CAIR's Controversial Status: Understanding its Role as an Unindicted Co-Conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation Trial

CAIR's Controversial Status: Understanding its Role as an Unindicted Co-Conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation Trial

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has long been a prominent organization advocating for the civil rights of American Muslims. However, its designation as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2008 Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial has raised significant concerns about its connections to terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas. This article explores the reasons behind CAIR's controversial status and the implications of its involvement in one of the largest terrorism financing trials in U.S. history.

Background on CAIR

Founded in 1994, CAIR positions itself as a civil rights and advocacy group focused on promoting a positive image of Islam and protecting the rights of Muslims in the United States. Despite its public advocacy work, CAIR's origins and associations have drawn scrutiny from federal authorities and watchdog groups.

The Holy Land Foundation Trial

The Holy Land Foundation was once the largest Islamic charity in the United States. In 2001, the U.S. government shut it down, accusing it of funneling millions of dollars to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. In 2008, the trial culminated in the conviction of five HLF leaders on charges of providing material support to Hamas.

CAIR's Designation as an Unindicted Co-Conspirator

During the HLF trial, the prosecution submitted a list of unindicted co-conspirators, which included CAIR. An unindicted co-conspirator is a person or entity that is alleged to have engaged in a conspiracy but is not formally charged with a crime. This designation raised several questions about CAIR’s activities and associations.

Evidence from the Trial

Internal Documents: Evidence presented at the trial included internal documents from the 1993 Philadelphia meeting, where members of the Palestine Committee—a network of organizations tied to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas—discussed strategies to support Hamas. CAIR's founders, Nihad Awad and Omar Ahmad, were present at this meeting, suggesting a direct link between CAIR and pro-Hamas activities .

Wiretapped Conversations: Wiretapped conversations revealed during the trial showed CAIR leaders participating in discussions about supporting Hamas and coordinating efforts with other organizations tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. These conversations were part of the broader evidence that led to CAIR’s inclusion on the list .

Financial Links: The trial also highlighted financial transactions between the HLF and other organizations within the Palestine Committee, suggesting a network of financial and logistical support for Hamas that included CAIR .

The FBI's Response

In the wake of the HLF trial, the FBI decided to sever formal ties with CAIR. In a 2009 letter to Congress, the FBI stated that it would not engage with CAIR until it resolved questions regarding its ties to Hamas. This decision underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the need for caution in dealing with organizations linked to terrorist activities .

CAIR's Defense

CAIR has consistently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that its inclusion as an unindicted co-conspirator was politically motivated and intended to smear the organization. CAIR claims that it operates independently, focusing solely on defending the civil rights of American Muslims and fostering interfaith dialogue.

CAIR also points out that being named an unindicted co-conspirator does not constitute proof of guilt. The organization emphasizes that it has never been charged with any crime and that the designation should not be interpreted as evidence of illegal activity .

Conclusion

The designation of CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation trial has cast a long shadow over its activities and raised critical questions about its associations and intentions. While CAIR continues to play a significant role in advocating for American Muslims, the evidence presented in the HLF trial and the subsequent actions by the FBI highlight the complex and controversial nature of its operations. Understanding these connections is essential for informed discourse on national security and civil rights.

References

U.S. Department of Justice. "List of Unindicted Co-Conspirators and/or Joint Venturers," United States v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, et al. (2007).

Emerson, Steven. American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us. Free Press, 2003.

The Investigative Project on Terrorism. "CAIR's Ties to Hamas," Link.

FBI Congressional Testimony, "The FBI and CAIR," Assistant Director of the FBI's Office of Congressional Affairs, 2009.

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, "United States of America v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development," (2008).

These references provide a detailed examination of CAIR's controversial designation and its implications, offering crucial insights into the organization's complex role in American society.