Muslims Say Condemnations Can't Be Heard Amidst Vocal "Counter-education Campaign"

September 11, 2006

Source: The Gazette

http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1321436

On September 11, 2006 The Gazette reported, "Mainstream American Islamic leaders have broadcast the same message since hours after the terrorist attacks five years ago. 'American Muslims utterly condemn the vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians,' said a statement the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued Sept. 11, 2001... The message may have convinced some people, but several Colorado Springs Muslims and other observers say the perception persists that Islam endorses violence... [Arshad Yousufi, spokesman for the Islamic Society of Colorado Springs] said he has responded to dozens of requests since 9/11 to discuss his religion with community groups such as Christian churches. But he said people with other opinions have a bigger platform, citing religious leaders who have portrayed Islam as a violent religion. 'We don’t have the same access to the media, and so we can’t get our message across,' he said. 'I think there are people who have made up their mind. They don’t want to know about Islam.' National Muslim organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, express similar worries."