Report of Israeli Think-Tank on the Global Muslim Brotherhood
Report of Israeli Think-Tank on the Global Muslim Brotherhood
Report of Israeli Think-Tank on the Global Muslim Brotherhood
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Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs<br />
המרכז הירושלמי לענייני ציבור ומדינה )ע"ר(<br />
Turkey, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla<br />
Steven G. Merley<br />
This report presents <strong>the</strong> results <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an investigati<strong>on</strong> into <strong>the</strong> role played by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its Turkish allies in <strong>the</strong> May 2010 Gaza flotilla which involved<br />
a violent altercati<strong>on</strong> between passengers <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ships and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> naval forces.
Turkey, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla<br />
Steven G. Merley<br />
Abstract: This report presents <strong>the</strong> results <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an investigati<strong>on</strong> into <strong>the</strong> role played by <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its Turkish allies in <strong>the</strong> May 2010 Gaza flotilla which involved<br />
a violent altercati<strong>on</strong> between passengers <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ships and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> naval forces.<br />
Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs<br />
המרכז הירושלמי לענייני ציבור ומדינה )ע"ר(
© 2011 Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs<br />
13 Tel Hai Street, Jerusalem, Israel<br />
Tel. 972-2-561-9281, Fax. 972-2-561-9112<br />
Email: jcpa@netvisi<strong>on</strong>.net.il<br />
www.jcpa.org<br />
ISBN 978-965-218-095-7<br />
Editor: Shar<strong>on</strong> Blass<br />
Producti<strong>on</strong> Director: Adam Shay<br />
Graphic Design: www.ramijaki.co.il • Rami & Jacky / Elisheva Cohen<br />
Cover Photo: The Turkish ship Mavi Marmara taking part in <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla (AFP).<br />
Note: All quotati<strong>on</strong>s used in this report were ei<strong>the</strong>r cited verbatim from <strong>the</strong>ir sources or<br />
translated where necessary. The misspellings and o<strong>the</strong>r linguistic errors that appear in<br />
<strong>the</strong>se references are <strong>the</strong> result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ei<strong>the</strong>r translati<strong>on</strong>s by n<strong>on</strong>-native English speakers or<br />
errors in <strong>the</strong> source documents.
Table <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
C<strong>on</strong>tents<br />
GLOSSARY 5<br />
CONCLUSIONS 7<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 13<br />
Background 13<br />
Turkish/MB Network 15<br />
Dem<strong>on</strong>izing Israel 16<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ferences 16<br />
Dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s 17<br />
Press C<strong>on</strong>ferences 18<br />
Legal Acti<strong>on</strong>s 18<br />
Aid Campaigns 18<br />
Support Of The Turkish Government 19<br />
Relati<strong>on</strong>ship To Hamas 19<br />
Pre-Flotilla support 20<br />
Post-Flotilla support 21<br />
Statements 21<br />
Role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kuwait 22<br />
IUMS Meeting 23<br />
Chart 1: Turkish/Mb Network 24
REPORT 25<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> 25<br />
The Flotilla 25<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood 27<br />
The <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and <strong>the</strong> Turkish Government 31<br />
The Free Gaza Movement and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood 36<br />
Network Background (1998-2005) 38<br />
Gazi Misirli- The Origins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Turkish MB Leader 38<br />
IHH- A Politicized Charity 39<br />
Jamal Kerim- Sec<strong>on</strong>d MB Leader Emerges 42<br />
MAZLUMDER - A Politicized Human Rights Group 43<br />
The Network Stirs (2006) 44<br />
Qaradawi Comes To Turkey 44<br />
1st Acti<strong>on</strong>s - Leban<strong>on</strong> and Gaza 46<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong>s (2007) 48<br />
February FIDDER Emerges 48<br />
July/August 2007 49<br />
November - Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum 51<br />
The Network Mobilizes (2008) 53<br />
January-March 53<br />
Sixth Al-Quds C<strong>on</strong>ference 55<br />
Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return C<strong>on</strong>ference 57<br />
December 2008 Gaza War 59<br />
Planning and C<strong>on</strong>ferences (2009) 61<br />
January 2009- Gaza War Reacti<strong>on</strong> C<strong>on</strong>tinues 61<br />
February - The “Jihad” C<strong>on</strong>ference 65<br />
World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine 67<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine 69<br />
June - September 71<br />
October -December- IHH in <strong>the</strong> Spotlight 73<br />
2010 - The Gaza Flotilla 75<br />
January-March 75<br />
April - The Formal Announcement 77<br />
May - The Flotilla Launch 78<br />
Post Flotilla - Turkish/MB Network Reacti<strong>on</strong>s 81<br />
Post Flotilla - Kuwait 85<br />
Post-Flotilla - IUMS/Qaradawi 90<br />
REFERENCES 97
GLOSSARY<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood (GMB) – The global network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individuals and<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s that developed as <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood members dispersed to o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
countries while fleeing <strong>the</strong> periodic crackdowns <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> in Egypt.<br />
Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Network (Turkish/MB Network) – The<br />
network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish NGOs identified in this report which are allied with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) – The<br />
Turkish Islamist ruling political party led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.<br />
Humanitarian Relief Foundati<strong>on</strong> (İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri ve İnsani<br />
Yardım Vakfı, IHH) – A Turkish Islamic NGO active in various disaster and c<strong>on</strong>flict<br />
z<strong>on</strong>es around <strong>the</strong> world and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
Organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People<br />
(MAZLUMDER) – Turkish Human Rights NGO and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB<br />
network.<br />
Müstakil Sanayici ve İşadamları Derneği (MUSIAD) – Turkish Islamist<br />
businessman’s organizati<strong>on</strong> and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
Türkiye Gönüllü Teşekkülleri Vakfı (TGTV) – An umbrella group founded<br />
to foster ties am<strong>on</strong>gst Islamist NGOs in Turkey and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
The Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World (UNIW) – Founded by TGTV to<br />
coordinate Islamist NGOs <strong>on</strong> a global level and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
Filistin Dayanışma Derneği (FIDDER) – Turkish Palestinian advocacy group<br />
and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
Hikmet Bilim Dostluk ve Yardımlaşma Derneği (HIKMET) – Turkish<br />
member organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE)<br />
Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s In Europe (FIOE) – Umbrella group<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Europe.<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Solidarity Movement (ISM) – Palestinian advocacy group<br />
comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Western citizens known for sp<strong>on</strong>soring protests in <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
territories.<br />
5
Free Gaza Movement (FGM) – Western group that co-sp<strong>on</strong>sored <strong>the</strong> flotilla and<br />
which emerged from <strong>the</strong> ISM.<br />
World Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY) – Saudi religious youth organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
close to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) – Organizati<strong>on</strong> comprised<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars headed by <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi<br />
Harakat al-Muqāwamat al-Islāmiyyah (Hamas) – Palestinian terror group<br />
that emerged from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
6
CONCLUSIONS<br />
1. The Gaza Flotilla Was Supported by <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
Government<br />
There is str<strong>on</strong>g evidence for Turkish governmental involvement in <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla<br />
incident, including <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. As this report<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strates, Turkish government support for <strong>the</strong> flotilla was channeled through<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood network. It included <strong>the</strong> attendance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials from<br />
Turkey’s ruling AKP party at many important Turkish/MB network events in support<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla, a meeting by Erdogan himself with a delegati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and flotilla movement leaders from Britain and France shortly before<br />
<strong>the</strong> flotilla, and a message <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support from Erdogan to an IUMS meeting held shortly<br />
after <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident. In additi<strong>on</strong>, in a March 2010 speech, IHH leader Bulent<br />
Yildirim implied that <strong>the</strong> flotilla had <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial Turkish backing by incorrectly asserting<br />
that <strong>the</strong> flotilla as a whole was “sailing under <strong>the</strong> Turkish flag” and that Israel would<br />
never attack it since that would be ”<strong>the</strong> same as attacking a Turkish c<strong>on</strong>sulate.”<br />
Turkish government administrators facilitated <strong>the</strong> purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> lead ship, <strong>the</strong> Mavi<br />
Marmara, from <strong>the</strong> Istanbul municipality, which was c<strong>on</strong>trolled by <strong>the</strong> AKP, as well<br />
as its departure from Turkish ports. 1 The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Intelligence and Informati<strong>on</strong> Center<br />
has also reported <strong>the</strong> finding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a laptop computer aboard <strong>the</strong> Marmara c<strong>on</strong>taining<br />
<strong>the</strong> minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a meeting held by <strong>the</strong> flotilla organizers <strong>on</strong> May 16, 2010. The laptop<br />
document reportedly revealed claims by <strong>the</strong> IHH Vice-President, who chaired <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting, that over <strong>the</strong> last few days <strong>the</strong> flotilla had received support from Erdogan<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r ministers and that if <strong>the</strong> flotilla should run into difficulties, “gov[ernment]<br />
will extend what support <strong>the</strong>y can.”<br />
The support given by <strong>the</strong> Turkish government to <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla is not surprising,<br />
given <strong>the</strong> increasingly Islamist nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AKP foreign and domestic policy in recent<br />
years. Recently disclosed U.S. State Department cables reveal c<strong>on</strong>cern over Turkey’s<br />
“new, highly activist foreign policy” ascribed in part to <strong>the</strong> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foreign Minister<br />
Ahmet Davutoglu, said to be laboring under “neo-Ottoman fantasies” <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regaining<br />
lost <strong>Muslim</strong> lands and avenging <strong>Muslim</strong> defeats. Like <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, which<br />
envisi<strong>on</strong>s a restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic rule, at an initial stage, in parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe that were<br />
<strong>on</strong>ce under <strong>the</strong> banner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islam, a participant at an AKP think tank meeting expressed<br />
<strong>the</strong> reportedly widespread belief that a neo-Ottoman Turkey would want to “take back<br />
Andalusia and avenge <strong>the</strong> defeat at <strong>the</strong> siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vienna in 1683.” The same cable also<br />
asserts that many in <strong>the</strong> AKP believe that it is Turkey’s role to spread Islam in Europe.<br />
The recently disclosed U.S. diplomatic material provides a c<strong>on</strong>text for understanding<br />
Erdogan’s ideological ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood network, ties which this<br />
7
eport has documented date back to Erdogan’s affiliati<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong> 1970s with <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY), a Saudi Wahhabi charity with known c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
to extremist and terrorist groups. It should fur<strong>the</strong>r be noted that <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla was<br />
also supported by leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Grand Uni<strong>on</strong> and Saadet parties who participated in<br />
Turkish/MB network events. State Department cables expressed <strong>the</strong> view that Erdogan<br />
was trying to avoid being “outflanked” <strong>on</strong> Israel by politicians from <strong>the</strong>se o<strong>the</strong>r Islamist<br />
parties, providing additi<strong>on</strong>al insight into his support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla. It should also be<br />
noted that a pers<strong>on</strong>al representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Erdogan was reported to have intervened with<br />
Egyptian authorities during <strong>the</strong> December 2009 Viva Palestina land c<strong>on</strong>voy, which also<br />
included five AKP deputies and 200 Turkish citizens. In ano<strong>the</strong>r speech during a c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
welcoming cerem<strong>on</strong>y in <strong>the</strong> Syrian port city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Latakiyah, IHH leader Bulent Yildirim<br />
thanked both Bashar Assad and Erdogan for “<strong>the</strong>ir stances, <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>going support to <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinian people and <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to end <strong>the</strong> siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza.”<br />
2. IHH Was Not Acting Al<strong>on</strong>e – The Role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Network<br />
The Gaza flotilla incident brought into sharp focus an even more significant l<strong>on</strong>gterm<br />
development: <strong>the</strong> growing relati<strong>on</strong>ship between <strong>the</strong> Erdogan government and<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, which has given rise to some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most notorious<br />
Islamist terrorist groups – from al-Qaeda to Hamas. Since 2006, Turkey has become<br />
a new center for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, while <strong>the</strong> Hamas regime in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Strip acted as <strong>the</strong> main axis for this activity. The AKP allowed key elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and above all <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Scholars, led by Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi, to operate freely <strong>on</strong> Turkish territory,<br />
with its active support, as witnessed by <strong>the</strong> large number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>ferences held<br />
recently in Istanbul and sp<strong>on</strong>sored and/or attended by <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
leaders. The cooperati<strong>on</strong> between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and <strong>the</strong> Erdogan<br />
government appears to have been based <strong>on</strong> mutual interests. Erdogan and <strong>the</strong> AKP were<br />
able to indulge <strong>the</strong> “neo-Ottoman” goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reasserting a sphere <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> influence in former<br />
Islamic areas, while at <strong>the</strong> same time outmaneuvering <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Islamist parties and,<br />
as a b<strong>on</strong>us, satisfying Erdogan’s reported hatred <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel. For <strong>the</strong>ir part, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood was able to begin operating out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a major state without any <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> interference that it normally encountered elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Arab world.<br />
Erdogan chose not to rely <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial organs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish state al<strong>on</strong>e, but ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>on</strong><br />
n<strong>on</strong>-governmental organizati<strong>on</strong>s with which he and <strong>the</strong> AKP had close ties. Prominent<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g those Turkish NGOs was IHH which subsequently became <strong>the</strong> focus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attenti<strong>on</strong><br />
in <strong>the</strong> aftermath <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla. However, as this report dem<strong>on</strong>strates, <strong>the</strong> IHH was<br />
not acting al<strong>on</strong>e but ra<strong>the</strong>r was an integral part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
network comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> seven NGOs with str<strong>on</strong>g links to each o<strong>the</strong>r, to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and to <strong>the</strong> Turkish political establishment. Taken toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
<strong>the</strong> network possesses a business, a charity, and legal, organizati<strong>on</strong>al, and Palestinian<br />
advocacy capacity; two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its most important leaders are Turks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arab ethnic origin<br />
who are associated with European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
The Turkish/MB network has been supported by nearly <strong>the</strong> whole <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, whose affiliates, from a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Middle Eastern countries, provided<br />
passengers for <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara. In additi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
frequently held press c<strong>on</strong>ferences and dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s to dem<strong>on</strong>ize Israel, initiated<br />
8
legal acti<strong>on</strong>s against <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> leaders, and delivered aid to those in c<strong>on</strong>flict with Israel.<br />
The Turkish/MB network played a major role in supporting <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla prior to<br />
its launching through statements and press c<strong>on</strong>ferences, and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its most important<br />
leaders, MAZLUMDER Chairman Ahmet Unsal, was <strong>on</strong> board <strong>the</strong> flotilla. In <strong>the</strong><br />
aftermath <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network c<strong>on</strong>tinued its support in more<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial statements, and at a post-flotilla event in Kuwait, Turkish/MB network leader<br />
Gazi Misirli revealed that MUSIAD had played a major role in funding <strong>the</strong> flotilla by<br />
“coordinating” d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s. In additi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network was in <strong>on</strong>going c<strong>on</strong>tact<br />
with Hamas leaders as well as with <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, <strong>the</strong> coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charities headed<br />
by Youssef Qaradawi that raises funds for Hamas. These c<strong>on</strong>clusi<strong>on</strong>s raise three fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
important issues.<br />
3. The Flotilla Was Not A Humanitarian Effort<br />
Although IHH declared that <strong>the</strong> flotilla was humanitarian in nature, <strong>the</strong> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
IHH suggests that it is not <strong>on</strong>ly a humanitarian organizati<strong>on</strong>. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH’s key<br />
founders fought in <strong>the</strong> 1990’s in <strong>the</strong> Mujahidin Brigade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Bosnian Army al<strong>on</strong>g<br />
with many veterans <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> war against <strong>the</strong> Soviets in Afghanistan. In additi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
have been multiple reports <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terrorist/jihadist activity by IHH, including allegati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
that IHH was in possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> weap<strong>on</strong>s and explosives, was recruiting soldiers for<br />
jihad and sending <strong>the</strong>m into war z<strong>on</strong>es such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Chechnya,<br />
and that calls had been made from IHH headquarters to an Al-Qaida guest house.<br />
The reports also say that during <strong>the</strong> 2003 Iraq war, IHH sent d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s and aid to areas<br />
under insurgent c<strong>on</strong>trol in Iraq, including to Fallujah in mid-2004, before US and British<br />
forces defeated a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>re made up by Al-Qaida\Iraq and former Baathists at <strong>the</strong><br />
end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> year. Finally a French magistrate testified in a US court that IHH played<br />
an important role in <strong>the</strong> 2000 Al-Qaida Millennium bomb plot targeting Los Angeles<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Airport (LAX).<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong>se reported terrorist ties, this report dem<strong>on</strong>strates that IHH and <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood network had numerous c<strong>on</strong>tacts with Hamas and <strong>the</strong><br />
Hamas government in Gaza including joint press c<strong>on</strong>ferences, delegati<strong>on</strong>s to Gaza, and<br />
teleph<strong>on</strong>e calls with Hamas leaders, including Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.<br />
IHH and its leaders met with senior Hamas activists including Hamas political leader<br />
Khaled Mashaal in Damascus, held joint press c<strong>on</strong>ferences with Hamas spokesmen,<br />
and attended a Hamas rally in Gaza. The Turkish/MB network also had a relati<strong>on</strong>ship<br />
with <strong>the</strong> ‘Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good’, a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charities headed by Youssef Qaradawi raising<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ey for Hamas and reported by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> government to include IHH as a member<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>. This relati<strong>on</strong>ship included hosting a C<strong>on</strong>gress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> in Istanbul<br />
that included <strong>the</strong> IHH chairman as well as <strong>the</strong> reported transfer by IHH <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dollars to two Hamas charities associated with <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong>. Both Israel and<br />
<strong>the</strong> US have designated <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good as a terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Aside from <strong>the</strong>se terrorist c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s, this report dem<strong>on</strong>strates that IHH and <strong>the</strong> rest<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network are in fact Islamist, politicized organizati<strong>on</strong>s. During <strong>the</strong><br />
run-up to <strong>the</strong> Iraq war, IHH c<strong>on</strong>vened large anti-US rallies and during <strong>the</strong> 2004 fighting<br />
In Fallujah called for a boycott <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> US, British, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods, claiming: “The United<br />
States has been committing a massacre in Fallujah, city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iraq.” IHH also fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
organized in 2004 anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> and anti-US dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s in Istanbul, and by 2006 its<br />
website had shifted its focus largely to anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> reporting, O<strong>the</strong>r NGOs in <strong>the</strong> network<br />
engaged in similar political activity. MAZLUMDER, <strong>the</strong> network’s legal comp<strong>on</strong>ent,<br />
9
also showed early signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicizati<strong>on</strong>, holding anti-US dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s during <strong>the</strong><br />
Iraq war and joining IHH to protest a 2004 NATO summit. In 2005, MAZLUMDER<br />
began its own focus <strong>on</strong> anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> rhetoric.<br />
4. The Intent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Flotilla Was Breaking <strong>the</strong> Blockade<br />
and Delegitimizing Israel<br />
The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Intelligence and Terrorism Informati<strong>on</strong> Center has provided evidence that<br />
<strong>the</strong> violent altercati<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> forces was most likely planned by IHH in advance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla. 2 If this is true, given that IHH was embedded in <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network<br />
that in turn was supported by both <strong>the</strong> Turkish government and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, it must have been clear to IHH and its leaders that a violent altercati<strong>on</strong><br />
