CAIR: American Muslims in the Line of Fire Quran burnings and congressional hearings; are Muslims in the United States feeling increasingly marginalized?

CAIR Welcomes Sec. Clinton's Remarks on U.S. Muslims Support offered for Secretary of State's call for reform in Mideast, North Africa

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/12/11) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton this evening at the annual U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Washington, D.C., in which she acknowledged the contributions of American Muslims.

In her prepared remarks, Sec. Clinton stated:

"I am proud that this year we are recognizing the contributions of the millions of American Muslims who do so much to make this country strong. As President Obama said in Cairo, 'Islam has always been a part of America's story,' and every day American Muslims are helping write our story."

"We welcome Secretary Clinton's acknowledgment of the positive contributions American Muslims have made to our society and her reiteration of President Obama's message of religious inclusion," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We also support Secretary Clinton's call for urgent reform throughout the Middle East and North Africa."

SEE: Clinton Presses for Reform Across the Arab World (AP)

Officials from more than 30 Muslim-majority nations are in Washington for the 8th annual meeting, which is designed to build greater understanding between America and the Islamic world. The forum is sponsored by the government of Qatar and the Brookings Institution's Saban Center for Middle East Policy.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]