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Senator John McCain (R-A.Z.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) don’t get it.
The two traveled to Egypt recently to discuss the prosecution of American NGO workers. And they left thanking and complimenting the Muslim Brotherhood for (supposedly) helping secure their release and opposing the law used to prosecute them.
Graham used to be a critic of the Brotherhood, as the Wall Street Journal report on their remarks points out. Now, after meeting with the Brotherhood, he says:
“After talking with the Muslim Brotherhood, I was struck by their commitment to change the law because they believe it’s unfair.”
“I was very apprehensive when I heard the [Egyptian] election results. But after visiting and talking with the Muslim Brotherhood I am hopeful that…we can have a relationship with Egypt where the Muslim Brotherhood is a strong political voice.”
McCain likewise said, “We are encouraged by the constructive role played over the past week by the Muslim Brotherhood and its political party, the Freedom and Justice Party. Their statement of February 20 was important in helping to resolve the recent crisis.”
At this point, you’re probably expecting me to list reasons why the Brotherhood is an extremist, terrorism-supporting group. But, there’s a whole other reason to ridicule the opinions of Graham and McCain.
The Muslim Brotherhood supported the prosecution of the American NGOs!
The Brotherhood accuses them of plotting to “destroy Egypt and ruin its society.” The Brotherhood even encouraged the Egyptian government to stand up to U.S. pressure over the matter. The Islamist group is furious at McCain for thanking them.
Ignorance about Islamism is a bi-partisan problem.
Editor’s Note: Last Thursday, Eygpt lifted the travel ban of seven American Non-Govermental Organization (NGO) workers that had been prevented from leaving the country since December. Nine other workers had left earlier. A total “bail” of close to five million dollars was paid, $300,000 for each worker. The workers will be expected to return to Egypt to stand trial unless Eygpt decides to drop all charges against them.
The workers were charged with operating without a license and using illegal foreign funds to foment unrest. However, Prosecutor Khaled Suleiman told Reuters news service that the individuals and their organizations are accused of espionage and being in contact with the CIA as well as providing reports on Egypt to the U.S. State Department.
Fearing arrest, the workers sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy. The travel ban had created an acute crisis in U.S.-Egyptian relations and had put in jeopary the $1.3 billion annual aid the U.S. provides to Egypt.
The two traveled to Egypt recently to discuss the prosecution of American NGO workers. And they left thanking and complimenting the Muslim Brotherhood for (supposedly) helping secure their release and opposing the law used to prosecute them.
Graham used to be a critic of the Brotherhood, as the Wall Street Journal report on their remarks points out. Now, after meeting with the Brotherhood, he says:
“After talking with the Muslim Brotherhood, I was struck by their commitment to change the law because they believe it’s unfair.”
“I was very apprehensive when I heard the [Egyptian] election results. But after visiting and talking with the Muslim Brotherhood I am hopeful that…we can have a relationship with Egypt where the Muslim Brotherhood is a strong political voice.”
McCain likewise said, “We are encouraged by the constructive role played over the past week by the Muslim Brotherhood and its political party, the Freedom and Justice Party. Their statement of February 20 was important in helping to resolve the recent crisis.”
At this point, you’re probably expecting me to list reasons why the Brotherhood is an extremist, terrorism-supporting group. But, there’s a whole other reason to ridicule the opinions of Graham and McCain.
The Muslim Brotherhood supported the prosecution of the American NGOs!
The Brotherhood accuses them of plotting to “destroy Egypt and ruin its society.” The Brotherhood even encouraged the Egyptian government to stand up to U.S. pressure over the matter. The Islamist group is furious at McCain for thanking them.
Ignorance about Islamism is a bi-partisan problem.
Editor’s Note: Last Thursday, Eygpt lifted the travel ban of seven American Non-Govermental Organization (NGO) workers that had been prevented from leaving the country since December. Nine other workers had left earlier. A total “bail” of close to five million dollars was paid, $300,000 for each worker. The workers will be expected to return to Egypt to stand trial unless Eygpt decides to drop all charges against them.
The workers were charged with operating without a license and using illegal foreign funds to foment unrest. However, Prosecutor Khaled Suleiman told Reuters news service that the individuals and their organizations are accused of espionage and being in contact with the CIA as well as providing reports on Egypt to the U.S. State Department.
Fearing arrest, the workers sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy. The travel ban had created an acute crisis in U.S.-Egyptian relations and had put in jeopary the $1.3 billion annual aid the U.S. provides to Egypt.
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