would have repercussi<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong>se partners. While it is bey<strong>on</strong>d what can be proven<br />
with informati<strong>on</strong> available to <strong>the</strong> public, it is difficult to believe that IHH would have<br />
taken such a risk without <strong>the</strong> knowledge and assent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> key players such as Youssef<br />
Qaradawi, <strong>the</strong> Turkish Prime Minister or his representatives, and/or Kuwaiti funders<br />
and flotilla participants.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong> violence was planned, this report dem<strong>on</strong>strates that <strong>the</strong> intent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> flotilla was breaking <strong>the</strong> Gaza blockade and delegitimizing Israel.<br />
The choice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement (FGM) as <strong>the</strong> flotilla’s Western partner is telling,<br />
in that FGM had grown out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Solidarity Movement (ISM), known for<br />
its ties to Palestinian terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>s as well as for sp<strong>on</strong>soring political protests<br />
in <strong>the</strong> West Bank and Gaza and welcoming any violence that occurred in c<strong>on</strong>sequence.<br />
The ISM was also known for encouraging its volunteers to compare Israel with <strong>the</strong> Nazis.<br />
This report dem<strong>on</strong>strates that <strong>the</strong> IHH has been acting in c<strong>on</strong>cert with <strong>the</strong> Turkish/<br />
MB network and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in a massive effort to dem<strong>on</strong>ize and<br />
delegitimize Israel by leveling accusati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> serious crimes, such as massacres and<br />
genocide and by invoking Nazi imagery such as c<strong>on</strong>centrati<strong>on</strong> camps in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s and policies. This effort included numerous c<strong>on</strong>ferences, press events,<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s, and o<strong>the</strong>r activities during which such charges were made.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> 2008 Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return c<strong>on</strong>ference in Damascus, Hamas leader Mashaal raised <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>cept <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sending a fleet <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats to Gaza in order to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade, while<br />
a Western activist was reported to have brought a plan to open a ship line between<br />
Cyprus and Gaza that would “not <strong>on</strong>ly break <strong>the</strong> siege but also embarrass Israel <strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> democracy and human rights.” Erdogan himself met a group that included<br />
representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza (ECESG) in Istanbul<br />
<strong>on</strong> May 12, 2010 and told <strong>the</strong>m, according to <strong>the</strong>ir account, that it was Turkey’s intenti<strong>on</strong><br />
to end <strong>the</strong> Gaza blockade.<br />
5. There Are Serious Implicati<strong>on</strong>s from <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla<br />
for Turkey’s Future Relati<strong>on</strong>s with <strong>the</strong> West<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong> Turkish government was aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any IHH advance plans for<br />
violence, <strong>the</strong>re is no doubt that <strong>the</strong> effort by <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network was supported<br />
by that government, its leaders and representatives, and by o<strong>the</strong>r Islamist political<br />
10
parties. That Turkey and its government have become partners <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood has implicati<strong>on</strong>s for both Turkey and its Western allies, including<br />
NATO. Until recently, Turkey has been a vital lynchpin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> West as a whole and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
NATO in particular. However, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its affiliates are str<strong>on</strong>gly<br />
anti-Western. This clearly emerges from Qaradawi’s own rhetoric, with his repeated<br />
references to <strong>the</strong> goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic dominati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe. The IHH president, Bulent<br />
Yildirim, sees <strong>the</strong> Islamic world in direct c<strong>on</strong>flict with <strong>the</strong> West, as well as with Russia,<br />
China, and India. How Turkey can maintain its traditi<strong>on</strong>al role as a Western ally while<br />
its political leadership is tying it to some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most virulent anti-Western forces<br />
remains a difficult questi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Moreover, <strong>the</strong> historical precedents for partnerships <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Middle Eastern governments with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood are troubling for ano<strong>the</strong>r reas<strong>on</strong>. When <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
ideologue Hassan Turabi was ruling <strong>the</strong> Sudan in <strong>the</strong> 1990s, <strong>the</strong> country became a haven<br />
for terrorists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all kinds including Osama bin Laden, who based his operati<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>re<br />
until 1996. While Turkey has not yet progressed to this point, its support for a Hamas/<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood-related propaganda effort is not encouraging, and terrorism is<br />
not <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>ly c<strong>on</strong>cern. Under <strong>the</strong> AKP government, Turkey has shown increasing signs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamizati<strong>on</strong>, a primary goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. With Saudi Arabia<br />
struggling to c<strong>on</strong>trol its own export <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic fundamentalism and extremism, <strong>the</strong><br />
possibility exists that Turkey could become ano<strong>the</strong>r center for exporting such activities.<br />
Also, as a growing ec<strong>on</strong>omic power, Turkey is in a positi<strong>on</strong> to become a financial<br />
supporter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood as well as providing a sanctuary for its<br />
anti-Western political activities.<br />
6. How Could <strong>the</strong> Role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Be So Overlooked<br />
The <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its Turkish allies were able to play a major role in<br />
both <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla and in years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> prior anti-Israel activity without this role being<br />
reported by <strong>the</strong> global media or o<strong>the</strong>r sources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public informati<strong>on</strong>. On <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trary,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re does not appear to have been awareness in any quarter that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood was active inside Turkey. Moreover, in recent years <strong>the</strong>re has been a<br />
troubling trend in <strong>the</strong> West to present <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood as a more moderate<br />
Islamist alternative to al-Qaeda, without c<strong>on</strong>sidering its true ideology and intenti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Since its early days in Egypt, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood operated overtly as a social and<br />
religious organizati<strong>on</strong> engaged in charitable enterprises, but at <strong>the</strong> same time it had a<br />
covert side known as <strong>the</strong> “Secret Apparatus” that trained cadres in <strong>the</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> weap<strong>on</strong>ry<br />
and engaged in political assassinati<strong>on</strong>. This duality c<strong>on</strong>tinues to <strong>the</strong> present day. This<br />
speaks well <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> efforts by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood to obscure both its nature<br />
and its activities, while casting doubt <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> media or o<strong>the</strong>rs to m<strong>on</strong>itor<br />
and report <strong>on</strong> this activity. Israel, being perhaps <strong>the</strong> major current target <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, would be well advised to enhance its efforts to track <strong>the</strong> activities<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in both Turkey and o<strong>the</strong>r countries in <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
11
EXECUTIVE<br />
SUMMARY<br />
BACKGROUND<br />
On May 31 2010, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> naval forces were involved in a violent altercati<strong>on</strong> with<br />
individuals aboard <strong>the</strong> MV Marmara, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> six ships in a Turkish flotilla attempting<br />
to run <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. World attenti<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong> wake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> incident was<br />
focused ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Western activists known as <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement<br />
(FGM) or <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> IHH, <strong>the</strong> Turkish charity that owned and operated <strong>the</strong> Marmara. Yet<br />
nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> FGM nor <strong>the</strong> IHH, despite <strong>the</strong>ir respective ties to terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
had <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong>al, financial, media, or o<strong>the</strong>r capabilities sufficient to carry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f an<br />
operati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such magnitude. This report dem<strong>on</strong>strates that those capabilities were<br />
provided by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish allies.<br />
The <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood is a worldwide network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individuals and organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
that developed as <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood members dispersed to o<strong>the</strong>r countries while<br />
fleeing <strong>the</strong> periodic crackdowns <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> in Egypt. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rs (Ikhwan) also settled in Europe and <strong>the</strong> United States where <strong>the</strong>y went <strong>on</strong> to<br />
found what have become <strong>the</strong> some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most prominent Islamic organizati<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
new home countries. These organizati<strong>on</strong>s and <strong>the</strong>ir leaders have sought legitimacy<br />
while attempting to c<strong>on</strong>trol <strong>the</strong> development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic discourse and political activity<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir respective countries, and <strong>the</strong>y are associated with fundamentalism, anti-<br />
Semitism, and support for terrorism, particularly Palestinian terrorism. This network<br />
has become far more important to <strong>the</strong> Islamist movement worldwide than <strong>the</strong> Egyptian<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>, which is largely c<strong>on</strong>fined to activities inside Egypt where its members<br />
are under c<strong>on</strong>stant government surveillance and c<strong>on</strong>trol.<br />
The single most important leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood is Youssef Qaradawi,<br />
a Qatari cleric whose fatwas in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> suicide bombing were instrumental in <strong>the</strong><br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that terrorist tactic. He is known for fiercely anti-Western statements,<br />
including his comments about Islam returning to Europe as a “c<strong>on</strong>queror and victor,”<br />
albeit by means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ideology and preaching. Qaradawi is most vitriolic in his hatred<br />
for Israel and has called for <strong>the</strong> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all Jews and <strong>the</strong> destructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel. He is<br />
also known for many extremist statements <strong>on</strong> social issues, such as c<strong>on</strong>templating <strong>the</strong><br />
13
killing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> homosexuals and ruling that beating is “suitable” for some wives, and his<br />
views are pervasive throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. Qaradawi is head<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ological body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and is also <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, a global<br />
coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charities raising funds for Hamas.The Turkish political establishment has<br />
had ties with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood since at least <strong>the</strong> 1970’s when Prime<br />
Minister Erdogan was reported to have been associated with <strong>the</strong> World Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY), a fundamentalist Saudi religious organizati<strong>on</strong> that has been<br />
accused <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoting extremism and supporting terrorism all over <strong>the</strong> world. Erdogan<br />
has since maintained his ties to <strong>the</strong> global Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood as evidenced by his close<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ships to <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders such as former Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Supreme Guide Akef, Malaysian oppositi<strong>on</strong> politician Anwar Ibrahim,<br />
and Yassin Abdullah Qadi, a Saudi businessman blacklisted by <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s for<br />
funding terrorism and who had links with <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
A <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood spokesman has also said that <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood has maintained<br />
ties with <strong>the</strong> “Islamic movement” in Turkey since <strong>the</strong> days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Necmettin Erbakan’s<br />
early political parties, and <strong>the</strong> European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood has fused with Erbakan’s<br />
movement in Europe known as Millî Görüş. German <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
Ibrahim El-Zayat is married to a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Erbakan family, and El-Zayat’s business<br />
partner is <strong>the</strong> Secretary-General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Millî Görüş in Germany. El-Zayat, formerly <strong>the</strong> head<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WAMY in Western Europe, also runs Millis Gorus’ extensive portfolio <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mosque<br />
properties throughout Europe as well as serving as a leader in <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE), <strong>the</strong> umbrella group representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Europe.<br />
Recently disclosed US State Department cables discuss what <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> cables called<br />
Turkey’s new, highly activist foreign policy” which this and o<strong>the</strong>r cables ascribe to<br />
<strong>the</strong> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is said to be laboring under<br />
“neo-Ottoman fantasies” <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regaining lost <strong>Muslim</strong> lands and avenging <strong>Muslim</strong> defeats.<br />
The cables also ascribed <strong>the</strong> new Turkish foreign policy to both domestic political<br />
c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>s and to Erdogan’s pers<strong>on</strong>al hatred <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel. Whatever <strong>the</strong> motivati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sistent with <strong>the</strong> ties between key Turkish politicians and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Turkey under <strong>the</strong> AKP has pursued a foreign policy in line with <strong>the</strong><br />
ideology <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, including moving closer to Iran and participating<br />
in <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>on</strong>izati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> and attacks <strong>on</strong> Israel. Turkey under <strong>the</strong> AKP is also showing<br />
increasing signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Individuals tied to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood have participated in FGM flotillas<br />
since <strong>the</strong> founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> FGM, and important Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders were <strong>on</strong>board <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Flotilla, including <strong>the</strong> pers<strong>on</strong>al secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Youssef Qaradawi and <strong>the</strong> head<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Movement (<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood) in Israel. Less well known are <strong>the</strong><br />
European and Turkish groups that provided substantial support to <strong>the</strong> flotilla. This<br />
report focuses <strong>on</strong> what is called <strong>the</strong> Turkish/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Network, comprised<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> seven Turkish NGOs with extensive links am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong>mselves, to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and to <strong>the</strong> Turkish government. Two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most important leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
this network are Turkish citizens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arab origin who are also leaders within European<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
14
TURKISH/MB NETWORK<br />
1. MÜSIȦD (Business)<br />
The Müstakil Sanayici ve İşadamları Derneği (MÜSIȦD) was founded in 1990 by<br />
religiously-devout entrepreneurs with ties to Prime Minister Ozal or to <strong>the</strong> Islamist<br />
Necmettin Erbakan and as an alternative to TUSIAD, <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> representing<br />
<strong>the</strong> secular middle class. MÜSIȦD fused a pro-business philosophy with an Islamic<br />
critique <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> capitalism, seeking to replace it with a system based <strong>on</strong> Islam. MÜSIȦD is<br />
supported by Prime Minister Erdogan, is pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel, and has a str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> Middle East through its Foreign Relati<strong>on</strong>s divisi<strong>on</strong>, at <strong>on</strong>e time<br />
headed by Gazi Misirli, a Turk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Syrian origin who joined MÜSIȦD in 1998. Mr. Misirli<br />
came to Turkey in ei<strong>the</strong>r 1983 or 1987 and studied engineering at Istanbul University.<br />
He is a Trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Europe Trust, an arm <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
in Europe (FIOE), which has amassed a real-estate portfolio and uses part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> income<br />
to fund FIOE projects. All <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Trustees, including Ibrahim El-Zayat, are leaders in<br />
<strong>the</strong> European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. Mr. Misirli appears to have close ties to Prime<br />
Minister Erdogan.<br />
2. IHH (Charity)<br />
The İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri ve İnsani Yardım Vakfı (known as IHH) was founded in<br />
1995 by individuals operating amidst <strong>the</strong> Balkans c<strong>on</strong>flict. The organizati<strong>on</strong> had shown<br />
ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood as early as 1998 when police discovered links<br />
to a <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood student organizati<strong>on</strong> as well as to <strong>the</strong> now defunct Islamist<br />
Refah party, and IHH also had received funds from a foundati<strong>on</strong> headed by a US<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader. IHH expanded its work to global disaster z<strong>on</strong>es, and by<br />
2002 was showing increasing politicizati<strong>on</strong>, such as fomenting anti-Western sentiment<br />
in <strong>the</strong> run-up to <strong>the</strong> 2003 Iraq War and orchestrating protests over Gaza in 2004. IHH<br />
is funded by “religious business men”, a likely reference to MÜSIȦD, and is reported<br />
to be a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH Trustees have ties to <strong>the</strong> AKP,<br />
and its leader Bulent Yildirim is an attorney who also studied at Istanbul University.<br />
3. MAZLUMDER (Legal)<br />
MAZLUMDER was founded in 1991 as an alternative to <strong>the</strong> existing human rights<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong>e that would be sensitive to <strong>the</strong> issue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic headscarf. The<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> has branches all over Turkey and says it is associated with Islamist<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s tied to Hamas/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Iran, and <strong>the</strong> Jamaat-e-Islami <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Pakistan. MAZLUMDER also showed early signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicizati<strong>on</strong>, holding anti-US<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s during <strong>the</strong> Iraq war and joining IHH to protest a 2004 NATO summit.<br />
In 2005, MAZLUMDER began focusing <strong>on</strong> anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> rhetoric and since 2006 has been<br />
headed by Ahmet Unsal, a former Lockheed engineer and Amnesty Internati<strong>on</strong>al board<br />
member. Mr. Unsal served as an AKP Member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament from 2002 to 2007 and<br />
was <strong>the</strong> representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey to <strong>the</strong> NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Currently, he<br />
is a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH board al<strong>on</strong>g with ano<strong>the</strong>r MAZLUMDER board member who<br />
is also part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> AKP. Gazi Misirli is also a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER.<br />
15
4. HIKMET (European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood)<br />
The Hikmet Bilim Dostluk ve Yardımlaşma Derneği (HIKMET) was founded in 2003 and<br />
is <strong>the</strong> Turkish member organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe<br />
(FIOE). The organizati<strong>on</strong> is headed by Jemal Kerim, a Palestinian who has been living<br />
in Turkey for 29 years and holds a Turkish passport. Mr. Kerim studied electr<strong>on</strong>ics at<br />
Boğaziçi University and is currently <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Turkish tourism company that also<br />
ships goods to <strong>the</strong> Middle East. Al<strong>on</strong>g with Gazi Misirli, Mr. Kerim has been a leader<br />
in <strong>the</strong> MÜSIȦD Foreign Relati<strong>on</strong>s Commissi<strong>on</strong><br />
5. TGTV (Domestic Islamist Umbrella)<br />
The Türkiye Gönüllü Teşekkülleri Vakfı (TGTV) is an umbrella group founded in 1994<br />
to foster ties am<strong>on</strong>gst Islamist NGOs in Turkey. TGTV incorporates and cooperates with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network including IHH, MÜSIȦD, and FIDDER,<br />
and since 2006 has placed a growing emphasis <strong>on</strong> anti-Israel activities.<br />
6. UNIW (<strong>Global</strong> Islamist Umbrella)<br />
The Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World (UNIW) was founded in 2005 by TGTV to<br />
coordinate Islamist NGOs <strong>on</strong> a global level and includes many important organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
tied to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood including <strong>the</strong> World Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Youth (WAMY), <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Islamic Relief Organizati<strong>on</strong> (IIRO), and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhoods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bahrain, Algeria, and Israel. UNIW also includes IHH, MÜSIȦD,<br />
HIKMET, and FIDDER, discussed below.<br />
7. FIDDER (Palestinian Support)<br />
The Filistin Dayanışma Derneği (FIDDER) describes itself as “ a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish citizens<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian origin who believe in <strong>the</strong> just Palestine cause and in <strong>the</strong> Palestinians’ right<br />
to live in freedom and dignity and in <strong>the</strong>ir right to return to <strong>the</strong>ir homeland”. Tahsin<br />
Misirli, possibly a relative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gazi Misirli, is <strong>the</strong> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> FIDDER. Mr. Misirli is<br />
<strong>the</strong> General Manager <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a company known as TURKPAL and is also a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
TGTV board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> directors.<br />
DEMONIZING ISRAEL<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ferences<br />
With <strong>the</strong> Hamas victory in <strong>the</strong> Palestinian electi<strong>on</strong>s in 2006 and <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>solidati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> AKP regime’s c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey under Prime Minister Erdogan, Istanbul became<br />
