Sunni and Shia are basically the same 1.5 billion strong religion, with a difference of opinion on the role of those who are physically descended from the prophet Muhammad. Ismailis are a minor offshoot of about 15 million who are basically peaceniks. They are not accepted by either main group because Muhammad commands them to conquer and kill., not pray quietly. That's not a slight difference of opinion.
As for CAIR, they haven't *said* anything of note about Perry, so there's nothing to soft sell. You, on the other hand, are trying your best to drum up panic over a laughable community outreach deal that any politician will do with any large enough group of constituents.
The more light you shed on this issue, the less traction it will get. I was concerned myself, until I read what the actual issue was, and how absurd it is.
Visiting a Middle Eastern country? a specialist in it’s affairs does not one make. Though some might actually think it does. If it did all our troops would surely be considered such. Yet even they have to be taught and made clear about the Islamic agenda and the people they are among....some accept, others do not, and some in between.
I’m all to familiar with Shia and Sunni, as well as Ismailis. All three use the Koran as their point of reference and all three believe Mohammed is their Prophet.
Additionally there are many off beat Islamic groups besides these three.....but they all have in common their adhereance to the Koran and it’s teachings...and that Mohammed is their Prophet.
So when push comes to shove....and it will come to that...they will all stand together as their history does attest to....time and time again.... Equally as much their own Imams will attest to this.
Furthermore, if you stay current on their reltaioships you will see there has been an acceptance of the Islmailis Group despite some of their differences which remain.
I’ve already posted CAIR’s direct quotes from reliable sources that indeed CAIR is supportive of Perry and boasts the Muslim community is as well....additionally others on FR have as well. So saying Cair hasn’t said anything about Perry is not true.<p
Another Islamic group speaking favorably of Perry and his relationship with Muslims:
Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA.
“We’ve seen him for 20 years at state level, as lieutenant governor and state governor,” Mr. Elbiary says.
“Throughout that whole history, Perry’s never taken an anti-Muslim or anti-Islam position. In fact, Perry’s relations with Ismailis, a Shia sect of Islam whose adherents number between 30,000 and 40,000 in Texas, have been particularly positive.