CAIR backs off support for terror suspects

WND ^ | January 17, 2008 | Chuck Hustmyre

[Joiseydude]

TAMPA, Fla. – The Council on American-Islamic Relations has backed off on its defense of two Muslim college students caught driving near a sensitive U.S. Navy base with explosives and a how-to video on bomb making. Last August, when police in South Carolina arrested University of South Florida students Ahmed Mohamed and Youssef Megahed for possession of four pipe bombs and a homemade video on how to make detonators for improvised explosive devices, CAIR sprang to the students' defense.

Now, the Washington, D.C.-based Muslim civil rights group is not so sure the boys are innocent.

Ahmed Bedier, executive director of CAIR's Tampa, Fla., office, told WND it's possible the two Egyptian engineering students were up to no good and they possibly were not just carrying fireworks to the beach, as they claimed.

"I've never said that these people were innocent, or that we were providing any kind of support for them," Bedier told WND. "If they did anything wrong they should be punished."

But when FBI agents searched Megahed's home in August, Bedier claimed the case was nothing more than an example of racial profiling.

"Definitely, this is not related to terrorism," Bedier told the Associated Press. "Had these been two good ol' boys from South Carolina driving through and speeding – and even if they did have some fireworks – nobody would have been arrested."

[neodad]

CAIR: “Nothing to see here, move on.”

[Doctor Raoul]

There is no honor amongst thieves, even Alibaba and his 40 thieves.

[Paladin2]

"group is not so sure the boys are innocent"

I think I'm clear on CAIR's intentions though.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

So, let me be clear on this. CAIR referred to “pipe bombs” and “detonator instructions” as “fire works”??? Must be a cultural thing — over here “fire works” are pretty sparklers, aerial displays at the Fourth of July in City Parks, controlled by the Fire Department and Police, the occasional kid who manages to buy some “Cherry Bombs” and Sky Rockets. Over here, “Pipe Bombs” are things criminals use to blow up sites, deconstruct buildings and, in general, cause murder and mayhem.

It’s amazing how CAIR has failed to make note of the distinction. I used to think they only sounded and looked remedial. I am now convinced they ARE remedial and need further help to acclimate to their new homes. (sarcasm off)

[Minn]

“Pipe Bombs” are things criminals use to blow up sites, deconstruct buildings and, in general, cause murder and mayhem.

Except for the pipe part, and the shrapnel that goes with it, pipe bombs are just big fire crackers.