The Case for CAIR's Registration Under FARA: Ensuring Transparency and National Security

The Case for CAIR's Registration Under FARA: Ensuring Transparency and National Security

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has long positioned itself as the foremost civil rights organization advocating for American Muslims. However, persistent allegations of its connections to foreign entities, particularly those linked to Hamas, raise serious questions about its activities and funding sources. This article examines why CAIR should register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and national security.

Understanding FARA

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was enacted in 1938 to ensure that the American public and policymakers are informed of the source of information and the identity of those attempting to influence U.S. public opinion, policy, and law. FARA requires individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign principals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and disclose their activities, finances, and affiliations. The intent is to prevent covert foreign influence in American political processes.

CAIR’s Origins and Founding Members

CAIR’s establishment in 1994 is closely linked to the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), which has been identified by federal authorities as a propaganda arm of Hamas in the United States. Founders Nihad Awad and Omar Ahmad were previously involved with the IAP. In the 2008 Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial, the IAP was described as part of the “Palestine Committee” established by the Muslim Brotherhood to support Hamas. Given these connections, CAIR’s foundational ties to a network supporting Hamas underscore the need for transparency about its current affiliations and funding sources .

Evidence from the Holy Land Foundation Trial

The Holy Land Foundation trial, which culminated in 2008, is a crucial piece of evidence linking CAIR to foreign entities. The U.S. government prosecuted HLF leaders for funneling millions of dollars to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. During the trial, the DOJ presented evidence that CAIR was part of the Palestine Committee, alongside other organizations supporting Hamas. CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the case, highlighting its alleged involvement in the conspiracy .

Key Evidence

Internal Documents: Documents presented during the trial included records from a 1993 meeting in Philadelphia, where members of the Palestine Committee, including CAIR’s founders, discussed strategies to support Hamas. These documents indicated a coordinated effort to promote Hamas’s agenda in the U.S. .

Wiretapped Conversations: Wiretapped conversations revealed that CAIR leaders participated in discussions about supporting Hamas and coordinating efforts with other organizations tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. These conversations suggested a direct involvement in activities benefiting Hamas .

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 .

Foreign Funding and Influence

CAIR has received significant financial support from foreign entities, which raises questions about the potential influence of foreign principals on its activities. Investigations by the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT) and other watchdog groups have documented substantial donations from foreign governments and organizations with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates . These financial ties suggest that CAIR’s advocacy efforts may be influenced by foreign interests, further justifying the need for FARA registration.

National Security Concerns

Potential Influence on U.S. Policy

If CAIR is acting on behalf of foreign principals, its influence on U.S. policy and public opinion could pose a national security risk. CAIR’s lobbying efforts, public relations campaigns, and litigation activities may be aimed at shaping American policies in ways that align with the interests of its foreign funders. Transparency through FARA registration would allow for greater scrutiny of CAIR’s activities and motivations, ensuring that foreign influence is not undermining U.S. policies.

Radicalization and Terrorism Financing

The connections between CAIR and entities linked to Hamas raise concerns about potential radicalization and terrorism financing. Hamas is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, and any support for its activities within the United States is a serious national security threat. Requiring CAIR to register under FARA would provide a legal framework for monitoring its activities and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws aimed at preventing terrorism financing .

The FBI’s Stance

In response to the evidence presented during 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 questions regarding its ties to Hamas were resolved. This decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for caution in dealing with organizations linked to terrorist activities .

CAIR’s Defense and Counterarguments

CAIR has consistently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that it operates independently and focuses solely on defending the civil rights of American Muslims. The organization claims that accusations of foreign ties are part of a broader campaign to discredit it. CAIR also points out that being named an unindicted co-conspirator does not constitute proof of guilt. However, the evidence presented in the HLF trial and the documented foreign funding raise legitimate concerns that cannot be ignored .

Conclusion

The persistent allegations and substantial evidence linking CAIR to foreign entities, particularly those associated with Hamas, underscore the need for greater transparency and scrutiny. Requiring CAIR to register as a foreign agent under FARA would provide a legal framework for monitoring its activities and ensuring that foreign influence is not undermining American national security. Transparency is essential for protecting the integrity of U.S. policies and safeguarding the nation's security interests. By registering under FARA, CAIR would demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, addressing concerns about its affiliations and funding sources.

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).

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

"Federal Jury Convicts Holy Land Foundation and Its Leaders for Providing Material Support to Hamas Terrorist Organization," U.S. Department of Justice, November 24, 2008. Link.

Investigative Project on Terrorism. "CAIR’s Foreign Funding," Link.

"Hamas," U.S. Department of State, Link.

Emerson, Steven. Jihad Incorporated: A Guide to Militant Islam in the US. Prometheus Books, 2006.

Letter from Assistant Director of the FBI's Office of Congressional Affairs to Rep. Sue Myrick, February 19, 2009. Link.

CAIR. "Frequently Asked Questions," Link.

“CAIR's Defense,” CAIR Website, Link.