a center for <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood political activity that included undertaking<br />
a worldwide effort to undermine <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al standing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel. From 2006 until<br />
16
<strong>the</strong> dispatch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla, Istanbul hosted at least ten internati<strong>on</strong>al c<strong>on</strong>ferences<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Sheikh<br />
Youssef Qaradawi began to visit Turkey frequently. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences were<br />
centered solely <strong>on</strong> Palestine and Gaza, with titles such as” World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine”, while o<strong>the</strong>rs addressed <strong>the</strong> topic am<strong>on</strong>gst o<strong>the</strong>r agendas,<br />
including two sessi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS), headed<br />
by Youssef Qaradawi. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences were organized by Turkish/MB network<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s such as UNIW or TGTV, and all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences were attended by<br />
numerous <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders as well as various representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish government and/or AKP; <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e occasi<strong>on</strong>, Western flotilla activists were<br />
known to be present. There was discussi<strong>on</strong> at several <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new role<br />
for Turkey in <strong>the</strong> Islamic world, with some suggesting that Turkey would become <strong>the</strong><br />
future nexus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic world, and fervent support was frequently expressed for<br />
Turkey and its Prime Minister. At c<strong>on</strong>ferences where Western reporters were present,<br />
participants were heard to call for violence in defense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa mosque and to<br />
laugh about <strong>the</strong> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> children during <strong>the</strong> Leban<strong>on</strong> war. Israel was frequently vilified<br />
and dem<strong>on</strong>ized at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences by speakers, statements, and proclamati<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
described using terms such as racist and terrorist. Israel was accused <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> committing<br />
massacres and ethnic cleansing against <strong>the</strong> Palestinians and was said to be worse than<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nazis, having committed “hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> holocausts.” At <strong>on</strong>e c<strong>on</strong>ference, delegates<br />
discussed <strong>the</strong> creati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a third jihadist fr<strong>on</strong>t in Gaza in additi<strong>on</strong> to Afghanistan and<br />
Iraq. At several c<strong>on</strong>ferences, <strong>the</strong>re was discussi<strong>on</strong> or a statement issued about <strong>the</strong><br />
need to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. At <strong>the</strong> 2008 Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
in Damascus, Hamas leader Mashaal raised <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cept <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sending a fleet <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats to<br />
Gaza in order to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade, while Western activist Lauren Booth was<br />
reported to have brought a plan to open a ship line between Cyprus and Gaza that<br />
would “not <strong>on</strong>ly break <strong>the</strong> siege but also embarrass Israel <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> democracy<br />
and human rights.”<br />
Dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
The effort to undermine and delegitimize Israel also included numerous public anti-<br />
Israel dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
While individual Turkish/MB network organizati<strong>on</strong>s are known to have organized<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own anti-Israel dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> network dem<strong>on</strong>strated its joint capacity<br />
by organizing massive dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s in Turkey as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its three-m<strong>on</strong>th anti-<br />
Israel campaign following <strong>the</strong> December 2009 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> military acti<strong>on</strong> in Gaza. The<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s coincided with large anti-Israel dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s in European countries<br />
for which a <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood spokespers<strong>on</strong> took credit. For example, <strong>on</strong> January 4,<br />
FIDDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Hassan Bereket played a role at a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> in Diyabakir organized<br />
by MAZLUMDER and o<strong>the</strong>r organizati<strong>on</strong>s. More than 100,000 people were reported to<br />
have participated, burning US and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flags, and shouting support for Hamas and<br />
carrying Hamas flags as well as portraits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> deceased Hamas leader Ahmed Yassine. IHH<br />
leader Bulent Yildirim reportedly addressed <strong>the</strong> crowd stating, “I bring you <strong>the</strong> glad<br />
tidings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> victory w<strong>on</strong> by Hamas” and calling <strong>on</strong> all <strong>Muslim</strong>s to provide material<br />
and moral support. FIDDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Hassan Bereket also spoke, saying “I am sure that<br />
all those killed in Gaza are watching us from heaven right now.”<br />
17
Press C<strong>on</strong>ferences<br />
The Turkish/MB network also held a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> joint press c<strong>on</strong>ferences where Israel<br />
was fur<strong>the</strong>r dem<strong>on</strong>ized. For example, in August 2006, a press c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Lebanese crisis was held by <strong>the</strong> UNIW, featuring speeches by leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD,<br />
IHH, MAZLUMDER, HIKMET, and <strong>the</strong> UNIW. The group issued a statement accusing<br />
Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> massacring innocent civilians and using <strong>the</strong> kidnapping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel soldiers as<br />
an excuse to take c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Legal Acti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
The Turkish/MB network campaign against Israel also had a legal comp<strong>on</strong>ent c<strong>on</strong>ducted<br />
mainly by MAZLUMDER. In January 2009, <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e week after <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> withdrawal<br />
from Gaza, MAZLUMDER issued its “Gaza Pre-Working <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> “ which c<strong>on</strong>cluded that<br />
Israel was committing a crime against humanity and committing genocide in Gaza. In<br />
January 2010 MAZLUMDER petiti<strong>on</strong>ed a Turkish prosecutor to start legal proceedings<br />
against Defense Minister Ehud Barak for alleged crimes committed against Palestinians<br />
during <strong>the</strong> Gaza war.<br />
In March 2009, UNIW also announced that it would press for legal charges against some<br />
70 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicians and commanders over <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in <strong>the</strong> Gaza operati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chief <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Staff and <strong>the</strong> foreign minister. UNIW <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials said <strong>the</strong>y<br />
had c<strong>on</strong>tacted representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs in several European countries to assure <strong>the</strong>m<br />
that any charges brought against <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> leaders would have <strong>the</strong> backing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UNIW.<br />
The UNIW also said that <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> would provide legal assistance to NGOs in<br />
Europe to make sure <strong>the</strong>ir appeals to European courts were successful.<br />
Aid Campaigns<br />
On numerous occasi<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network sent material aid to Leban<strong>on</strong> and Gaza<br />
during <strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>flicts with Israel. Most notably, this aid included three efforts explicitly<br />
designated as “c<strong>on</strong>voys”, beginning with a truck c<strong>on</strong>voy to Leban<strong>on</strong> in 2006 sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
by a coaliti<strong>on</strong> including TGTV, MAZLUMDER, and HIKMET. The most significant <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong>se c<strong>on</strong>voys was a Gaza land c<strong>on</strong>voy originating in <strong>the</strong> UK and sp<strong>on</strong>sored by Viva<br />
Palestina, an organizati<strong>on</strong> supported by <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. IHH coordinated<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish leg <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy which was h<strong>on</strong>ored by crowds, dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s, and a<br />
visit to <strong>the</strong> Turkish parliament to meet <strong>the</strong> Speaker <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> House. After <strong>the</strong> arrival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>voy in Gaza, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh welcomed a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
representatives that included IHH President Yildirim and MAZLUMDER President/<br />
IHH Trustee Ahmet Unsal. O<strong>the</strong>r aid campaigns included a March 2008 delegati<strong>on</strong> to<br />
Cairo to visit wounded Palestinians, planeloads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanitarian aid to Gaza during<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2009 Gaza War sent by IHH and at least partly financed my MÜSIȦD, and a 2009<br />
agreement involving MÜSIȦD to purchase 2000 prefabricated houses to be used for<br />
<strong>the</strong> “rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine”.<br />
18
SUPPORT OF TURKISH GOVERNMENT<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> scope <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se activities, which included <strong>the</strong> venomous calls for <strong>the</strong> destructi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel, it would appear impossible for <strong>the</strong>m to have c<strong>on</strong>tinued over time without<br />
<strong>the</strong> backing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish political leadership, and representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
government and its political parties were present at many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> events identified above.<br />
As early as 2006, an IUMS meeting in Istanbul was attended by Turkish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials led by<br />
AKP deputy premier and Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> State Mehmet Ali Sahin, al<strong>on</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> governor<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul who inaugurated <strong>the</strong> meeting. AKP Deputies also attended a February<br />
2008 special TGTV board meeting focusing <strong>on</strong> Israel that also included Raed Salah,<br />
were part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a March 2008 Turkish/MB network delegati<strong>on</strong> to Cairo to visit wounded<br />
Palestinians, and participated in <strong>the</strong> “First Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference to Build Gaza”,<br />
sp<strong>on</strong>sored by MÜSIȦD. AKP Deputy Zeyid Aslan, also an IHH Trustee and President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian Friendship Committee, was particularly active, attending both May 2009<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ferences centered <strong>on</strong> Gaza and participating in <strong>the</strong> December 2009 Viva Palestina<br />
c<strong>on</strong>voy delegati<strong>on</strong>. Prime Minister Erdogan himself met with a delegati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and flotilla movement leaders from Britain and France shortly<br />
before <strong>the</strong> flotilla and, as discussed later, sent a message <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support to an IUMS meeting<br />
held shortly after <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident. Leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Grand Uni<strong>on</strong> and Saadet parties<br />
also participated in Turkish/MB network events. A laptop said to have been found <strong>on</strong><br />
board <strong>the</strong> flotilla was reported to c<strong>on</strong>tain minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a meeting held by <strong>the</strong> organizers<br />
shortly before <strong>the</strong> flotilla launch, in which <strong>the</strong>y asserted that <strong>the</strong> flotilla had received<br />
<strong>the</strong> direct support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish government, including <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime Minister Erdogan.<br />
RELATIONSHIP TO HAMAS<br />
The Turkish/MB network had numerous points <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>tact with Hamas and <strong>the</strong> Hamas<br />
government in Gaza, beginning with a February 2007 press c<strong>on</strong>ference sp<strong>on</strong>sored by<br />
UNIW featuring Palestinian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials who made a statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide<br />
and thanking <strong>the</strong> Turkish public for a petiti<strong>on</strong> aimed at freeing jailed Palestinian<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials. On <strong>the</strong> same day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> AKP electoral victory in June 2007, TGTV and UNIW<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials had a teleph<strong>on</strong>e call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in which Haniyeh<br />
reportedly thanked <strong>the</strong> TGTV and Turkish civil society in general for <strong>the</strong>ir “close<br />
interest in Palestine”. C<strong>on</strong>tact also included a delegati<strong>on</strong> to Gaza to coordinate medical<br />
aid sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> German Millî Görüş organizati<strong>on</strong> and which included leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Millî Görüş, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network, and European Hamas.<br />
IHH in particular had many interacti<strong>on</strong>s with Hamas, beginning in January 2008 when<br />
an IHH delegati<strong>on</strong> met with a senior Hamas activist, followed by an IHH-sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
“Night <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Solidarity with Palestine” <strong>on</strong> March 12 to have included a message from Hamas<br />
Prime Minister Haniyeh. During <strong>the</strong> 2009 Gaza war, IHH leader Bulent Yildirim met<br />
with Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in Damascus; a senior Hamas spokesman<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Deputy President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH held a joint press c<strong>on</strong>ference at an Istanbul hotel; and<br />
Bulent Yildirim attended a Hamas rally in Gaza. As noted above, following <strong>the</strong> arrival<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Viva Palestina c<strong>on</strong>voy in Gaza, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh welcomed<br />
a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>voy representatives that included IHH President Yildirim.<br />
The Turkish/MB network also had a relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, a coaliti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charities headed by Youssef Qaradawi raising m<strong>on</strong>ey for Hamas and reportedly<br />
19
including IHH as a member. As early as July 2006, <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society toge<strong>the</strong>r with IHH<br />
distributed 2,500 food parcels. The Islamic Society is an important Hamas instituti<strong>on</strong> in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip, headed by a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UNIW, and is known to be at least partially<br />
financed by <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good. In August 2007, FIDDER hosted <strong>the</strong> Third C<strong>on</strong>gress<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good at <strong>the</strong> Park Hotel in Istanbul. Remarks in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine<br />
were reported by FIDDER chairman Tahsin Misirli as well as by IHH leader Bulent<br />
Yildirim who was in attendance. In 2009, IHH opened an <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice in <strong>the</strong> West Bank that<br />
transferred tens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dollars to two Hamas charities associated with <strong>the</strong><br />
Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good.<br />
PRE-FLOTILLA SUPPORT<br />
The Turkish/MB network also played a key role in <strong>the</strong> events leading up to <strong>the</strong> launch<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla. On April 2, IHH President Bulent Yildirim held a meeting/press<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> launch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its flotilla.<br />
The meeting also included MAZLUMDER and TGTV <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials, <strong>the</strong> Istanbul provincial<br />
heads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Saadet and BPP parties, Western flotilla activists, and representatives<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood flotilla fr<strong>on</strong>t group. Around <strong>the</strong> same time,<br />
<strong>the</strong> IHH President Bulent Yildirim held ano<strong>the</strong>r press c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> or around <strong>the</strong><br />
Mavi Marmara toge<strong>the</strong>r with UK Hamas/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood operative Mohammad<br />
Sawalha. At <strong>the</strong> Marmara press c<strong>on</strong>ference, Yildirim denied that <strong>the</strong> AKP was behind<br />
<strong>the</strong> flotilla and accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> killing women and children, saying “We are sailing<br />
to Gaza as human shields.”<br />
Early in May, MAZLUMDER Chairman Ahmet Faruk Ünsal made a statement denying<br />
<strong>the</strong> legitimacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel as a state and asserting that Israel does not adhere to legal or<br />
moral criteria in <strong>the</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> power.<br />
Ten days later, a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UK and French <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders visited Istanbul<br />
and met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The delegati<strong>on</strong> included<br />
leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Return Centre and a closely related European flotilla fr<strong>on</strong>t<br />
group known as <strong>the</strong> European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza (ECESG). The<br />
delegates reportedly urged Turkey to play a more active role in Palestinian issues<br />
and, notably, discussed <strong>the</strong> blockade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. Prime Minister Erdogan promised that<br />
Turkey would do all that it could to see <strong>the</strong> inhumane siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza lifted and would<br />
help <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people in any o<strong>the</strong>r way that it could. In additi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> European<br />
delegati<strong>on</strong> held a lengthy discussi<strong>on</strong> with <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party and <strong>the</strong> head<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER.<br />
On May 22, <strong>the</strong> Marmara and two o<strong>the</strong>r ships left Istanbul to rendezvous with <strong>the</strong> six<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r ships comprising <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla. Prior to <strong>the</strong> departure, speeches were given<br />
by <strong>the</strong> representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs from various countries, by members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza<br />
movement, and by leaders from IHH, MAZLUMDER, and UNIW. IHH President<br />
Bulent Yildirim made use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nazi analogies in his send<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f speech, comparing Gaza to<br />
<strong>the</strong> pris<strong>on</strong> camps set up by Hitler in Europe. MAZLUMDER issued its own statement<br />
to <strong>the</strong> press at <strong>the</strong> send<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f, <strong>on</strong>ce again accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide and also asserting<br />
that Gaza was a pris<strong>on</strong> camp resembling Hitler’s. It was also announced at this time<br />
that MAZLUMDER General Chairman Ahmet Faruk Ünsal and o<strong>the</strong>r MAZLUMDER<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials would be joining <strong>the</strong> campaign. Raed Salah followed directly after Yildirim<br />
and praised Prime Minister Erdogan, saying that all Arab leaders should take Erdogan<br />
as <strong>the</strong>ir role model.<br />
20
POST-FLOTILLA SUPPORT<br />
The Turkish/MB network c<strong>on</strong>tinued to play a key role following <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident.<br />
Statements<br />
Before any investigati<strong>on</strong> could have been made, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network immediately<br />
began issuing statements c<strong>on</strong>demning <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s. The statements followed in <strong>the</strong><br />
wake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a statement issued by <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) <strong>on</strong><br />
May 31, <strong>the</strong> same day <strong>on</strong> which <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla was involved with Israel. The IUMS<br />
statement said that all <strong>Muslim</strong>s were obligated to assist <strong>the</strong>ir Palestinian bro<strong>the</strong>rs in<br />
“all forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihad” including m<strong>on</strong>ey, self, speech, and writing and must mobilize <strong>the</strong><br />
world to stand against Israel. The statement reaffirmed <strong>the</strong> “noble stance” <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian<br />
resistance and called <strong>on</strong> all <strong>Muslim</strong>s to c<strong>on</strong>tinue <strong>the</strong> resistance until “victory and<br />
liberati<strong>on</strong>.” The IUMS statement also referred to <strong>the</strong> “l<strong>on</strong>g-suffering, garris<strong>on</strong>ed Gaza<br />
Strip, which faces a harmful, shameful campaign to hunger it, this aside from <strong>the</strong> daily<br />
killings, murders and destructi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its leaders, youth, men, women, children, fields,<br />
factories, instituti<strong>on</strong>s and houses it has been facing daily for years” and said it was<br />
obligatory for every <strong>Muslim</strong> to work for <strong>the</strong> lifting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> blockade. The IUMS expressed<br />
its appreciati<strong>on</strong> for <strong>the</strong> “human c<strong>on</strong>voys” which tried to break <strong>the</strong> blockade<br />
MÜSIȦD, <strong>the</strong> first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network organizati<strong>on</strong>s to react, also issued a<br />
statement that same day, accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a “bloody assault” and calling <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> UN<br />
and internati<strong>on</strong>al community to “review <strong>the</strong>ir approach to Israel”.<br />
On June 1, UNIW issued its statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “banditry in internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
waters”.<br />
On June 1, MAZLUMDER acknowledged that its leaders and members, including its<br />
President Ahmet Faruk Unsal, were <strong>on</strong> board <strong>the</strong> flotilla, and issued its statement<br />
accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “willful murder”.<br />
The following day, MAZLUMDER announced that it had filed a Turkish criminal<br />
complaint in <strong>the</strong> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> victims’ families against various <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> leaders and called<br />
<strong>on</strong> Turkish citizens to join <strong>the</strong> complaints. Before filing <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial complaint, an IHH<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial made a statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> murder and torture. Thirty families gave<br />
MAZLUMDER power <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attorney to file <strong>the</strong> petiti<strong>on</strong>, and more than 50 o<strong>the</strong>r families<br />
signed it. On June 6, Turkish media reported that Unsal participated in a protest<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> against Israel in Ankara<br />
On June 2 two AKP deputies, including IHH Trustee Zeyid Aslan, had g<strong>on</strong>e to<br />
Israel al<strong>on</strong>g with an adviser to <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and a Foreign Ministry Deputy<br />
Undersecretary to help with <strong>the</strong> release <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> passengers.<br />
On June 4, IHH issued a statement that accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> committing a massacre and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being “an empire <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lies.”<br />
