Dearborn Community Leaders Met with Congressman John Dingell- Discussed Syrian Situation!
September 6, 2013- Last Friday,
Congressman John Dingell joined a group of religious and community
leaders at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan to
listen to their views on President Obama's position on Syria.
Welcoming the Congressman and participants, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi,
thanked Mr. Dingell for making time to meet with everyone .
Imam
Elahi expressed his absolute opposition to any US military engagement
in Syria. "Any kind of military strike would add to the suffering of
Syrian civilians and will multiply the chaos, confusion, death and
destruction in the Middle East", the Imam said. "More damage to the
image and long term interests of America is another consequence of a
military strike on Syria."
Imam
stated that if President Obama does not like to listen to Russia,
China, Iran and many other countries throughout the world, he should
listen to the UN, the Pope, the British parliament, the European Union
and majority of Americans who oppose military attacks on Syria.
Post
9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were to fight al-Qaeda, while in
Syria our government is helping al-Qaeda! The media told us that 14 out
of 19 Al-Qaeda agents were from Saudi Arabia! Again today it is the
money, media and manpower of Saudi Arabia behind al-Nosra and other
al-Qaeda forces in Syria.
For
all of these reasons it is a big mistake and absolutely wrong for our
administration to intervene in this war, though its been involved
indirectly through other parties from the beginning!
Imam
Elahi stated that using chemical weapons is a big crime against
humanity, yet we need to listen to the UN report and if necessary launch
an independent investigation
free of political games to figure out the most effective way of
serving truth and justice. At this time the Syrian government denies
any involvement in chemical attacks, while there are some interviews
from extremists acknowledging use of chemical weapons with the help of
Saudi prince, Bandar Ben Sultan. If these allegations prove to be true,
then the administration should tell us what should be done to stop al-Qaeda from chemical attacks.
Al-Qaeda
have demonstrated maximum brutality and barbarism against innocent
Syrians, they have no mercy even to the graves of those people who died
more than a thousand years ago. They attacked the shrines and killed
the people in the mosque even in the night of power!
The government of Syria is secular but it provides freedom of religious expression
for all. The Muslims and Christians can worship freely, but al-Qaeda
have no respect for any other religions. They destroy both mosques and
churches and they kill both imams and priests!
Imam
Elahi said the fact that the Saudi government is ready to pay for the
missiles doesn't justify the strikes. The Saudis are behind terrorism
in Iraq and Syria, and they do everything to export their takfiry
terrorists to their countries.
Imam
Elahi reminded the Congressman that with a new president elected by
the Iranian people, this is a perfect time to bring peace to the Middle
East. It is a foolish mistake to start another war adding to the
unprecedented tragedy that already exists. Imam asked the Congressman to
use all of his power to stop the administration from attacking Syria.
Following the statement of Imam Elahi, the floor was opened for the comments of participating
leaders of community centers and organizations. Each expressed their
disagreement with US military engagement in Syria.
Sayyed
Mohammad Kashmiri was the last speaker who reminded the Congressman
that if the US government is interested in a democratic transition in
the Middle East, the best place to start would be from the worst levels
of dictatorship. Noting the dictatorship in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia where
women do not even have the right to drive a car to some other tyrants in the Middle East.
After
listening kindly and patiently to everyone's remarks, Congressman John
Dingell thanked Imam Elahi for his invitation and hospitality, and
addressed some of the serious concerns of the community.
The
Congressman showed understanding and sympathy with the audience and
said he was pleased to hear the points of the people in his
congressional district! He stated that he would decide about the nature
of his vote after hearing the Congressional discussion as well.
