Hiding in Plain Sight (Al Arian at the White House)

Newsweek ^ | March 3rd, 2003 | Michael Isikoff

[Sabertooth]

For George W. Bush, it was just another campaign stop. But for Sami Al-Arian, a University of South Florida engineering professor, it was a golden opportunity. When Bush appeared at Tampa’s Strawberry Festival in March 2000, Al-Arian sidled up to the candidate and had his picture taken.

< -snip- >

Al-Arian’s politics took on a decidedly darker cast last week when federal agents arrested him at his home in south Florida and charged him with being a top leader of one of the world’s most violent terrorist organizations: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

< -snip- >

Al-Arian certainly didn’t act like a sponsor of suicide bombings. Far from keeping to the shadows, he repeatedly lobbied Congress on civil-liberties issues, made thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to influential members of Congress and renounced violence during appearances on TV talk shows. In June 2001 Al-Arian was invited to a White House briefing for 150 Muslim American activists, at which political director Karl Rove talked about the Bush administration’s "outreach" efforts. A law-enforcement official told NEWSWEEK the Secret Service had flagged Al-Arian as a potential terrorist prior to the event. But White House aides, apparently reluctant to create an incident, let him through anyway. Such access had its advantages. "He always told me the charges were garbage," said Khaled Saffuri, chairman of the Islamic Institute. "When you hear he’s going to the White House, you figure what he’s saying must be true." In fact, federal prosecutors charged last week, Al-Arian carried out his secret terrorist agenda "under the guise of promoting and protecting Arab rights"—making his public profile a critical part of his MO. "It was the perfect cover," said Steven Emerson, a terrorism analyst who has followed Al-Arian for years.

[TLBSHOW]

Yes I know Muslims take the credit for the election. Since 2001 is what concerns me right now. The fact we have pretty much just brought the President people like Sami, you do know Sami also takes credit for The President being elected.

[Torie]

Ya that terror symp O'Reilly was somewhat uncomfortable with his suspension. It was not based on the commission of any crime, which made it problematical. I seem to recall it was based on concerns as to his personal safety and that of others because he was controversial. That is pretty thin. I was uncomfortable with it. If we cleansed academe of all those who are execrable to most of us, the place would have a lot of openings indeed.

Of course, if the guy is convicted of crimes abetting terrorism, he should get the noose.

[Torie]

Sami? First it was Frank, and now Sami. Are you an a first name basis with everyone?

[aristeides]

But the point is, after what happened in '95 and '96, there was plenty of reason to realize Al-Arian was radioactive, even if, for whatever reason, the first investigation against him was dropped. The things O'Reilly questioned him about were public knowledge, and had been for years. No one with any sense who knew the facts would have let the guy into the White House, and in 2001 there really was no excuse for not knowing sufficient facts.

[TLBSHOW]

I have seen my First name kicked around alot as of late, so it's only fair! :>)

[aristeides]

Unlike you, I disapproved of the dumping of Lott. I suspect that both that mistake and this one spring from a common source: an excessive concern for outreach.

[Torie]

I suspect by the time he got on the radar screen, to disinvite him would have been messy. It was a judgment call. Absent 9-11 this would have been a non event.

[Sabertooth]

Sami? First it was Frank, and now Sami. Are you an a first name basis with everyone?

You keep throwing those crazy softballs, man.

[Torie]

LOL. Both ended up Republicans too.

[TLBSHOW]

The only bit that really annoyed me was the position on lifting sanctions on Iraq. What was Norquist's position on that?
...

That I do not know but I do know he is for going in and liberating Iraq. He has stated he believed it would be within 2 months of the state of the union. He made sure to add that no one told him!

[TLBSHOW]

Btt now its off to the Grammys LOL

Bee Gees up for Legend award! Now if they go anti-war I will have send them a letter! LOL

[TLBSHOW]

[FreeReign]

I disagree. It is a huge difference. The visit in fact took place when the Bush presidency was very young--just 5 months old--and before 9/11. A crucial distinction, IMO. I've added many other points to show the story is a big nothing, but the date is very important to the context.

IMO too, this story is mostly a big nothing. Additionally, I've not made any point that depends on this discrepency in date.

So then while this date may be important to the points you make torward somebody who disagrees with you, to me they are unimportant.

Regards!

[FreeReign]

I suspect by the time he got on the radar screen, to disinvite him would have been messy.

Are you saying that the WH knew and still did not disinvite him?

[FreeReign]

...although I don't take the implication that the WH knew, to be very serious. Well, he was being investigated quite a few years prior to his WH meeting invitation.

So you think that the WH knowingly invited a possible terrorist?

[justshe]

Not at all. When those flying around from thread to thread instigating flame wars in an effort to suppress information, kill threads or get them kicked back to the Backroom, and swarm other posters, finally get a dose of their own tonic, I think it's very refreshing for the entire forum.

Perhaps, now, the actual information at hand can be discussed calmly, rather than relentless intimations of dark, conspiratorial motives on the part of those bringing things to light.

---

BS and you know it. I've watched many on 'your' threads ping others--others whose sole purpose was to instigate and disrupt. You will note there were TWO suspended. Not just the one you hoped for. The 'game' has been identified and you will notice how many have called you on 'the game' and refuse to even post on these threads. If you want to limit the discussion to only what you want to hear, with no questions being asked or have people disagree with your premise, continue on.

[Torie]

This thread I think circumscribes what we know, and don't know. That's it.

[aristeides]

Interesting how much you've admitted there about you and your group's MO.

[Torie]

The only problem with your thesis is that Saber always pings moi. And moi can be a loose cannon. One can never be sure on some matters where moi will come out. Saber may have a certain youthful desire to be noticed, but I don't think he is an insect type that needs swarms to thrive. JMO.

[Torie]

Mature adults can cope with any MO. I coped for years on the Balkan threads just fine. If those threads had general notice, most would have been shut down. Those who whine about their treatment generally the loudest typically typically have the least to say of any substance. That has been my experience.