On June 8, IHH <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials accompanied by FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli traveled to<br />
<strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>astern city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Siirt to visit <strong>the</strong> families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those who were killed or wounded<br />
during <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident.<br />
21
Role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kuwait<br />
Kuwait and its government, charities, and parliamentarians, appear to have played<br />
a significant role in <strong>the</strong> flotilla. Kuwait had its own cargo ship, and eighteen Kuwaiti<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>als from <strong>the</strong> flotilla were detained by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, including two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> particular<br />
importance, discussed below. Kuwaiti media described <strong>the</strong> country as “a main d<strong>on</strong>or<br />
for Palestine” that had participated in <strong>the</strong> flotilla through c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s by several<br />
unidentified charities, but <strong>the</strong>re is evidence that Nati<strong>on</strong>al Assembly Speaker Jassem<br />
Al-Khorafi played a role in <strong>the</strong> funding. The most important Kuwaiti flotilla participant<br />
was UNIW Deputy Secretary-General Mubarak Al-Mutawa, an attorney known in<br />
Kuwait as a prominent Islamist and supporter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>servative Islamic causes. Al-<br />
Mutawa has a l<strong>on</strong>g history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and has both<br />
defended terrorist suspects and requested asylum in Pakistan for Arab and foreign<br />
fighters currently in Afghanistan. He was <strong>the</strong> UNIW <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial who announced that<br />
UNIW would be seeking legal acti<strong>on</strong> against Israel leaders over Gaza and was in<br />
attendance and/or helped organize at least two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ferences discussed above.<br />
Al-Mutawa was <strong>the</strong> UNIW representative aboard <strong>the</strong> Marmara and before departure<br />
had expressed his desire to become a martyr, stating that he himself had purchased a<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-way ticket and written a will. Up<strong>on</strong> his return to Kuwait, Al-Mutawa was widely<br />
quoted in <strong>the</strong> press as claiming that it was <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s who had started shooting at <strong>the</strong><br />
flotilla without warning. Sometime later, Al-Mutawa filed a criminal complaint with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Criminal Court and <strong>the</strong> European Court for Human Rights against<br />
various <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> leaders.<br />
The sec<strong>on</strong>d important Kuwait flotilla participant was Walid al-Tabtabai, a Kuwaiti<br />
MP and a former pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic law at Kuwait University. Al-Tabtabai has been<br />
head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> parliamentary Human Rights Committee since 1992 and is described in<br />
media reports as a leading Salafist who has taken very c<strong>on</strong>servative positi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> social<br />
issues. Al-Tabtabai also has ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands and to<br />
a Dutch mosque that is also related to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. Al-Tabtabai<br />
was also aboard <strong>the</strong> flotilla and like Al-Mutawa, Al-Tabtabai reportedly said he had<br />
written a will prior to departure and was widely quoted as saying that <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s<br />
had fired first.<br />
Both Al-Mutawa and Al-Tabtabai were featured in two meetings that were held in<br />
Kuwait in mid-June. The sec<strong>on</strong>d meeting was a seminar sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> Kuwait-<br />
Turkish Friendship Society. At that meeting, Al-Mutawa and Al-Tabtabai were joined by<br />
Gazi Misirli, who identified himself and MÜSIȦD as <strong>the</strong> coordinator for d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flotilla as well as having purchased its own ship. Mr. Misirli also spoke extensively<br />
about <strong>the</strong> support provided by Turkey, particularly by <strong>the</strong> AKP government and Prime<br />
Minister Erdogan, and Al-Tabtabai emphasized <strong>the</strong> benefits and achievements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
flotilla in <strong>the</strong> Arab and <strong>Muslim</strong> world, and its role in breaking <strong>the</strong> siege.<br />
22
IUMS Meeting<br />
The importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi was highlighted<br />
<strong>on</strong> June 23, when <strong>the</strong> UNIW hosted ano<strong>the</strong>r meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) and <strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR).<br />
The main agenda <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> meeting was <strong>the</strong> Palestinian issue and <strong>the</strong> situati<strong>on</strong> in Gaza.<br />
Prime Minister Erdogan, as well as <strong>the</strong> Turkish Vice-President and a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers<br />
and AKP <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials, sent messages to <strong>the</strong> meeting. IHH President Bulent Yildirim was<br />
in attendance as were <strong>the</strong> leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD and TGTV and a representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish government. Qaradawi, and <strong>the</strong> IUMS issued effusive praise for both <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
Flotilla and for Prime Minister Erdogan and praised Turkey for being <strong>the</strong> “first to raise<br />
<strong>the</strong> flag <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jihad”, calling for increased trade and travel to Turkey as a reward. The<br />
IUMS issued a declarati<strong>on</strong> following <strong>the</strong> meeting’s c<strong>on</strong>clusi<strong>on</strong> that called Turkey “a<br />
blessing from Allah”, labeled <strong>the</strong> flotilla <strong>the</strong> “blessed flotilla”, and called for fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omic support for Turkey. Qaradawi also indicated at <strong>the</strong> meeting that Islamic<br />
scholars would support <strong>the</strong> Palestinian cause by being <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> next boat to be sent to<br />
Gaza from Turkey as well as supporting crossing into Gaza by land.<br />
23
CHART 1: TURKISH/MB NETWORK<br />
Qaradawi<br />
--------------- indirect relati<strong>on</strong>ship<br />
EUROPEAN MB<br />
FIOE<br />
EUROPE<br />
TRUST<br />
AK Party<br />
Jamal Karim<br />
Gazi Misirli<br />
Gazi Misirli<br />
IHH<br />
directors<br />
Ahmet Unsal<br />
HIKMET<br />
MUSIAD<br />
funding<br />
IHH<br />
Ahmet<br />
Unsal<br />
Mazlum<br />
Der<br />
Tahsin Misirli<br />
member member member<br />
FIDDER member UNIW Ali Kurt<br />
TGTV<br />
FIOE – Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE)<br />
HIKMET – Hikmet Bilim Dostluk ve Yardımlaşma Derneği<br />
MUSIAD – Müstakil Sanayici ve İşadamları Derneği<br />
IHH – İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri ve İnsani Yardım Vakfı<br />
FIDDER – Filistin Dayanışma Derneği<br />
UNIW – Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World<br />
TGTV – Türkiye Gönüllü Teşekkülleri Vakf<br />
24
REPORT<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
The Flotilla<br />
On May 31 2010, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> naval forces were involved in a violent altercati<strong>on</strong> with<br />
individuals aboard <strong>the</strong> MV Marmara, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> six ships in a Turkish flotilla attempting<br />
to run <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. I Nine passengers <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Marmara were killed, with<br />
dozens more wounded; and seven <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> commandos were also wounded. The o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
five ships comprising <strong>the</strong> “Gaza Flotilla” were boarded without serious incident. The<br />
six ships carried 712 people from 34 countries, and <strong>the</strong> largest ship, <strong>the</strong> Comorosflagged<br />
MV Mavi Marmara (Blue Marmara), was a 4100-t<strong>on</strong>, 305-ft former ferry with<br />
a capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1,080 passengers, reportedly purchased for $1.2 milli<strong>on</strong> by <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
charity known as IHH (Insani Yardım Vakfı). 3 4 It was <strong>the</strong> Marmara, purchased with<br />
<strong>the</strong> help <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> government administrators and <strong>the</strong> AKP-c<strong>on</strong>trolled Istanbul municipality,<br />
which carried most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> passengers in <strong>the</strong> flotilla as well as <strong>the</strong> individuals involved<br />
in <strong>the</strong> violent c<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> forces. II 5 While <strong>the</strong> flotilla movement has been<br />
largely successful at portraying itself as a humanitarian effort, some have zeroed in<br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> IHH, <strong>the</strong> Turkish charity that purchased and operated <strong>the</strong> now infamous Mavi<br />
Marmara. For example, <strong>the</strong> Washingt<strong>on</strong> Post cited <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials and intelligence<br />
sources who complained that <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement (FGM), said to be <strong>the</strong> organizing<br />
group behind <strong>the</strong> flotilla, had evolved into “a broad internati<strong>on</strong>al movement that now<br />
includes Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong>s”, citing <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>the</strong> IHH as evidence:<br />
Once viewed <strong>on</strong>ly as a political nuisance by Israel’s government, <strong>the</strong> group behind <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza aid flotilla has grown since its incepti<strong>on</strong> four years ago into a broad internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
movement that now includes Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong>s that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> intelligence agencies<br />
say pose a security threat to <strong>the</strong> Jewish state. The Free Gaza Movement’s evoluti<strong>on</strong> is<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g Israel’s chief reas<strong>on</strong>s for c<strong>on</strong>ducting M<strong>on</strong>day morning’s raid <strong>on</strong> a ship carrying<br />
medicine, c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> materials, school paper, and parts for Gaza’s defunct water<br />
treatment plant. The movement <strong>on</strong>ce drew its support almost entirely from activists<br />
and d<strong>on</strong>ors in Australia, Britain, and <strong>the</strong> United States. But <strong>the</strong> ship that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> forces<br />
I<br />
II<br />
This flotilla will hereafter be referred to as “The Gaza flotilla.”<br />
Government administrators were also said to have facilitated <strong>the</strong> departure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Marmara from Turkish<br />
ports.<br />
25
stormed M<strong>on</strong>day morning was operated by a Turkish charity that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> intelligence<br />
agencies and o<strong>the</strong>rs c<strong>on</strong>tend has c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s to radical Islamist groups. 6<br />
Yet given <strong>the</strong> cost and <strong>the</strong> complexity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish flotilla, it seems doubtful that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement could have pulled it <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f <strong>on</strong> its own. The search for who<br />
exactly stood behind <strong>the</strong> flotilla has led many analysts to point to <strong>the</strong> IHH, which has<br />
a l<strong>on</strong>g history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ties to terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>s. Ano<strong>the</strong>r approach has been to look at<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s between <strong>the</strong> IHH and <strong>the</strong> Turkish government, particularly to Prime<br />
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 7 However, <strong>the</strong>re is ano<strong>the</strong>r avenue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> investigati<strong>on</strong><br />
that has not been fully explored but is <strong>the</strong> main focus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> analysis that follows: <strong>the</strong><br />
role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. One initial indicator supporting <strong>the</strong> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood is <strong>the</strong> prevalence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individuals from organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
affiliated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> passengers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Marmara,<br />
particularly from Jordan, Yemen, and Egypt. 8 A part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> British delegati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Marmara also included <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood activists. 9 Additi<strong>on</strong>ally, it should always<br />
be kept in mind that Hamas, which came to power in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip initially as a result<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> 2006 Palestinian legislative electi<strong>on</strong>s, is actually <strong>the</strong> Palestinian branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. The takeover <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip by <strong>the</strong> regime was <strong>the</strong> first time<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood came to power in <strong>the</strong> core <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Middle East. III<br />
Focusing <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood does not reduce <strong>the</strong> importance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> IHH or <strong>the</strong> Turkish Prime Minister when examining who stood behind<br />
<strong>the</strong> flotilla initiative. Indeed, this analysis will show that <strong>the</strong> IHH was important, but<br />
it was <strong>on</strong>ly part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a larger group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s led by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
The Turkish government is also part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this network, and analysts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish affairs<br />
have suggested that Erdogan’s AKP is linked to <strong>the</strong> larger <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
movement. 10 There are also str<strong>on</strong>g ties between IHH and <strong>the</strong> Turkish government.<br />
For example, passengers from <strong>the</strong> Mavi Maramara, including IHH operatives, made<br />
statements describing <strong>the</strong> close relati<strong>on</strong>s between <strong>the</strong> IHH and Erdogan and reportedly<br />
claimed that <strong>the</strong> Turkish government was involved in preparati<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> dispatch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> flotilla. 11 A Turkish journalist who was aboard <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara said Erdogan’s<br />
power base was even built <strong>on</strong> IHH activists, without whose help he could not have<br />
been elected. 12 These c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s need fur<strong>the</strong>r explorati<strong>on</strong>, but here <strong>the</strong> key point <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
departure for understanding <strong>the</strong> Turkish flotilla will be a careful look at <strong>the</strong> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
Although it might seem that <strong>the</strong> presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong>s” in <strong>the</strong> flotilla is<br />
a new development, in fact, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and Hamas have had a presence<br />
in <strong>the</strong> movement even before <strong>the</strong> incepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> FGM, which emerged in 2006 out<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> pro-Palestinian group known as <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Solidarity Movement (ISM). IV<br />
13<br />
ISM, in turn, had been founded in 2001 after <strong>the</strong> Sec<strong>on</strong>d Intifada, a violent protest<br />
involving a wave <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> suicide bombing attacks in <strong>the</strong> heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> cities that left over<br />
1,000 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s dead. ISM, toge<strong>the</strong>r with its Palestinian partners, sp<strong>on</strong>sored protests in<br />
<strong>the</strong> West Bank and Gaza and was known for both welcoming any violence that occurred<br />
during its protests and for encouraging its volunteers to compare Israel with <strong>the</strong> Nazis. V<br />
14 15 16<br />
Huwaida Arraf, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ISM founders, would go <strong>on</strong> to become <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> FGM. In March 2003, a senior member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Jihad was found hiding in an<br />
III<br />
IV<br />
V<br />
There was a <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood regime in Sudan in <strong>the</strong> 1990’s.<br />
Four <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> five Free Gaza Movement founders are known to have been ISM activists- Eliza Ernshire, Greta<br />
Berlin, Mary Hughes, Paul Larudee, and Shar<strong>on</strong> Lock.<br />
ISM leaders appeared to have welcomed <strong>the</strong> violence that occurred during some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir protests. See S.F.<br />
Jewish activist held as security threat in Israel<br />
http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-07-14/news/17435321_1_israeli-policies-pro-palestinian-israeli-palestinian/2.<br />
26
ISM compound and by 2004, ISM’s own publicity material had shown its willingness<br />
to work with The Nati<strong>on</strong>al and Islamic Forces, a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian facti<strong>on</strong>s that<br />
included Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In more recent times, Huwaida Arraf would go to<br />
serve <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> advisory board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> KinderUSA, a charity that an FBI analyst believed to<br />
17 18 19<br />
be involved with raising funds for Hamas.<br />
The past willingness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> FGM leaders to work with terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>s and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tactics foreshadowing <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla are interesting and important but<br />
not sufficient to explain <strong>the</strong> lavish financing, organizati<strong>on</strong>al capacity, and media<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ships that characterized <strong>the</strong> June flotilla, all bey<strong>on</strong>d <strong>the</strong> capacities and resources<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> FGM al<strong>on</strong>e. Most media and o<strong>the</strong>r reports identified <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement<br />
as <strong>the</strong> organizer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla, but it must be asked how could that organizati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
which was founded in 2006 by a small group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Western, leftwing, pro-Palestinian<br />
activists, has expanded into a multinati<strong>on</strong>al, multi-organizati<strong>on</strong>al campaign with<br />
<strong>the</strong> critical presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a large and expensive ship financed by a Turkish charity and<br />
<strong>the</strong> participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dozens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> media corresp<strong>on</strong>dents as well as members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
parliaments from eight different countries. 20 This report will dem<strong>on</strong>strate that <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, including its network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish allies, provided <strong>the</strong>se<br />
missing capabilities. However, in order to understand <strong>the</strong>ir role, it is first necessary<br />
to explain <strong>the</strong> nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
While most are familiar with <strong>the</strong> Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, not all are aware<br />
how <strong>the</strong> group has expanded throughout <strong>the</strong> world, becoming a global phenomen<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Founded in 1928 by Egyptian schoolteacher Hassan El-Banna, <strong>the</strong> Egyptian Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
has served as <strong>the</strong> wellspring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamism and political Islam. Its importance as a<br />
‘springboard’ toward radicalizati<strong>on</strong> for individuals such as <strong>the</strong> al- Qaeda deputy leader,<br />
Ayman Al-Zawahiri, and <strong>the</strong> 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, has been<br />
widely discussed.<br />
Far less known is <strong>the</strong> existence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a global network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individuals and organizati<strong>on</strong>s that<br />
developed as <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood members dispersed to o<strong>the</strong>r countries while fleeing<br />
<strong>the</strong> periodic crackdowns <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> in Egypt. Sheikh Abdullah Azzam fled<br />
Jordan and sought refuge in Saudi Arabia in <strong>the</strong> 1970’s, where he taught at King Abdul<br />
Aziz University. Joining him in Saudi Arabia was Muhammad Qutb, <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
executed <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood <strong>the</strong>orist Sayyed Qutb. Both <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood refugees<br />
became instructors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a young Saudi named Osama bin Laden. Accordingly, Kuwaiti<br />
Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Educati<strong>on</strong>, Dr. Ahmad al-Rab’i, argued in 2005 that <strong>the</strong> founders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> most<br />
modern terrorist groups “went out under <strong>the</strong> mantle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.” 21<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rs (Ikhwan) also settled in Europe and <strong>the</strong> United States<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y went <strong>on</strong> to found what have become some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most prominent Islamic<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong>ir new home countries. 22 23 These organizati<strong>on</strong>s in many cases<br />
maintained <strong>the</strong>ir maximalist goals; thus <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood’s publicati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Risalat al-Ikhwan, featured at <strong>the</strong> top <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its cover page in 2001 <strong>the</strong> slogan<br />
“Our missi<strong>on</strong>: world dominati<strong>on</strong>” (siyadat al-dunya). 24 Mohammad Akram Adlouni,<br />
a former US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader who would go <strong>on</strong> to play an important role<br />
in <strong>the</strong> flotilla movement, was <strong>the</strong> author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a 1991 document that stated:<br />
The Ikhwan must understand that <strong>the</strong>ir work in America is a kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> grand<br />
Jihad in eliminating and destroying <strong>the</strong> Western civilizati<strong>on</strong> from within and<br />
27
“sabotaging” its miserable house by <strong>the</strong>ir hands and <strong>the</strong> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> believers<br />
so that it is eliminated and God’s religi<strong>on</strong> is made victorious over all o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
religi<strong>on</strong>s. Without this level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> understanding, we are not up to this challenge<br />
and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a <strong>Muslim</strong>’s destiny to<br />
perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until <strong>the</strong> final<br />
hour comes… 25<br />
Once established, <strong>the</strong>se organizati<strong>on</strong>s began seeking legitimacy and have worked<br />
to influence and c<strong>on</strong>trol <strong>the</strong> development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic discourse and political activity<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir respective countries. Less publicly, <strong>the</strong>y are almost always associated with<br />
fundamentalism, anti-Semitism, and support for Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad,<br />
and more recently, <strong>the</strong> Shiite Hezbollah. While claiming to disavow al Qaeda- linked<br />
terrorism, <strong>the</strong> Ikhwan are at best lukewarm in <strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>demnati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamist violence<br />
and comm<strong>on</strong>ly issue statements justifying such violence. When compared to <strong>the</strong><br />
Egyptian organizati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re has been relatively little scrutiny <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> network that is<br />
referred to here as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. This network has become far more<br />
important to <strong>the</strong> Islamist movement worldwide than <strong>the</strong> Egyptian organizati<strong>on</strong>, which<br />
is largely c<strong>on</strong>fined to activities inside Egypt, where its members are under c<strong>on</strong>stant<br />
government surveillance and c<strong>on</strong>trol.<br />
While at times denying its existence, Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders have<br />
acknowledged <strong>the</strong> reality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a global Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood network. For example, in June 2008<br />
<strong>the</strong> first Deputy chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood was asked about <strong>the</strong><br />
“Internati<strong>on</strong>al <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood” and replied:<br />
There are entities that exist in many countries all over <strong>the</strong> world. These entities have <strong>the</strong><br />
same ideology, principle and objectives but <strong>the</strong>y work in different circumstances and<br />
different c<strong>on</strong>texts. So, it is reas<strong>on</strong>able to have decentralizati<strong>on</strong> in acti<strong>on</strong> so that every<br />
entity works according to its circumstances and according to <strong>the</strong> problems it is facing<br />
and in <strong>the</strong>ir framework. … These entities can have dialogue when <strong>the</strong>re is a comm<strong>on</strong><br />
cause that faces Arabs or <strong>Muslim</strong>s over <strong>the</strong>ir central issues like <strong>the</strong> Palestinian cause.<br />
At that time, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>m must cooperate for it. I want to c<strong>on</strong>firm that while some see<br />
that Palestine caused rifts am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Arabs, we see that this cause is <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>e for which<br />
all Arabs unite. 26<br />
Mohammed Mahdi Akef, <strong>the</strong> former Egyptian Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Supreme Guide, said in an<br />
interview “we exist in 70 countries.” 27<br />
In spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se acknowledgements, <strong>the</strong>re do not appear to any organizati<strong>on</strong>s outside <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Egypt that refer to <strong>the</strong>mselves publicly as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, making it necessary<br />
to develop o<strong>the</strong>r means for identifying global <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir leaders. The Internet newsletter cited above suggests a useful set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> criteria,<br />
including examining <strong>the</strong> origins and founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> and its leaders,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tact, and links to o<strong>the</strong>r organizati<strong>on</strong>s, ideology, and c<strong>on</strong>ferences sp<strong>on</strong>sored and/<br />
or attended.<br />
Identifying <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood is made easier in some European countries such as<br />
Germany, where <strong>the</strong> domestic intelligence agency annually designates <strong>the</strong> Islamische<br />
Gemeinschaft in Deutschland as representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood <strong>the</strong>re. 28 In<br />
France, <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> des organisati<strong>on</strong>s islamiques de France (UOIF) is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten referred to<br />
by <strong>the</strong> media as “close to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.” In additi<strong>on</strong>, most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe have banded toge<strong>the</strong>r to form an umbrella<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> known as <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE) whose<br />
leaders have acknowledged <strong>the</strong>ir relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 29 30 O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
studies have documented <strong>the</strong> history and structure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in <strong>the</strong><br />
United States. 31<br />
28
While much remains to be learned about <strong>the</strong> leadership/coordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, <strong>the</strong> single most important individual is its de facto spiritual<br />
leader, Youssef Qaradawi. Illustrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his importance and stature, in 2004 Qaradawi<br />
turned down <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer to lead <strong>the</strong> Egyptian Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood after <strong>the</strong> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Supreme<br />
Guide. At <strong>the</strong> time, an Egyptian Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader explained:<br />
Sheikh al-Qaradawi is an influential scholar and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood’s<br />
spiritual leaders in <strong>the</strong> world. Any <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>r would be h<strong>on</strong>oured to have<br />
him as supreme guide, but he turned down <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer for <strong>the</strong> post, citing health<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r reas<strong>on</strong>s, as he did in <strong>the</strong> past.”<br />
Qaradawi himself explained that he had c<strong>on</strong>sciously decided not to limit his scope <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
maneuver by tying himself “to any movement which might c<strong>on</strong>strain my acti<strong>on</strong>s.” 32<br />
Based in Qatar, Sheikh Qaradawi has reportedly amassed substantial wealth through<br />
his role as Shari’ah adviser to many important Islamic banks and funds. He is also<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidered to be <strong>the</strong> “spiritual guide” for Hamas, and his fatwas in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
suicide bombings against <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> citizens were instrumental in <strong>the</strong> development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
phenomen<strong>on</strong>. 33 Qaradawi has asserted that Islam will “return to Europe as a c<strong>on</strong>queror<br />
and victor, after being expelled from it twice.” He qualified this by adding: “Perhaps<br />
<strong>the</strong> next c<strong>on</strong>quest, Allah willing, will be by preaching and ideology. VI 34 Qaradawi’s<br />
anti-Western views were largely c<strong>on</strong>sistent with those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Hassan al-Banna, with whom he worked. It was al-Banna himself who<br />
spoke about raising again <strong>the</strong> Islamic flag in those lands that <strong>on</strong>ce harbored Islam in<br />
<strong>the</strong> past, saying “Thus Andalusia, Sicily, <strong>the</strong> Balkans, <strong>the</strong> Italian coast, as well as <strong>the</strong><br />
islands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean, are all <strong>Muslim</strong> Mediterranean col<strong>on</strong>ies, and <strong>the</strong>y must<br />
return to <strong>the</strong> embrace <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islam.” He added, “It is our right to bring back <strong>the</strong> glory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
35 36<br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamic Empire.”<br />
Qaradawi reserves particular vitriol for Israel and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s. For example:<br />
Mixing with those people (i.e. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s) without placing any c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s or<br />
b<strong>on</strong>ds has a lot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hazards and dangers, since it threatens Arab and <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
societies and spreads vice and moral corrupti<strong>on</strong> and deviati<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>gst<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong>s. Such people have been weaned <strong>on</strong> vice and perversi<strong>on</strong> and so many<br />
diseases, including AIDS, have become widespread am<strong>on</strong>gst <strong>the</strong>m. They plan<br />
for achieving such a goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> exporting <strong>the</strong>se ailments to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> society<br />
while <strong>Muslim</strong>s are totally unaware. Therefore, blocking <strong>the</strong> door leading to<br />
such temptati<strong>on</strong> is c<strong>on</strong>sidered a religious obligati<strong>on</strong> and necessity. 37<br />
Qaradawi has also said that Israel should be removed completely from all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what he<br />
views as “<strong>Muslim</strong> land.”<br />
[T]he so-called peace accords involved recognizing <strong>the</strong> Jews’ right to <strong>the</strong><br />
usurped lands, which means that Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, al-Ladd, Ramallah, Beir<br />
Sheba, and even Jerusalem will be c<strong>on</strong>sidered as <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> lands. Such cities that<br />
have been part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world for more than thirteen hundred years will<br />
become part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist Jewish state. Hence, we will never be able to claim<br />
<strong>the</strong>m back and, after being taken by force, such places will be legitimately<br />
given to <strong>the</strong> enemy. 38<br />
VI<br />
The quote is taken from «Message to <strong>the</strong> Youth», (undated).<br />
29
Qaradawi has issued numerous o<strong>the</strong>r extremist statements and rulings, including: VII<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Hitler was divine punishment for <strong>the</strong> misdeeds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Jews, and <strong>the</strong> Holocaust<br />
was exaggerated. 39<br />
His desire to end his life in <strong>the</strong> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jihad by visiting Israel and throwing a<br />
bomb, becoming a “martyr” in <strong>the</strong> process. 40<br />
41<br />
»»<br />
Calling for <strong>the</strong> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all Jews.<br />
42<br />
»»<br />
Calling for <strong>the</strong> collapse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> US if it doesn’t end its “unjust ways.”<br />
Qaradawi has also made many extremist statements <strong>on</strong> social issues, such as<br />
c<strong>on</strong>templating <strong>the</strong> killing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> homosexuals and ruling that beating is “suitable” for<br />
some wives. 43<br />
Qaradawi’s fundamentalism, religious intolerance, and support for terrorism are<br />
pervasive throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. For example, <strong>the</strong> Wall Street<br />
Journal reported <strong>on</strong> a meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR)<br />
in August 2004 at which: VIII<br />
…papers accepted traditi<strong>on</strong>al norms that directly c<strong>on</strong>tradict Western law<br />
and society, especially regarding women and marriage. Women should <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
cut <strong>the</strong>ir hair with <strong>the</strong>ir husbands’ permissi<strong>on</strong>, and “any woman who would<br />
marry without a male guardian’s c<strong>on</strong>sent, her wedding is invalid,” declared<br />
Muhammad Hawari, a Germany-based member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> group. .44<br />
The Journal also reported that <strong>on</strong>e council member cited “The Protocols <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Elders<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zi<strong>on</strong>” in a positi<strong>on</strong> paper <strong>on</strong> how <strong>Muslim</strong> families are under threat in Europe. The<br />
Protocols, <strong>the</strong> speaker said, was evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Jewish plot to undermine <strong>Muslim</strong> moral<br />
values through sexual permissiveness.<br />
A NEFA Foundati<strong>on</strong> report has analyzed <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good (UOG), a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic<br />
charities that provides financial support to both <strong>the</strong> Hamas “social” infrastructure,<br />
as well as to its terrorist activities. The UOG is headed by Qaradawi, and most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
trustees and member organizati<strong>on</strong>s are associated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. IX<br />
45<br />
Most importantly for this report, <strong>the</strong> delegitimizati<strong>on</strong> and dem<strong>on</strong>izati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel are a<br />
c<strong>on</strong>stant preoccupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. For example, <strong>the</strong> last Shura<br />
Council meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE), held in<br />
Istanbul in late September, issued <strong>the</strong> following statement <strong>on</strong> Israel:<br />
The Council is deeply disturbed by <strong>the</strong> attacks and violati<strong>on</strong>s perpetrated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupati<strong>on</strong> authorities and settler gangs, in <strong>the</strong> holy envir<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-Quds (Jerusalem), in what can <strong>on</strong>ly be classified as ethnic cleansing,<br />
Apar<strong>the</strong>id, and col<strong>on</strong>ialist expansi<strong>on</strong>ism. The Council also views with great<br />
alarm <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tinuing unjust blockade inflicted <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Strip, and demands its immediate lifting. 46<br />
VII<br />
VIII<br />
IX<br />
Compilati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Qaradawi’s extremist statements can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watchv=zWpp<br />
x61BJUw&feature=youtu.be&a and http://www.youtube.com/watchv=FuAlVMZcsUU&feature=channel.<br />
The ECFR is part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s In Europe (FIOE), <strong>the</strong> European <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
umbrella group and is headed by Qaradawi.<br />
The Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good was banned by Israel in 2002 and was recently designated a terrorist entity by <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States.<br />
30
The <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
Government<br />
Ties between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and Turkish politicians appear to date<br />
back as far as <strong>the</strong> early 1970’s. Kemal Al-Helbawy, a <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood spokesman<br />
living in <strong>the</strong> UK, told a Wall Street Journal reporter that in 1972 he went to Saudi<br />
Arabia for 10 years to become <strong>the</strong> first Executive Director <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> World Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY), a Saudi religious organizati<strong>on</strong> founded in 1972 with <strong>the</strong> goal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoting “Wahhabi Islam”, <strong>the</strong> strict interpretati<strong>on</strong> held by <strong>the</strong> Saudi religious<br />
establishment, to <strong>Muslim</strong> youth. 47 Various US government agencies believe that WAMY<br />
is associated with extremism and terrorism:<br />
»»<br />
A 2005 US c<strong>on</strong>gressi<strong>on</strong>al report said that WAMY was part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saudi funding<br />
mechanisms that have helped to promote global religious extremism. 48<br />
49<br />
»»<br />
A former US FBI analyst has detailed <strong>the</strong> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WAMY in funding Hamas.<br />
»»<br />
The US Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Defense reports that WAMY in Afghanistan may be<br />
associated with al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. X 50<br />
In Bosnia, WAMY funded <strong>the</strong> Active Islamic Youth, reported by Balkan media to be<br />
“<strong>the</strong> target <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> almost all investigati<strong>on</strong>s c<strong>on</strong>nected with terrorist activities in BiH.” 51<br />
52<br />
Indian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials and <strong>the</strong> Philippine military have also accused WAMY <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> funding<br />
terrorist groups and militant Islamists in <strong>the</strong>ir countries. 53<br />
Since its incepti<strong>on</strong>, WAMY has always had a close relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and it was at WAMY where El-Helbawy said he met former Afghan<br />
President Burhanuddin Rabbani, Anwar Ibrahim, and Taycep Erogan, <strong>the</strong> current<br />
Turkish Prime Minister. 54 Al-Helbawy told <strong>the</strong> reporter that all “got <strong>the</strong>ir start at<br />
WAMY.” Erdogan acknowledges being elected Chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Salvati<strong>on</strong> Party<br />
(NSP) Istanbul Youth Organizati<strong>on</strong> in 1976 while he was still in high school. 55 56 The NSP<br />
was an Islamist political party founded in 1972 as <strong>the</strong> successor to <strong>the</strong> banned Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Order Party and led by Necmettin Erbakan. Al-Helbawy has also acknowledged <strong>the</strong><br />
l<strong>on</strong>gstanding ties between <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and Islamic political movements in Turkey,<br />
dating back to <strong>the</strong> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> NSP:<br />
We always had ties with <strong>the</strong> Islamic movement or <strong>the</strong> political party with <strong>the</strong><br />
nati<strong>on</strong>alistic and Islamic background in Turkey since its incepti<strong>on</strong>, even before<br />
<strong>the</strong> formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> AKP. We had ties with <strong>the</strong> Islamic movement since <strong>the</strong><br />
incepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>al order party formed by Erbakan and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Salvati<strong>on</strong> Party. 57<br />
Erdogan c<strong>on</strong>tinued his positi<strong>on</strong> with <strong>the</strong> NSP until <strong>the</strong> Party was closed by a military<br />
coup in 1980 and followed Erbakan into <strong>the</strong> Refah (Welfare) Party that took is place<br />
in 1983. 58 Refah, described as “an explicitly Islamist party, which featured str<strong>on</strong>g anti-<br />
Western, anti-Semitic, anti-democratic, and anti-secular elements”, was itself banned<br />
in 1988 for violating <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong>al principle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> secularism, and yet ano<strong>the</strong>r party,<br />
Felicity (Virtue), took its place almost immediately. 59 In 2001, Felicity was also banned,<br />
and it split between Erbakan’s followers who created <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party and Erdogan’s<br />
followers who established <strong>the</strong> more “pragmatic” Justice and Development Party (AKP)<br />
60 61 62<br />
with Erdogan, by now <strong>the</strong> mayor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul, elected as its Founding Chairman.<br />
X<br />
After 9/11, past associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an enemy combatant at Guantanamo Bay with WAMY was regarded as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> «primary factors» for his c<strong>on</strong>tinued detenti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
31
Since that time, an Islamic news portal suggests that <strong>the</strong> AKP “was embraced” by most<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> supporters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Erbakan’s Millî Görüş movement as well as by o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
political spectrum, as evidenced by its success in <strong>the</strong> 2007 general electi<strong>on</strong>s. 63<br />
Prime Minister Erdogan appears to have maintained his ties with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood that date back to his time at WAMY. Former Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
leader Mohammed Madi Akef told an Egyptian magazine in 2005 that he knew both<br />
Erdogan and Erbakan well from when he had lived in Turkey and described both as<br />
“good friends.” In June 2008, <strong>the</strong> Associated Press reported that Malaysian oppositi<strong>on</strong><br />
leader Anwar Ibrahim, a former WAMY colleague with many ties to <strong>the</strong> global<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, took refuge in <strong>the</strong> Turkish Embassy following a police investigati<strong>on</strong><br />
into sodomy allegati<strong>on</strong>s. The AP report cited a senior AKP member as explaining that<br />
several embassies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered to shelter Mr. Ibrahim, but Anwar chose <strong>the</strong> Turkish missi<strong>on</strong><br />
“because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his close ties with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.”<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, a 2006 Lebanese media article reported that Prime Minister Erdogan was<br />
“an acquaintance and business partner” <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sheikh Yassin Abdullah Qadi, a Saudi<br />
businessman blacklisted by <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s for funding terrorism. 64 The report said<br />
that Erdogan defended Qadi, saying he trusted “Yassin Bey” (using a Turkish h<strong>on</strong>orific<br />
denoting utmost respect) as much as he trusted himself. Mr. Qadi had close ties to <strong>the</strong><br />
US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood through his ownership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a large block <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> shares <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ptech,<br />
a Texas s<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>tware company whose employees had fur<strong>the</strong>r ties to terror organizati<strong>on</strong>s. 65<br />
66<br />
Ptech had an interlocking board membership and o<strong>the</strong>r ties to <strong>the</strong> SAAR Foundati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
a now-defunct network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic organizati<strong>on</strong>s located in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Virginia, which<br />
was raided by <strong>the</strong> Federal government in March 2002 in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <strong>the</strong> financing<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terrorism. The leadership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> SAAR foundati<strong>on</strong>, in turn, was largely <strong>the</strong> same as<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Thought (IIIT), an important part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
XI 67<br />
U.S. <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
Meanwhile, in Europe <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood has fused with <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
Islamist political movement founded by Necmettin Erbakan. The leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Germany maintains an intimate relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> Islamische<br />
Gemeinschaft Millî Görüs (IGMG) described by <strong>the</strong> German domestic intelligence agency<br />
as having its “ideological roots” in <strong>the</strong> ideas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Erbakan, who founded <strong>the</strong> movement<br />
in <strong>the</strong> late 1960’s and served as its former chairman. 68 The German intelligence agency<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> IGMG:<br />
The IGMG is a pan-European organisati<strong>on</strong> with around 87,000 members,<br />
according to its own statements. The European headquarters is located in<br />
Kerpen (North Rhine-Westphalia). The number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IGMG members in Germany<br />
is assessed to amount to 27,500 individuals. Its numerous instituti<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
wide range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fers reach a much larger circle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people, though. According<br />
to its own statements, <strong>the</strong> IGMG has 514 mosque communities, 323 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>m in<br />
Germany. 69<br />
The German domestic intelligence agency also identifies <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> known as <strong>the</strong><br />
“Islamische Gemeinschaft Deutschland” (IGD) as essentially <strong>the</strong> representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Germany. 70 Ibrahim El-Zayat, for many years <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
IGD, is married to Sabiha El-Zayat, <strong>the</strong> sister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mehmet Sabri Erbakan, <strong>the</strong> nephew<br />
XI<br />
Anwar Ibrahim is a Trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IIIT.<br />
32
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Necmettin Erbakan. XII 71 In additi<strong>on</strong>, Mr. El-Zayat is listed as an <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a German<br />
business called SLM Liegenschaftsmanagement Gesellschaft für Finanzvermittlung<br />
und C<strong>on</strong>sulting mbH, established in 1997 and associated with <strong>the</strong> IGMG. 72 Oguz<br />
Ücüncü, <strong>the</strong> General-Secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IGMG, is also listed as an SLM <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer. 73 Since<br />
1995, Mr. El-Zayat has also been <strong>the</strong> manager <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Europäische Moscheenbau- und<br />
Unterstützungs Gemeinschaft (European Mosque Building Associati<strong>on</strong>), which <strong>the</strong><br />
German domestic intelligence agency refers to as representing <strong>the</strong> real estate holdings<br />
74 75<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Milli Görüs.<br />
Mr. El-Zayat is also a leader and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer in <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
Europe” (FIOE), identified above as representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Europe.<br />
He has served as a FIOE <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer as well as playing leadership roles in several FIOEaffiliated<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s, including its youth organizati<strong>on</strong> known as FEMYSO and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Europe Trust, <strong>the</strong> FIOE funding/endowment arm. 76 77 As late as April 2007, Mr.<br />
