Rewriting the Star Tribune’s February 27th Editorial

by Silas,

(If this posts look weird it is because I made some changes to the original article that was the editorial of the Star Tribune of February 27th. The words in the reddish print are my additions, which I think the reader should take into consideration when reading the original editorial. I also crossed out what I thought should have been ommitted or re-worded.)

Editorial: A critical juncture for local Somalis and the mainstream media

Irresponsible and careless reporting connecting the Abubakar As-Saddique’s Islamic Center to a suicide bombing and disappearances have has created heightened fear, suspicion and encouraged xenophobia towards Minnesota’s Somali community.

It Wednesday’s open house at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in the Phillips neighbourhood of Minneapolis had all the trappings makings of a typical community celebration — colorful balloons, great food, happy families and easy conversation. But there was a tense undercurrent at Wednesday’s open house at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Mosque to Host Open House this Wednesday

On February 25, 2009, the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center will welcome neighborhood residents and organizations for a community dinner intended to increase understanding about the local Somali Muslim community and mosque.

The Wednesday event is free and open to the public.

WHAT: Community Open House and Dinner at Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 25, 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center, 2824 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn.
SPEAKERS: Dr. Hamdi Sawaf, Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center representatives and CAIR-MN Communications Director Jessica Zikri.
CONTACT: CAIR-MN Communications Director Jessica Zikri, 612-226-3289, E-Mail: jzikri[at]cair[dot]com

Somali and Muslim Community Leaders address accusations linking MN Mosque to terrorism

by Nelima

The case of the missing Somali men is back in the limelight. Yesterday at the Abubakar As-Sadique Islamic Center, leaders from the Somali and Muslim communities in a united voice disputed the link between the mosque and the Somali men who rumored to have gone home to fight a holy war. They argued that the media has not been fair by carrying statements by individuals who have personal biases against the mosque.

If you have been following mainstream media’s reporting on Somali’s in Minnesota, you will notice that Omar Jamal is usually the trusted source of information, but the community is accusing him of using the American media for personal to carry out his personal vendettas. I covered the press conference for the Twin Cities Daily Planet and you can read the article here. Also here are some previous posts on the issue of the Al Qaeda Cells in Minnesota, Somali’s in MN barred from going for Hajj, Mainstream media and responsible journalism when reporting on the Somali community.

Funny enough neither the Star Tribune nor Pioneer Press, who have been loud on the issue were present at the press conference, but MPR, FOX news and WCCO were there. Newsweek Magazine ran a story on the issue this week.

Al Qaeda cells in Minnesota?

by Nelima

Just wanted to share this with y’all. I happened to catch it on the KSTP news last night. I kinda wish mainstream media would talk to other/more sources instead of Omar Jamal. He’s the same dude that submitted a video claiming that Somali translators were trying to influence the senatorial vote at Brian Coyle Center, but many Somali’s who watched the video say there was nothing said in that video that proved so. I’m not discrediting the information, but I just wish the media would conduct a more in depth research.

 

Feds investigating Twin Cities terrorist network

 

Forty young Somali men from the Twin Cities are missing and federal investigators believe they may be back in Somalia training as terrorists.

“We have active Al Qaeda cells recruiting these people,” said Omar Jamal with the Somali Justice Advocacy Center.

Federal law enforcement sources told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they believe Shirwa Ahmed, from Minneapolis, was a suicide bomber who blew himself up during an attack in northern Somali last month. They also believe he was a recruiter in the Twin Cities for a terrorist network.