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Here is something more about this Siddiqi guy, apparently he's the "cultural liaison to the FBI there, or something like that: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/attack/228406_islam14.html Tuesday, June 14, 2005 Seattle FBI gets advice on Muslims It's all an attempt to dispel myths By PAUL SHUKOVSKY SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER Dozens of agents and analysts gathered at FBI headquarters in Seattle yesterday to question a local Muslim man -- not to build a case but to build a bridge between the law enforcement agency and an often-misunderstood group of Americans. Jafar "Jeff" Siddiqi, of American Muslims of Puget Sound, was at the bureau to dispel common myths about Islam and its adherents. Asked by one agent about the cultural and religious taboos investigators should keep in mind when approaching a Muslim, Siddiqi cautioned the agents not to lump all Muslims together. "There is no single profile or Muslim personality," he said. "Islam is very diverse. The practice of Islam in Malaysia is completely different from the practice of Islam in Saudi Arabia." And with that warning, Siddiqi gave the agents a quick class in cultural sensitivity with a list of things to avoid when talking with Muslims. "Do not disrespect the holy book (Quran). Do not be too friendly to the women. Do not go into holy places (mosques) wearing shoes." And Siddiqi told the agents not to read too much into it if a Muslim does not make eye contact. "Most Muslims (in the United States ) are first generation, and they come from despotic regimes and tyranny," he said. "You guys are the feds." Often people from such a background approach authority figures with intense caution, he said. "You might not get the answers you want and that is why." Near the end of the session, one bureau member asked Siddiqi why the common Muslim man "doesn't stand up and say this is unacceptable" and bring terrorists to justice. Siddiqi responded, "We have held Muslims hostage to that question. The common man in Islam is no different than the common man here. The common man cannot bring terrorists to justice." And he compared it to the notion that all Italians should bring the Mafia to its knees or that common Russians should bring down the Russian mob. Just as Siddiqi sought to dispel myths about Islam, so too is the FBI seeking to dispel misconceptions about the bureau.

"We have held Muslims hostage to that question.

No you haven't. You have endlessly danced around that question without ever answering it in a coherent, logical and meaningful way.

The common man in Islam is no different than the common man here.

Wrong. We pick up the telephone and alert the police when we see obvious criminal activity going on in the house or apartment next door. It's a concept called "being a real human being".

The common man cannot bring terrorists to justice."

Wrong again! The 'common man' in the United States can:

Vote for politicians who are serious about fighting the War on Terror
Join the military and do your part to help win the War.
Support the troops in countless other ways
Pick up the freaking telephone and call the police when you see suspicious activity
Become a pro-military political activist
Don't sit still when schools try to indoctrinate children against America and American values.
and there's more and more and more and more.....

And he compared it to the notion that all Italians should bring the Mafia to its knees or that common Russians should bring down the Russian mob. Just as Siddiqi sought to dispel myths about Islam, so too is the FBI seeking to dispel misconceptions about the bureau.

Ummm EARTH TO TURD-BREATH....a twisted 'religion' that teaches it's adherents from childhood to hate and kill is NOT the same thing as being from a country that has a minor mafia problem. Comparing apples to oranges is not the most effective way to make your point....but then again, if you don't have an actual point to make, I suppose it's the only thing available.....

Thanks for your post :-)