El-Zayat was <strong>the</strong> Western European representative for WAMY, and a 2000 German<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ey laundering investigati<strong>on</strong> reported that Mr. El-Zayat transferred more than $2<br />
milli<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WAMY, some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which was sent to <strong>the</strong> Albanian branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Taibah<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al, whose Bosnian branch was designated a terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong> by <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. government. 78 79 The investigati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cluded that Mr. El-Zayat’s activities “were<br />
used for carrying out fundamentalist Islamic activities in Europe.” A PEW Foundati<strong>on</strong><br />
report notes <strong>the</strong> close ties between WAMY and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Europe:<br />
[WAMY] sometimes partnered with o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Muslim</strong> groups in Europe, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Forum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> European <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth and Student Organizati<strong>on</strong>s and a variety<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> groups with ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. These partnerships were<br />
designed to help <strong>the</strong> Assembly with its outreach to specific nati<strong>on</strong>al and local<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> communities….Between <strong>the</strong> 1970s and 1990s, <strong>the</strong> European activities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> World League, and <strong>the</strong> World Assembly<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth became so intertwined that it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten difficult to tell <strong>the</strong>m<br />
apart.<br />
Necmettin Erbakan has also had a historical relati<strong>on</strong>ship with <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
A program for <strong>the</strong> 1998 Program Annual C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> North<br />
America (ISNA) indicates that <strong>the</strong> ISNA Human Dignity Award was bestowed <strong>on</strong> Mr.<br />
Erbakan “in recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his service to Islam and Turkey.” 80 The program says that<br />
Mr. Erbakan was scheduled to receive <strong>the</strong> award in pers<strong>on</strong>. ISNA is an umbrella group<br />
that is an important part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in <strong>the</strong> US. 81<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r individual with ties to both Mr. Erbakan and ISNA is Merve Safa Kavakçı, a<br />
Turkish politician who was elected as a Virtue Party deputy for Istanbul <strong>on</strong> April 18,<br />
1999. 82 Ms. Kavakci has been a frequent speaker at ISNA events and her fa<strong>the</strong>r, Dr. Yusuf<br />
Zaia Kavakci, who has praised <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood ideologues such as <strong>the</strong> Sudanese<br />
Hassan Turabi and <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi, was elected<br />
XIII 83 84<br />
in 1997 to <strong>the</strong> “Shura” or leadership council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ISNA.<br />
XII<br />
XIII<br />
In April 2008, Mr. El-Zayat was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in pris<strong>on</strong> by an Egyptian military court,<br />
which had accused him <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being an overseas leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. See El Shater, Malek,<br />
Sentenced for Seven years, 15 Acquitted,” Ikhwan Web, April 15, 2008 http://ikhwanweb.com/Article.<br />
aspID=16703&Secti<strong>on</strong>ID=0.<br />
Dr. Kavakci is <strong>the</strong> imam <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Dallas Central Mosque, known to have been a home for leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />
Land Foundati<strong>on</strong> who were c<strong>on</strong>victed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terrorism <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fenses in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <strong>the</strong> financing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas.<br />
See The Journal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Counterterrorism & Security Internati<strong>on</strong>al 1999 Fall «The Kavakci Affair: Headscarves,<br />
Religious Rights, and Terrorist Fr<strong>on</strong>t Groups».<br />
33
C<strong>on</strong>sistent with ties between <strong>the</strong> current Turkish political establishment and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Turkey under <strong>the</strong> AKP government has pursued a foreign and<br />
domestic policy agenda c<strong>on</strong>sistent with that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> global Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. According to<br />
Turkish affairs analyst S<strong>on</strong>er Cagaptay:<br />
The AKP was born out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Welfare Party (RP), <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rboard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish<br />
Islamists since <strong>the</strong> 1980s. Islamism in Turkey, though traditi<strong>on</strong>ally n<strong>on</strong>violent,<br />
possesses six virulent characteristics; it is anti-Western, anti-Semitic, anti-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>, anti-European, anti-democratic, and holds anti-secular sentiments, all<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which are adopted from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 85<br />
Cagaptay goes <strong>on</strong> to explain that <strong>the</strong> foreign policy views <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> AKP and its leaders<br />
are based <strong>on</strong> “solidarity with Islamist and anti-Western countries and movements.”<br />
He writes:<br />
AKP leader and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, al<strong>on</strong>g with his<br />
government, believe in Samuel Huntingt<strong>on</strong>’s clash <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> civilizati<strong>on</strong>s -- <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>the</strong>y<br />
choose to oppose <strong>the</strong> West. The AKP’s visi<strong>on</strong> as such is shaped by Turkey’s<br />
philosopher-king, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who summarizes this<br />
positi<strong>on</strong> in his opus “Strategic Depth,” in which he writes that “Turkey’s<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>ally good ties with <strong>the</strong> West ... are a form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> alienati<strong>on</strong>” and that <strong>the</strong><br />
AKP will correct <strong>the</strong> course <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> history, which has disenfranchised <strong>Muslim</strong>s since<br />
<strong>the</strong> collapse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Ottoman Empire. Undoubtedly, <strong>the</strong> AKP’s “us versus <strong>the</strong>m”<br />
visi<strong>on</strong> would not have had <strong>the</strong> same powerful res<strong>on</strong>ance had <strong>the</strong>y come to<br />
power before September 11. Because those attacks defined a politically-charged<br />
“<strong>Muslim</strong> world,” <strong>the</strong> AKP’s worldview has found fertile ground and has<br />
changed not <strong>on</strong>ly Turkey itself, but also <strong>the</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>’s role in foreign policy. 86<br />
The State Department had warned as early as 2004 about <strong>the</strong> thinking <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Erdogan’s<br />
<strong>the</strong>n-chief foreign policy advisor Davutoglu, an ally <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish President Abdullah<br />
Gul, who it said was “lost in neo-Ottoman Islamist fantasies”, namely, that Turkey’s<br />
role is to spread<br />
Islam in Europe, “to take back Andalusia and avenge <strong>the</strong> defeat at <strong>the</strong> siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vienna in<br />
XIV 87 88<br />
1683”, as <strong>on</strong>e participant in a recent meeting at AKP’s main think tank put it.<br />
By January 2010, a US State Department cable discussed what it called “Turkey’s new,<br />
highly activist foreign policy” which it said<br />
“unquesti<strong>on</strong>ably represents a transiti<strong>on</strong> not <strong>on</strong>ly from prior governments, but<br />
also from <strong>the</strong> AKP regime before <strong>the</strong> Gaza/Davos events, and before <strong>the</strong> ascent<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ahmet Davutoglu as Foreign Minister in April. 89<br />
The cable c<strong>on</strong>cluded that <strong>the</strong> new AKP foreign policy was “driven by both a desire to<br />
be more independently activist and by a more Islamic orientati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r State Department cable from 2006 attributed Prime Minister Erdogan’s<br />
increasingly Islamist foreign policy to domestic c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>s:<br />
According to a broad range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our c<strong>on</strong>tacts, Erdogan reads minimally, mainly<br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamist-leaning press. According to o<strong>the</strong>rs with broad and deep c<strong>on</strong>tacts<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> establishment, Erdogan refuses to draw <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> analyses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
XIV<br />
A US State Department cable explains “Himself <strong>the</strong> grands<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an Ottoman soldier who fought in Gaza,<br />
Davutoglu summed up <strong>the</strong> Davutoglu/AKP philosophy in an extraordinary speech in Sarajevo in late 2009<br />
(REF A). His <strong>the</strong>sis: <strong>the</strong> Balkans, Caucasus, and Middle East were all better <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f when under Ottoman c<strong>on</strong>trol<br />
or influence; peace and progress prevailed. Alas, <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> has been ravaged by divisi<strong>on</strong> and war ever since.<br />
34
MFA, and <strong>the</strong> military and Nati<strong>on</strong>al Intelligence Organizati<strong>on</strong> have cut him <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f<br />
from <strong>the</strong>ir reports. He never had a realistic world view, but <strong>on</strong>e key touchst<strong>on</strong>e<br />
is a fear <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being outmaneuvered <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Islamist side by “Hoca” Erbakan’s<br />
Saadet Party. … As <strong>the</strong> Israel-Leban<strong>on</strong> crisis intensified, so has this tendency<br />
within Erdogan’s small circle. AKP sees its own back to <strong>the</strong> public opini<strong>on</strong> wall.<br />
Instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> exercising leadership, Erdogan -- in populist pre-electi<strong>on</strong> mode -- has<br />
followed. He is playing to AKP,’s c<strong>on</strong>stituency; to those within <strong>the</strong> party who<br />
have never been positively inclined toward Israel; and to <strong>the</strong> greater regi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Sunni audience that he is trying to court. 90<br />
Yet ano<strong>the</strong>r cable attributes Erdogan’s positi<strong>on</strong>s to a hatred <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel:<br />
Our discussi<strong>on</strong>s with c<strong>on</strong>tacts both inside and outside <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish government<br />
<strong>on</strong> Turkey’s deteriorating relati<strong>on</strong>s with Israel tend to c<strong>on</strong>firm Levy’s <strong>the</strong>sis that<br />
Erdogan simply hates Israel. xxxxx discusses c<strong>on</strong>tributing reas<strong>on</strong>s for Erdogan’s<br />
tilt <strong>on</strong> Iran/Middle East issues, but antipathy towards Israel is a factor. 91<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r motivated by ideological, pers<strong>on</strong>al, or domestic c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>s, or more likely<br />
a combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>m, AKP foreign policy agenda has become more c<strong>on</strong>sistent<br />
with that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, focusing <strong>on</strong> bringing Turkey closer to<br />
Islamist regimes such as Iran, Sudan, and <strong>the</strong> Hamas government in Gaza. This foreign<br />
policy realignment has also meant deteriorating relati<strong>on</strong>s with Israel, including <strong>the</strong><br />
use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> harsh rhetoric normally associated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, such<br />
as calling Gaza a “c<strong>on</strong>centrati<strong>on</strong> camp”. 92 Following <strong>the</strong> December 2008 Gaza military<br />
acti<strong>on</strong>, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a “serious crime against<br />
humanity:<br />
“Despite <strong>the</strong> calls to stop attacks, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials’ statements that operati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
will last a l<strong>on</strong>g time and are, in fact, open-ended, c<strong>on</strong>stitute a serious crime<br />
against humanity,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoethan said yesterday<br />
during a party meeting where thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his supporters protested <strong>the</strong><br />
acti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel. “I c<strong>on</strong>sider <strong>the</strong>se acti<strong>on</strong>s by Israel, while we are making<br />
an attempt for peace, as delivering a blow to <strong>the</strong> peace initiatives,” he said.<br />
“Killing innocent people, defenseless children and women, bombing civilians,<br />
and using disproporti<strong>on</strong>ate force are unacceptable. This operati<strong>on</strong> is a blow<br />
to world peace,” Erdoethan said. Erdoethan criticized Israel for isolating <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Strip, where Palestinians try to survive under harsh c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s, from <strong>the</strong><br />
rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world..<br />
On November 25 2010, Erdogan accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> planning to “kill women and children”<br />
in a future Lebanese war:<br />
Turkey will not remain silent if Israel attacks Leban<strong>on</strong> or Gaza, Prime Minister<br />
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Beirut <strong>on</strong> Thursday, as ties between <strong>the</strong> l<strong>on</strong>gtime<br />
allies remained at an all- time low. “Does (Israel) think it can enter Leban<strong>on</strong> with<br />
<strong>the</strong> most modern aircraft and tanks to kill women and children, and destroy<br />
schools and hospitals, and <strong>the</strong>n expect us to remain silent” Erdogan said at a<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ference organised by <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arab Banks. 93<br />
S<strong>on</strong>er Cagaptay has also described <strong>the</strong> increasing domestic Islamist influence in Turkey<br />
under AKP rule:<br />
According to a recent poll by TESEV, an Istanbul-based NGO, <strong>the</strong> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
people identifying <strong>the</strong>mselves as <strong>Muslim</strong> increased by ten percent between 2002<br />
and 2007; in additi<strong>on</strong>, almost half <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those surveyed describe <strong>the</strong>mselves as<br />
Islamist. Moreover, orthopraxy seems to have become internalized: bureaucrats<br />
in Ankara now feel compelled to attend prayers lest <strong>the</strong>y be bypassed for<br />
35
promoti<strong>on</strong>s. Public display <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious observance, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten devoid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> faith, has<br />
become a necessity for those seeking government appointments or lucrative<br />
state c<strong>on</strong>tracts. 94<br />
In January 2010, <strong>the</strong> State Department c<strong>on</strong>curred:<br />
“As reported REF B, religiosity has been increasing in Turkey in past years, just<br />
as has been seen in many o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Muslim</strong> societies. The AKP is both a beneficiary<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, and a stimulus for, this phenomen<strong>on</strong>. 95<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> State Department cables also note that Prime Minister Erdogan “virtually<br />
paralyzed financial policy when he tried to appoint an Islamist as head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Central<br />
Bank against President Sezer’s firm oppositi<strong>on</strong>” and that from 1983 to 1991, <strong>the</strong>n-<br />
Foreign Minister Gul had a background as a specialist at <strong>the</strong> Islamic Development<br />
XV 96<br />
Bank in Saudi Arabia.<br />
Cagaptay c<strong>on</strong>cludes:<br />
In effect, <strong>the</strong> AKP’s steady mobilizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong> identity al<strong>on</strong>g with<br />
its close financial and ideological affinity with <strong>the</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>’s new Islamist elites is<br />
setting <strong>the</strong> stage for a total recalibrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey’s internati<strong>on</strong>al compass. 97<br />
The Free Gaza Movement and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Since <strong>the</strong> founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free Gaza, individuals tied to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood have<br />
participated in its flotillas. The most important <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se was Yv<strong>on</strong>ne Ridley, a UK journalist<br />
who was aboard <strong>the</strong> first Free Gaza flotilla in August 2008. Ms. Ridley is best known for<br />
her capture by <strong>the</strong> Taliban while an undercover reporter and her subsequent c<strong>on</strong>versi<strong>on</strong><br />
to Islam after her release. Ms. Ridley has had close ties to <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
since that time, including serving as a Respect Party politician and as a journalist for <strong>the</strong><br />
98 99 100 101<br />
Islam Channel, and she went <strong>on</strong> to play an important role in later flotilla efforts.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> analysts have already documented that many individuals tied to <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s were part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla, including those affiliated<br />
with UK, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>, Egyptian, Jordanian, and Yemeni Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood groups. 102 Also playing<br />
an important role in <strong>the</strong> flotilla was Sheikh Raed Salah, <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Movement in Israel, c<strong>on</strong>sidered to be <strong>the</strong> most extreme wing<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> movement that essentially comprises <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Israel. Salah<br />
has been frequently <strong>the</strong> subject <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> law enforcement acti<strong>on</strong>, which accused him<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> aiding Hamas and inciting violence in Israel. 103 104 Perhaps <strong>the</strong> most significant<br />
individual who was part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla was Akram Kassab, known to be <strong>the</strong> pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Youssef Qaradawi. 105 106 Kassab was also <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> founding members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) headed by Qaradawi. His first cited<br />
published work is titled “Zi<strong>on</strong>ism and <strong>the</strong> Threat to Humanity.” 107<br />
Less well known are <strong>the</strong> European and Turkish <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood groups<br />
that provided substantial support to <strong>the</strong> flotilla. There are three such groups that can<br />
be identified:<br />
XV<br />
The IDB has an extensive history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support for Islamist causes. For example, while Gul was beginning his<br />
term at <strong>the</strong> IDB in 1983, <strong>the</strong> Bank was supporting <strong>the</strong> Islamizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sudan.<br />
See http://www.acpr.org.il/nativ/0811-6-rehrenfeldE1.pdf.<br />
36
1. The European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza (ECESG)<br />
The ECESG had its own ship in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla, described by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> government<br />
as a small passenger boat. 108 The executive director <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ECESG is Arafat Madi (aka<br />
Arafat Madi Shoukri) who is also an executive <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>-based Palestinian Return<br />
Centre (PRC), which has str<strong>on</strong>g ties to <strong>the</strong> global <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 109 For example,<br />
two PRC directors are also directors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain (MAB),<br />
part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 110 111 112 113 PRC director Ghassan Four is also a<br />
Trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> INTERPAL, a key member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good and part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Hamas fund-raising network. 114 115 PRC director Zaher Birawi is a Trustee<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Educati<strong>on</strong> Aid for Palestine (EAP), also a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good. 116 117 The PRC<br />
has also been <strong>the</strong> co-sp<strong>on</strong>sor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> several c<strong>on</strong>ferences in Europe associated with Hamas,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> Sixth Palestinians in Europe C<strong>on</strong>ference, which featured Nihad Awad <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Council <strong>on</strong> American Islamic Relati<strong>on</strong>s (CAIR), former US. <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
leader Mohammad Akram Al-Adlouni, and Raed Salah, identified above as a leader<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Israel and close to Hamas. 118 The 2009 c<strong>on</strong>ference was<br />
addressed via video link by Gazan Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. 119<br />
2. Internati<strong>on</strong>al Committee to Break <strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza<br />
The Internati<strong>on</strong>al Committee to Break <strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza (ICBSG) was also <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
flotilla organizers and is led by Mohammad Sawalha, identified by <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> sources as<br />
“a senior Hamas activist who publicly supports jihad.” These same analysts report that<br />
Sawalha was formerly involved in both political and operati<strong>on</strong>al Hamas activities in<br />
Judea and Samaria, including running <strong>the</strong> terrorist operative infrastructure.” 120 The<br />
analysts go <strong>on</strong> to say that Sawalha escaped from Israel to Jordan where he has been<br />
involved with anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> activities as well as being part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s providing<br />
support for Hamas in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip. They also identify Sawalha as a founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain (MAB) and a chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> British <strong>Muslim</strong> Initiative<br />
(BMI), both organizati<strong>on</strong>s being part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
3. Turkish/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Network<br />
Although not c<strong>on</strong>stituted formally as an organizati<strong>on</strong>, a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> six Turkish NGOs.<br />
including <strong>the</strong> IHH. acted in c<strong>on</strong>cert with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood to support <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Flotilla. Two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most important leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this network are Turkish citizens<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arab origin who are also leaders within European <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s. The remainder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this report will explore <strong>the</strong>se organizati<strong>on</strong>s and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
leaders, referred to hereafter as <strong>the</strong> Turkish/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood network.<br />
37
NETWORK BACKGROUND (1998-2005)<br />
This report relies entirely up<strong>on</strong> public informati<strong>on</strong> sources that by <strong>the</strong>ir nature grow<br />
sparser as <strong>the</strong>y recede in time. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network does<br />
not begin in earnest until 2006, when Hamas emerged victorious from <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
general electi<strong>on</strong>s. Still, <strong>the</strong> available early history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network c<strong>on</strong>tains<br />
several important events setting <strong>the</strong> stage for what was to come. Gazi Misirli and<br />
Jamal Kerim, two Turks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arabic origin, can be identified during this time period as<br />
emerging leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network. In additi<strong>on</strong>, two important organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
that are part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> network can be seen to be showing <strong>the</strong> initial signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicizati<strong>on</strong><br />
that would later characterize <strong>the</strong> bulk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir activities. It should also be noted that<br />
this time period saw <strong>the</strong> August 2001 founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamist Turkish Justice and<br />
Development Party (AKP), currently <strong>the</strong> ruling party <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey. The AKP came to<br />
power in <strong>the</strong> November 2002 Turkish electi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Gazi Misirli - The Origins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Turkish MB Leader<br />
The history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network begins with Gazwan Masri, later to become its<br />
most important leader. Mr. Masri told a Saudi newspaper interviewer that in 1998 he<br />
had joined MÜSIȦD, <strong>the</strong> Turkish Islamist businessman’s associati<strong>on</strong>. 121 MÜSIȦD had<br />
been founded in 1990 by religiously-devout entrepreneurs, generally from <strong>the</strong> Anatolian<br />
heartland, with c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s to ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> party <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime Minister Turgut Ozal or to<br />
Erbakan’s Refah Party. MÜSIȦD was created as both a small business organizati<strong>on</strong> and<br />
as a lobbying group whose members sought mutual assistance to defend <strong>the</strong>ir interests<br />
against <strong>the</strong> secular middle-class, represented in business by <strong>the</strong> Turkish Employers’<br />
Federati<strong>on</strong> (TUSIAD), headquartered in Istanbul. 122 After an early beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trying<br />
to spread Islam through student-oriented activities and following its success in export<br />
businesses, MÜSIȦD developed a pro-business philosophy that was based <strong>on</strong> an Islamic<br />
critique <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> capitalism. 123 This critique employed <strong>the</strong>mes comm<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> global <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood- that as <strong>Muslim</strong>s moved away from <strong>the</strong> Quran, degenerati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> political,<br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omic, and social life followed. MÜSIȦD proposed replacing <strong>the</strong> “neo-liberal”<br />
capitalist system with a financial order based <strong>on</strong> Islam. 124 The group’s membership had<br />
reached 3000 in 1998 from 400 in 1991, and its members’ companies’ annual revenue<br />
was US $ 2.79 billi<strong>on</strong>. 125 The US State Department reported that MUSIAD gave Prime<br />
Minister Erdogan key financial support as <strong>the</strong> AKP campaigned prior to <strong>the</strong> 2002<br />
electi<strong>on</strong>s, and in 2006 a Turkish/Islamic business portal reported that MÜSIȦD was<br />
supported by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, as evidenced by his recent appearance<br />
as a guest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>on</strong>or at a MÜSIȦD c<strong>on</strong>ference. 126127 In October 2009, Mr. Masri described<br />
MÜSIȦD in an interview as an “ec<strong>on</strong>omic lobby” comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious businessmen<br />
whose c<strong>on</strong>stituent businesses represent 15% <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish nati<strong>on</strong>al income. 128 Mr. Masri<br />
went <strong>on</strong> to say that all MÜSIȦD members believe <strong>the</strong>y are not <strong>the</strong>re for <strong>the</strong> m<strong>on</strong>ey <strong>on</strong>ly,<br />
and that MÜSIȦD stands firmly with <strong>the</strong> Palestinians. Since MÜSIȦD works mainly to<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>n trade between <strong>the</strong> Islamic states, he said he didn’t think that members work<br />
with Israel, which is not <strong>on</strong>ly oppressive, but “kills innocent women and children.”<br />
38
Gazwan Masri, also known by his Turkish name Gazi Misirli, was born in Aleppo,<br />
Syria in 1964 and later acquired Turkish citizenship. XVI 129 There are c<strong>on</strong>flicting reports<br />
both <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Misirli’s date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arrival in Turkey and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his educati<strong>on</strong>al background.<br />
One media report says that he first came to Turkey in 1987 for a university educati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
earning a degree in Engineering Management from İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi and<br />
eventually marrying a Turkish woman. 130 However, o<strong>the</strong>r media reports say he first<br />
came to Turkey in 1983. XVII 131 132 He later became head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> SANTRAL company that<br />
describes itself as “supplying products and goods from Turkish and internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
markets and marketing <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> Arab world.” 133 Shortly after joining MÜSIȦD,<br />
sometime in 1999 or 2000, Mr. Misirli became a Trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Trust, a part<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE), known to be <strong>the</strong> umbrella<br />
group representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Europe. 134 135 The Trust describes itself<br />
as a “Waqf”, an Arabic term meaning a religious endowment in <strong>the</strong> form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a property<br />
earning revenues, as regulated by Islamic law. Since renamed <strong>the</strong> “Europe Trust”, <strong>the</strong><br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> has amassed a real-estate portfolio <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income-earning properties, a small<br />
porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which has been used to fund FIOE or FIOE member organizati<strong>on</strong> projects.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time Mr. Misirli joined <strong>the</strong> Trust, as well as at <strong>the</strong> present, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r trustees<br />
included some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most important <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders in Europe, such as<br />
Ibrahim El-Zayat, <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> German <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and Fouad Alaoui,<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> French <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 136 Illustrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Misirli’s<br />
close c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s to <strong>the</strong> current Turkish government, in April 2009 he <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered <strong>on</strong> an<br />
<strong>on</strong>line forum to forward letters to <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime Minister Erdogan. 137<br />
IHH - A Politicized Charity<br />
By late 2002, <strong>the</strong> Turkish charity known as IHH was showing clear signs that it was<br />
not <strong>on</strong>ly a humanitarian operati<strong>on</strong> but also a highly politicized Islamic NGO. IHH<br />
had been founded in 1995 by individuals who were operating in <strong>the</strong> Balkans during<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>flict in <strong>the</strong> early 1990’s. These individuals said that <strong>the</strong>y had c<strong>on</strong>tinued <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
efforts during <strong>the</strong> Chechen war and wished to “deliver humanitarian aid to all people<br />
and take necessary steps to prevent any violati<strong>on</strong>s against <strong>the</strong>ir basic rights and<br />
liberties.” 138 As early as 1998, links could be observed between IHH and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. According to media reports from that time, <strong>the</strong> Ankara Directorate<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Police had c<strong>on</strong>fiscated important documents showing links between an NGO<br />
dealing with foreign university graduates, IHH, <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic<br />
XVIII 139<br />
Student Organizati<strong>on</strong>s (IIFSO), and <strong>the</strong> Refah Party.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, a US federal agent testified that he had found various corresp<strong>on</strong>dences<br />
dating from 1999-2002 at <strong>the</strong> Success Foundati<strong>on</strong>, indicating that IHH had received<br />
substantial d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s from both <strong>the</strong> Success Foundati<strong>on</strong> and <strong>the</strong> IIRO for use in “relief<br />
and charity work” as well as for humanitarian aid to <strong>the</strong> Chechen refugees in Georgia<br />
and Azerbijan. 140 The former President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Success Foundati<strong>on</strong> was US <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
XVI<br />
XVII<br />
XVIII<br />
Mr. Misirli has posted <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> website <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> “Nati<strong>on</strong>al Struggle Unity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Syria Kurds”, suggesting that he may be a<br />
Syrian Kurd. See http://www.syriakurds.com/home/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=13964&Itemi<br />
d=1.<br />
The date is important because <strong>the</strong> 1983 arrival would have taken place shortly after <strong>the</strong> Hama massacre in<br />
February 1982, when <strong>the</strong> Syrian army bombarded <strong>the</strong> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hama in order to quash a revolt by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
The IIFSO is a well-known <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong> that served as a springboard for many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
today’s global Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders.<br />
39
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Abdul Rahman Alamoudi, later c<strong>on</strong>victed in a plot to murder Saudi<br />
Crown Prince Abdullah <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi. XIX 141 The US<br />
agent also testified that c<strong>on</strong>tact informati<strong>on</strong> for IHH and its director was found in <strong>the</strong><br />
Palm Pilot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> US Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Alamoudi.<br />
Since that time, IHH has expanded its work bey<strong>on</strong>d <strong>Muslim</strong> war z<strong>on</strong>es to operati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
in 120 countries, including humanitarian assistance in disaster z<strong>on</strong>es such as <strong>the</strong> Haiti<br />
earthquake and Hurricane Katrina. 142 143 IHH currently maintains str<strong>on</strong>g ties to <strong>the</strong><br />
AKP, and many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its board members are AKP <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials. 144 The BBC has fur<strong>the</strong>r reported<br />
that IHH “has str<strong>on</strong>g sympathy” am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> AKP and raises some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its m<strong>on</strong>ey from<br />
unidentified Islamic religious groups. 145 According to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> media reports, while<br />
IHH says it has no ties to <strong>the</strong> AKP, <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> says it is funded by d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly and that <strong>the</strong> m<strong>on</strong>ey comes mainly from Turkey’s religious businessmen, <strong>the</strong> same<br />
social class that supported Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid for power. 146<br />
As discussed elsewhere in this report, <strong>the</strong> Turkish Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong> known as<br />
MÜSIȦD is known to represent Turkey’s religious businessmen, and IHH reporting<br />
str<strong>on</strong>gly suggests that MÜSIȦD is a major funder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH. For example, in September<br />
2006, IHH reported that it had c<strong>on</strong>structed two health centers in Kashmir with <strong>the</strong><br />
XX 147<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re are also multiple intelligence reports about <strong>the</strong> ties between IHH and<br />
terrorist groups, beginning with a 1996 NATO intelligence report that listed IHH as<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> several charities suspected <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> providing support for terrorist groups in Bosnia. 148<br />
According to Bosnian intelligence, IHH founder/board member Osman Atalay and<br />
IHH founder Hakan Bogoclu had been part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Bosnian Army’s 7th <strong>Muslim</strong> Brigade<br />
described as “an umbrella for several hundred foreign Mujaheddin known at <strong>the</strong> time<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir Islamist fervor.” 149 In 1996, French police, investigating an attempted car<br />
bombing in <strong>the</strong> city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lille, found that key suspects had IHH c<strong>on</strong>tacts. In additi<strong>on</strong>, a<br />
French intelligence report cited multiple instances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihadist activity by IHH during<br />
<strong>the</strong> mid 1990s:<br />
»» Turkish authorities started a criminal investigati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH in December 1997 when<br />
sources revealed that leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH were purchasing automatic weap<strong>on</strong>s from<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r regi<strong>on</strong>al Islamic militant groups. IHH’s bureau in Istanbul was searched,<br />
and its local <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficers were arrested. Security forces discovered “disturbing<br />
items”, including firearms, explosives, bomb-making instructi<strong>on</strong>s, and a “jihad<br />
flag.” Based <strong>on</strong> seized documents, Turkish authorities c<strong>on</strong>cluded that “detained<br />
members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH were going to fight in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Chechnya.”<br />
»» IHH President Bulent Yildirim c<strong>on</strong>spired in <strong>the</strong> mid-1990s to “recruit veteran<br />
soldiers in anticipati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> coming holy war [jihad]. Men were sent into war<br />
z<strong>on</strong>es in <strong>Muslim</strong> countries in order to acquire combat experience.” In hopes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
“obtaining political support from <strong>the</strong>se countries, financial aid was transferred<br />
[<strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH], as well as caches <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> firearms, knives, and pre-fabricated<br />
explosives.”<br />
XIX<br />
XX<br />
According to evidence presented in <strong>the</strong> statement, SAAR <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Yaqub Mirza assisted in <strong>the</strong> registrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a trust in <strong>the</strong> Isle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mann known as <strong>the</strong> Happy Hearts Trust, under <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Success Foundati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The government also presented evidence that <strong>the</strong> Happy Hearts Trust, in turn, transferred funds to two<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s serving as Hamas Fr<strong>on</strong>ts: <strong>the</strong> Humanitarian Relief Associati<strong>on</strong> in Israel and Human Appeal<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al in Jordan.<br />
The financial support provided by MÜSIȦD to IHH for Gaza projects will be discussed later in this report.<br />
40
»» IHH’s ph<strong>on</strong>e records in Istanbul showed repeated teleph<strong>on</strong>e calls in 1996 to an<br />
Al-Qaida guesthouse in Milan and various Algerian terrorist operatives active<br />
elsewhere in Europe – including Abu el-Ma`ali, who has been referred to by U.S.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials as a “junior Osama Bin Laden.”<br />
It has also been reported by Turkish media that during <strong>the</strong> 2003 Iraq War, IHH sent<br />
d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s and aid to insurgent-dominated areas. 150 In fact, IHH had representatives <strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ground in Fallujah during mid-2004, when <strong>the</strong> Iraqi city was still under <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trol<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-Qaida\ Iraq and former Baathists. 151<br />
In perhaps <strong>the</strong> most noteworthy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se reports about IHH and terrorism, a French<br />
magistrate testified in a US District Court that IHH had played “[a]n important role”<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Al-Qaida Millenium bomb plot targeting Los Angeles Internati<strong>on</strong>al Airport<br />
(LAX). 152<br />
The IHH also acknowledges its heavy support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza including aid to orphans,<br />
known to be associated with support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas. 153 The IHH says it funds more than<br />
9,000 orphans in Gaza, many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom were acknowledged by an IHH spokesman to<br />
be <strong>the</strong> children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas members who died. The IHH says it spent nearly $25 milli<strong>on</strong><br />
delivering aid to Gaza from 2005 to 2009. 154 It should also be noted that according to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> government, IHH is a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic<br />
charities headed by <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi, which raises<br />
funds for Hamas. 155 156 The Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good is both banned by Israel and designated by<br />
157 158<br />
<strong>the</strong> US as a terrorist organizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The accusati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ties between IHH and terrorist groups notwithstanding, more<br />
important for this report is <strong>the</strong> evidence that IHH is a politicized NGO ra<strong>the</strong>r than a<br />
purely humanitarian organizati<strong>on</strong>. This politicizati<strong>on</strong> can first be observed in December<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 2002. when a Turkish news agency reported that <strong>the</strong> imam <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque<br />
and <strong>the</strong> chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Social Aid Foundati<strong>on</strong> came to Turkey as <strong>the</strong> guests <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
IHH. They were reported to have visited Felicity Party (SP) leader Recai Kutan and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian Ambassador in Ankara, Fuad Yaseen, who also attended <strong>the</strong> meeting.<br />
Kutan was reported to have said that people who were injured in incidents in Palestine<br />
had previously received medical treatment in hospitals in Turkey and called <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
government to give medical treatment to injured Palestinian people again in Turkish<br />
hospitals. Kutan also said that Turkey had <strong>the</strong> biggest resp<strong>on</strong>sibility to solve <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinian problem and that <strong>the</strong> new government should be sensitive to <strong>the</strong> issue,<br />
adding, “The whole Islamic world should come toge<strong>the</strong>r under <strong>the</strong> leadership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Turkey.” Huseyin also had a meeting with AKP deputy leader Saban Disli. 159<br />
Since <strong>the</strong>n, evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> politicizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH can be seen in numerous examples:<br />
»» In late 2002, IHH and its leader Bulent Yildirim were reported to have played<br />
a key role in fostering anti-Western sentiment am<strong>on</strong>g Turkish <strong>Muslim</strong>s in <strong>the</strong><br />
run-up to <strong>the</strong> 2003 war in Iraq. By late 2002, a Danish nati<strong>on</strong>al security thinktank<br />
report says that <strong>the</strong> IHH was “instrumental in c<strong>on</strong>vening large and raucous<br />
protest rallies opposed to <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n-imminent effort to depose Saddam Hussein,<br />
capped <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f by <strong>the</strong> burning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> U.S. and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flags.”<br />
»» The same Danish think-tank reports that in mid-2004 IHH, issued incendiary<br />
English-language news updates from its representatives in Fallujah, Iraq, accusing<br />
<strong>the</strong> US <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> shooting at ambulances and praising <strong>the</strong> Iraqi “resistance.” 160 The report<br />
also said that Yildirim characterized U.S. military operati<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> Iraqi city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Fallujah as “equally a strike <strong>on</strong> Istanbul, Ankara.” 161<br />
41
»» In May 2004, Yildirim was identified by AFP as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> organizers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an Istanbul<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> protesting against <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> military acti<strong>on</strong>s in Gaza. A group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
almost 800 people were reported to have ga<strong>the</strong>red in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Fatih Mosque<br />
after prayers Friday afterno<strong>on</strong> to chant: “Israel, assassin, leave Palestine. U.S.,<br />
murderers, leave Iraq” and to have burned an <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flag. 162<br />
»» During a November 2004 news c<strong>on</strong>ference, Bulent Yildirim called <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
people to boycott US, British, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods claiming: “The United States has<br />
been committing a massacre in Fallujah, city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iraq.” 163<br />
»» Leading ano<strong>the</strong>r anti-U.S. rally in Istanbul in December 2004, Bulent Yildirim<br />
told <strong>the</strong> Anatolia News Agency, “Intelligence cooperati<strong>on</strong> between <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States, Britain, and Turkey must be stopped. O<strong>the</strong>rwise, we will organize acti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
at every c<strong>on</strong>sulate, and if necessary, will assembly 50,000 or 100,000 people at<br />
<strong>the</strong> US c<strong>on</strong>sulate.” Protestors at <strong>the</strong> December rally reportedly shouted various<br />
slogans, including “Murderer US, get out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Middle East” and “L<strong>on</strong>g live<br />
our resistance.” 164<br />
»» In March 2005, AFP reported that IHH was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> organizers who called for<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s in memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chechen leader Aslan Maskhadov, slain by Russian<br />
troops. Bulent Yildirim told <strong>the</strong> crowd. “I call <strong>on</strong> all Turks to help Chechnya<br />
combat Russian imperialism.” The dem<strong>on</strong>strators chanted “Putin, murderer, out<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chechnya,” “Free <strong>the</strong> Caucasus, nei<strong>the</strong>r America nor Russia,” “Martyrs w<strong>on</strong>’t<br />
die, <strong>the</strong> resistance w<strong>on</strong>’t stop.” 165<br />
In 2006, <strong>the</strong> BBC reported that <strong>the</strong> IHH website had shifted its focus largely to anti-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> reporting, with reports centered <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fensives against Gaza and<br />
Leban<strong>on</strong> and protests against “<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> brutality”. As <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 18 August 2006, a click <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
“Day in Palestine” box led <strong>the</strong> reader to photos that depict <strong>the</strong> treatment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinians<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> soldiers. 166 In July 2010, <strong>the</strong> Wall Street Journal c<strong>on</strong>firmed that IHH had<br />
remained focused <strong>on</strong> Islamic issues, and Gaza in particular.<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong>-focused causes and c<strong>on</strong>flicts remain at <strong>the</strong> core <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its work. On a recent<br />
day, four <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> first six projects listed <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> IHH’s Web site were Islamspecific<br />
— two for building mosques, <strong>on</strong>e for refurbishing a Quranic school,<br />
and ano<strong>the</strong>r for translating and publishing key Islamic texts into Cambodia’s<br />
Khmer language. The IHH has focused <strong>on</strong> Gaza in recent years. 167<br />
This shift to a Gaza-focus is c<strong>on</strong>firmed by a search <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH website, which reveals<br />
dozens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reports <strong>on</strong> Gaza projects as well as anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> political activities. 168<br />
Jamal Kerim- Sec<strong>on</strong>d MB Leader Emerges<br />
During this period, a sec<strong>on</strong>d Turk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arabic origin was emerging as a leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish/MB network.<br />
Sometime in 2003, an organizati<strong>on</strong> was founded known as HIKMET Bilim Dostluk ve<br />
Yardımlaşma Derneği (Wisdom Science Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Friendship and Solidarity), referred<br />
to in this report as HIKMET and known to be <strong>the</strong> Turkish member organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
169 170<br />
Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE).<br />
42
HIKMET is headed by Jamal Kerim, also known by his Turkish name Cemalettin Kerim.<br />
Mr. Kerim, who was 40 years old in July 2009, was born in Palestine but has lived in<br />
Turkey for 29 years, holds a Turkish passport, and received a degree in 1987 in “Electrics<br />
and Electr<strong>on</strong>ics” from Boğaziçi University. XXI 171 172 He is also <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a business<br />
known as KERİM DIŞ TİC.VE TURİZM LTD.ŞT. (Kerim Tourism and Travel) which is<br />
also listed as an export business dealing in a wide variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> products shipped primarily<br />
to Middle Eastern countries but also to Kosovo, Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Zambia, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> US. In January 2005, Turkish media identified Jamal Kerim as <strong>the</strong> Commissi<strong>on</strong>er<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> MÜSIȦD Foreign Relati<strong>on</strong>s Commissi<strong>on</strong>. 173<br />
In late June 2005, HIKMET hosted <strong>the</strong> 15th annual sessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Council for<br />
Fatwa and Research (ECFR), <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ological arm <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> FIOE , headed by <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi. The meeting was held at an Istanbul hotel<br />
and attended by most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ECFR, as well as a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> guests and<br />
observers, Turkish scholars, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials. The welcoming speech was delivered by<br />
Mr. Kerim and also included an introductory speech delivered by <strong>the</strong> Faisal Mawlawi,<br />
Deputy Chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ECFR and head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Leban<strong>on</strong>. 174<br />
MAZLUMDER- A Politicized Human Rights Group<br />
In mid-December 2005, Mr. Kerim spoke before <strong>the</strong> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
human rights organizati<strong>on</strong> known as MAZLUMDER, founded in 1991 as an alternative<br />
to <strong>the</strong> existing human rights organizati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong>e that would be sensitive to <strong>the</strong> issue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Islamic headscarf. 175 MAZLUMDER is headquartered in Istanbul, has branches through<br />
Turkey, and reports c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s to Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong>s tied to Hamas/<strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Iran, and <strong>the</strong> Jamaat-e-Islami <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pakistan. 176 Like IHH, MAZLUMDER<br />
had shown early signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicizati<strong>on</strong>, particularly during <strong>the</strong> Iraq war, when it was<br />
involved in anti-American dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s and in 2004, when it joined with IHH in a<br />
coaliti<strong>on</strong> to protest a NATO summit in Istanbul. 177 Until 2005, <strong>the</strong> MAZLUMDER website<br />
appears to have made no menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel, but subsequently has focused a great deal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its critical attenti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. In his 2005 talk, Mr. Kerim accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
wanting to destroy <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> turning Gaza into a pris<strong>on</strong>. He also<br />
referred to <strong>the</strong> “martyrdom” <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> late Hamas spiritual leader, Ahmed Yassine. 178<br />
Various media reports indicate that former Lockheed engineer and Amnesty Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
board member Ahmet Faruk Unsal became President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER sometime after<br />
2006. 179 180 181 182 Mr. Unsal had served as an AKP Member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament from 2002 to<br />
2007 and was <strong>the</strong> representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey to <strong>the</strong> NATO Parliamentary Assembly.<br />
While a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish parliament, Mr. Unsal was instrumental in <strong>the</strong> vote<br />
rejecting a measure to let U.S. troops attack Iraq from Turkish territory. 183 Currently,<br />
he is a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH board al<strong>on</strong>g with Ayhan Kucuk, ano<strong>the</strong>r AKP member and<br />
President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> MAZLUMDER Istanbul branch. 184 A 2006 <strong>on</strong>line biography identifies<br />
Gazi Misirli as a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER. 185<br />
XXI<br />
A number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish/MB network leaders have ties to this university.<br />
43
THE NETWORK STIRS (2006)<br />
2006 saw <strong>the</strong> first significant developments in <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network. The year<br />
had begun with two important events pertaining to Hamas. On January 25, Hamas<br />
w<strong>on</strong> enough seats to form a majority government in <strong>the</strong> electi<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
Legislative Council (PLC), <strong>the</strong> legislature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Nati<strong>on</strong>al Authority<br />
(PNA). 186 On February 16, a five-man Hamas delegati<strong>on</strong> headed by political leader<br />
Khaled Mashaal arrived in Turkey. The delegati<strong>on</strong> was expected to meet with Turkish<br />
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but several hours after <strong>the</strong> arrival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
group, <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice announced that no meeting would be held, and <strong>the</strong><br />
delegati<strong>on</strong>, including Mashaal, met instead with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah<br />
Gul at <strong>the</strong> AKP headquarters. XXII 187 In early July, Turkish media reported that Foreign<br />
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had met with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal <strong>on</strong> a trip to<br />
Damascus. 188 The remainder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> year saw two important c<strong>on</strong>ferences involving <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi held in Istanbul and <strong>the</strong> first known<br />
joint acti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network including IHH, which took place during <strong>the</strong><br />
Leban<strong>on</strong> War.<br />
Qaradawi Comes To Turkey<br />
For <strong>the</strong> first known time, two significant meetings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
were held in Turkey during July 2006. From July 1-2 2006, a c<strong>on</strong>ference was held in<br />
Istanbul titled <strong>the</strong> “<strong>Muslim</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe C<strong>on</strong>ference.” Organized with <strong>the</strong> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> UK Foreign and Comm<strong>on</strong>wealth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference steering committee included<br />
important leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood such as Tariq Ramadan, German<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Ibrahim El-Zayat, French <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
Fouad Alaoui, and Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric. 189 190 C<strong>on</strong>ference participants<br />
also included, most notably, Youssef Qaradawi but also important <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders such as Tunisian Rashid Ghannouchi, FIOE <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Ayman Aly,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> former Deputy Prime Minster <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. 191 The Turkish<br />
participants included many individuals from <strong>the</strong> Turkish religious establishment such<br />
as Mehmet Aydin, <strong>the</strong> Chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Religious Affairs under <strong>the</strong> Erdogan government,<br />
as well as numerous scholars and academics. XXIII<br />
Also held in July 2006 in Istanbul was <strong>the</strong> Sec<strong>on</strong>d General Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS), headed by <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
Youssef Qaradawi. XXIV 192 The IUMS meeting was hosted by two Turkish NGO umbrella<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s known as <strong>the</strong> Türkiye Gönüllü Teşeküller Vakfı (TGTV) and <strong>the</strong> İslam<br />
Dünyası Sivil Toplum Kuruluşları Birliği (İDSB), or in English, <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Islamic World (UNIW). The TGTV had been founded in December 1994 with <strong>the</strong> intent<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fostering ties am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Islamist NGOs within Turkey. 193 The organizati<strong>on</strong> is known<br />
to engage in a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> activities, including publishing books and reports, holding<br />
XXII<br />
XXIII<br />
XXIV<br />
A Turkish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial who spoke <strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an<strong>on</strong>ymity said Erdogan changed his mind in part because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
intense pressure from <strong>the</strong> Bush administrati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se are associated with <strong>the</strong> “Comm<strong>on</strong> Word” project. See http://www.acomm<strong>on</strong>word.com.<br />
The IUMS was launched in July 2004 in c<strong>on</strong>juncti<strong>on</strong> with a visit by Qaradawi to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> for a meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) and appears to serve as a kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> leadership body for<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood scholars and clerics.<br />
44
c<strong>on</strong>ferences, participating in dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s, and networking with foreign NGOs. TGTV<br />
incorporates o<strong>the</strong>r members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network, including IHH, MÜSIȦD, and<br />
FIDDER, discussed later in this report, and cooperates with <strong>the</strong>m in various activities. 194<br />
Examples include humanitarian efforts with IHH in <strong>the</strong> 2006 Pakistani earthquake,<br />
holding a press c<strong>on</strong>ference about Chechnya with IHH and MAZLUMDER leaders in<br />
2009, and staging a protest march against military coups toge<strong>the</strong>r with MAZLUMDER<br />
and IHH. 195 196 197 198 Prior to 2006, <strong>the</strong> TGTV website appears to have made no menti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel, until an article was posted at that time about an ”<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Massacre. 199 Since<br />
<strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> appears to have placed a growing emphasis <strong>on</strong> anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
activities. Necati Ceylan has been <strong>the</strong> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV since 2007, replacing Necmi<br />
Sadıkoğlu, currently <strong>the</strong> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UNIW. 200 Mr. Ceylan is an attorney and member<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Hukukcular Dernegi (Lawyers Associati<strong>on</strong>). 201<br />
The Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World (UNIW) was founded at a c<strong>on</strong>ference in 2005<br />
where AKP Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul gave a speech. 202 The UNIW Secretary-<br />
General has said that <strong>the</strong> UNIW was created at <strong>the</strong> initiati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV, and both TGTV<br />
and MÜSIȦD have been described as UNIW charter members. 203 In <strong>the</strong> same way that<br />
TGTV was created to coordinate <strong>the</strong> various Turkish Islamist NGOs, <strong>the</strong> UNIW was<br />
created to coordinate Islamist NGOs <strong>on</strong> a global level, and its current members include<br />
a l<strong>on</strong>g list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> important <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood organizati<strong>on</strong>s such as: <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY), <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Islamic Relief Organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
(IIRO), and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhoods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bahrain, Israel and Algeria. 204 205 UNIW<br />
members also include <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network organizati<strong>on</strong>s IHH, MÜSIȦD, HIKMET,<br />
and FIDDER. UNIW engages in <strong>the</strong> same kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> activities as TGTV, and in December<br />
2007 sp<strong>on</strong>sored an internati<strong>on</strong>al c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> “Islamophobia”, which brought toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
numerous leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, including Tariq Ramadan as well<br />
as anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> activist Norman Finkelstein. 206 The c<strong>on</strong>ference also included many leaders<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, including Iqbal Unus from <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Islamic Thought and Louay Safi from <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> North America (ISNA).<br />
The July 2006 IUMS meeting was reported to have included 270 IUMS members and<br />
Turkish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials led by AKP deputy premier and Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> State Mehmet Ali Sahin,<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> governor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul who inaugurated <strong>the</strong> meeting. 207 IUMS <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial Ali<br />
Qaradaghi said, “Co-operati<strong>on</strong> between sincere <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars and rulers is <strong>the</strong> key<br />
to advancement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>” while a Western scholar attending <strong>the</strong> meeting<br />
reported:<br />
[The speakers] had each regaled us with <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> locati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting, Istanbul, former and, as some suggested, potential future nexus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamic world. 208<br />
The Deputy IUMS Chairman Iranian Sheikh Ayatu Allah Muhammad ´Ali At-Taskhiri,<br />
called for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world to rally against Israel and said, ”Innocent civilians were<br />
facing daily sufferings under <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> aggressi<strong>on</strong>s amidst despicable world silence.” 209<br />
Also held in Istanbul around <strong>the</strong> same time was <strong>the</strong> 16 th meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) hosted BY HIKMET, and HIKMET Chairman<br />
Ahmet Hasanoğlu’n was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> opening speakers. 210 The ECFR is <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ological<br />
body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s In Europe (FIOE) and is also headed<br />
by Qaradawi.<br />
45
1st Acti<strong>on</strong>s- Leban<strong>on</strong> and Gaza<br />
On July 12 2006, two IDF jeeps patrolling <strong>the</strong> border with Leban<strong>on</strong> were ambushed by<br />
Hezbollah, resulting in <strong>the</strong> killing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> three soldiers and <strong>the</strong> kidnapping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two more.<br />
The initial Hezbollah attack was followed by ground incursi<strong>on</strong>s and rocket/mortar<br />
attacks against <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> border communities and military outposts. These events were<br />
<strong>the</strong> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what became known as <strong>the</strong> Sec<strong>on</strong>d Leban<strong>on</strong> War, which saw <strong>the</strong> first<br />
known joint anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s by <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network. 211<br />
On July 20, following <strong>the</strong> initial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> land incursi<strong>on</strong> into Leban<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> TGTV held a<br />
press c<strong>on</strong>ference where <strong>the</strong> following Turkish/MB network leaders made statements<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>izing Israel: 212<br />
TGTV Chairman Necmi Sadıkoğlu said, “Israel massacres defenseless people in<br />
Palestine and Leban<strong>on</strong>, particularly <strong>the</strong> children, women, and <strong>the</strong> elderly with<br />
all its weap<strong>on</strong>s and technology. We c<strong>on</strong>demn Israel, which killed more than<br />
200 civilians in a week, vehemently. “Sadıkoğlu emphasized that <strong>the</strong> dominant<br />
powers leaked <strong>the</strong> kidnapping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> soldiers to <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
media, presenting it as a pretext for <strong>the</strong> war and he said, “We are aware that<br />
dark forces are trying to push this regi<strong>on</strong> into instability by a planned strategy<br />
that will turn it into a lake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> blood allowing <strong>the</strong>m to c<strong>on</strong>trol it. We view <strong>the</strong><br />
occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iraq and Afghanistan, <strong>the</strong> political murders in Leban<strong>on</strong>, landing<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Syrian troops in Leban<strong>on</strong>, and <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> attack <strong>on</strong> Leban<strong>on</strong> as parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> same project. We call up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al community to pressure <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
governments to stop this tragic scenario.”<br />
HIKMET Chairman Cemalettin Kerim said that Turkey supported <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
cause. Kerim proclaimed that <strong>the</strong> ‘Support to Palestine’ rally organized by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Saadet (Felicity) Party and <strong>the</strong> aid collected proved this and said, “We<br />
are grateful to <strong>the</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey.” Kerim stated that after <strong>the</strong> democratic<br />
electi<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people were subject to oppressi<strong>on</strong> unprecedented in<br />
<strong>the</strong> world and said, “Every five minutes a rocket falls <strong>on</strong> Palestine. According<br />
to a call that we received a short while ago, <strong>the</strong> Palestinians wait for a week to<br />
buy gas bottles for <strong>the</strong>ir homes. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, Israel keeps <strong>the</strong> aid sent to<br />
Palestine waiting and so <strong>the</strong> aid sent from Islamic countries is spoiled.” Kerim<br />
ended his speech by saying that Israel resisted making peace, despite <strong>the</strong> good<br />
intenti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians.<br />
IHH Chairman Bülent Yıldırım emphasized that Israel got out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hand because<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> USA support and said, “The Islamic countries should realize <strong>the</strong>ir power<br />
and should take acti<strong>on</strong> as so<strong>on</strong> as possible. It is not over yet. The <strong>on</strong>ly soluti<strong>on</strong><br />
is <strong>the</strong> unificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic countries and societies.”<br />
MÜSİAD (Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Associati<strong>on</strong>) leader<br />
Ömer Bolat stated that after <strong>the</strong> collapse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Soviet Uni<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world<br />
was covered in blood and tears, especially by <strong>the</strong> atrocities committed by Israel<br />
in <strong>the</strong> past period and said, “İKÖ (Organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic C<strong>on</strong>ference)<br />
should come to its senses and should form a peace force from <strong>the</strong> Islamic<br />
countries and should stati<strong>on</strong> it between Israel and Leban<strong>on</strong> and [between]<br />
Israel and Palestine. Israel should pay compensati<strong>on</strong> to Leban<strong>on</strong> and Palestine.”<br />
Bolat emphasized that Turkey should withdraw from <strong>the</strong> BOP (Great Middle<br />
East Project) and said, “The Western powers’ welfare and freedom discourse<br />
will not bring peace to <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>. Turkey should stop being a buffer state.”<br />
Bolat ended his speech by menti<strong>on</strong>ing that <strong>the</strong>y were aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> increase in<br />
terror attacks in Turkey, and that this was not a coincidence. Head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ASKON<br />
46
(Anatolian Tigers Businessmen Associati<strong>on</strong>) Mustafa Koca c<strong>on</strong>demned <strong>the</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> atrocities and said, “Those who oppress people in Palestine are not<br />
aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> us and our power.”<br />
On August 6, a press c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lebanese crisis was held by <strong>the</strong> UNIW,<br />
prominently featuring speeches by almost <strong>the</strong> entire leadership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> entire Turkish/<br />
MB network at that time- UNIW Secretary General Necmi Sadikoglu, MÜSIȦD<br />
Chairman Omer Bolat, IHH Chairman Bulent Yildirim, MAZLUMDER Istanbul Branch<br />
Chairman Mustafa Ercan, HIKMET Chairman Cemaleddin Kerim, and Ali Kurt, <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish Representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UNIW. The group issued a statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
massacres:<br />
We are following <strong>the</strong> heartbreaking events happening in Palestine and Leban<strong>on</strong><br />
with regret and sorrow. Israel, with its military and technology, is carrying<br />
out massacres <strong>on</strong> innocent civilians, especially <strong>on</strong> children, women, and<br />
elderly people in Palestine and Leban<strong>on</strong>. We, fiercely, c<strong>on</strong>demn Israel which<br />
killed over 200 civilians mercilessly, in <strong>on</strong>e week. We are aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that <strong>the</strong><br />
evil centers which introduced <strong>the</strong> pretext and excuse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two kidnapped <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
soldiers to <strong>the</strong> world media, want to take <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> by a plan <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
bringing blood and instability. We are aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that <strong>the</strong> occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iraq and<br />
Afghanistan, political assassinati<strong>on</strong>s in Leban<strong>on</strong>, deportati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Syrian army<br />
from Leban<strong>on</strong> and finally, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> attack <strong>on</strong> Leban<strong>on</strong>, are <strong>the</strong> steps <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> same<br />
project, and we are calling <strong>the</strong> world for <strong>the</strong> pressure <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> governments to<br />
stop this evil scenario. 213<br />
On August 15, <strong>the</strong> IHH issued a press release announcing that a humanitarian c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 13 trucks was leaving for Leban<strong>on</strong>, sp<strong>on</strong>sored by a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish NGOs that<br />
included TGTV, MAZLUMDER, HIKMET, and Darusselam Vakfı, a charity that is part<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV and headed by Gazi Misirli. 214 The press release indicates that TGTV and<br />
MÜSIȦD promised to help <strong>the</strong> campaign and pledged <strong>the</strong>ir solidarity with IHH.<br />
In late July, <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Informati<strong>on</strong> Centre reported that as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a campaign<br />
sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> Sanabil al-Khay, an investment fund established by <strong>the</strong> Saudi <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
World League (MWL), <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society toge<strong>the</strong>r with IHH distributed 2,500 food<br />
parcels in Jabaliya al-Nazlah, located in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Gaza Strip. 215 216 Dr. Isam Cude<br />
(aka Isam Judah, Isam El-Cude), director <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society, “praised <strong>the</strong> efforts<br />
exerted by <strong>the</strong> IHH to deliver this aid, which is indicative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> deep ties between Turkish<br />
and Palestinian people.” The Islamic Society (Al-Jamiya al-Islamiyya) is an important<br />
Hamas instituti<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip headed by Cude, a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UNIW, and is<br />
known to be at least partially financed by <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, <strong>the</strong> coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas<br />
fund-raising charities headed by Youssef Qaradawi, identified earlier in this report. 217<br />
218<br />
Later in August, MÜSIȦD announced that Gazi Misirli, described now as <strong>the</strong> Vice-<br />
President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD, al<strong>on</strong>g with MÜSIