Two Blocks from Ground Zero and the Man Who Wants to Build the Muslim Mosque
A man trying to avoid the headlights
Legally, the Islamic mosque for Muslims two blocks from the al-qaeda killing ground in 2001 can be built.
Mr. Feisal Abdul Rauf (62), a Kuwaiti born cleric (with a degree in Physics from Columbia), who has been here for over 15 years, owns it. His followers include many Muslim Americans. Years ago, even the FBI hired him to teach their agents about Islam. His preaching state that Islam and American democracy are compatible. He wants to modernize Islam and feels America is the place to do it.
Mr. Rauf stated after the 9\11 attacks, that "American policies were an accessory to the crime that happened". Probably not the most intelligent thing for any Muslim to say then or now. But, from another's eyes, America is not always the "chosen one". When it came to how he felt about the Hamas, known terrorists, he dodged the issue and remained aloof.
The Mosque project, called the Cordoba House Project, required about $100 million and hopes to he as large as the one on 92nd St. Yet, Mr. Rauf, has not provided info as to where the money is coming from. Most suspect from Saudi, Kuwaitis and Wahabi madrassas. But Mr. Rauf remains silent only allowing those hating Islam and Muslims more ammunition to attack, verbal or otherwise, which may come to pass. He insists on building this Mosque thingy and this reveals that his main objective is a political statement and using the law to do it.
So, is this a little mosque? Well, 15 stories high, 500 seats, a pool and auditorium. Not a good idea.
