the need to make sure the government of Lebanon does not collapse. It's in our interest that Lebanon be free and the Siniora government succeed." - President George W. Bush.
SEE: "President Bush Meets with Bipartisan Members of Congress on the G8 Summit" (7/18/06)
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July 18, 2006
TREASURY ISOLATES 13 'ENTITIES' TIED TO IRANIAN PROLIFERATION
"As long as Iran's nuclear ambitions continue to threaten the international community, the United States will use its authorities to target Iran's efforts to sell and acquire items used to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles capable of carrying them. We have now taken steps to financially isolate thirteen entities tied to Iranian proliferation, and will continue to act aggressively against this grave threat." - Stuart Levey, Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI).
SEE: "Treasury Adds Two Entities to the List of Iranian Weapons Proliferators" (Dept. of Treasury, 7/18/06)
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July 18, 2006
STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAYS ISRAEL MUST DEFEND ITSELF
"Israel has a right to defend itself, absolutely, because any country that was attacked in the way in which Israel was attacked would act in its self-defense. What the world wants to see and what you've heard from the G-8 is they want to see an end to the violence. But you don't want to end the violence, come to a cessation of the violence, come to a ceasefire in which you have the status quo ante." - Sean McCormack, State Department Spokesman
SEE: U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing (State Dept., 7/18/06)
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July 19, 2006
AMNESTY: "G8 LEADERS HAVE FAILED"
Amnesty International
"The past few days has seen a horrendous escalation in attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Yet the G8 leaders have failed conspicuously to uphold their moral and legal obligation to address such blatant breaches of international humanitarian law, which in some cases have amounted to war crimes." - Malcolm Smart, Director, Amnesty International's Middle East Program
SEE: "UN: Security Council Must Adopt Urgent Measures to Protect Civilians in Israel-Lebanon Conflict" (Amnesty International, 7/19/06)
July 19, 2006
MIDEAST CRISIS CARRIES SERIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO)
"Civilian deaths include dozens of children, with many more injured. The psychological impact is serious, as people, including children, have witnessed the death or injury of loved ones and destruction of their homes and communities." - UNICEF and WHO
SEE: "UN Agencies Express 'Serious Concern' Over civilian Casualties in Lebanon and Israel" (UN News Centre, 7/19/06)
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July 19, 2006
BUSH VETOES BILL ON EMBRYONIC STEM-CELLS
"This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect. So I vetoed it." - President George W. Bush
SEE: "Bush Vetoes Embryonic Stem-Cell Bill" (CNN, 7/19/06)
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/19/stemcells.veto/index.html
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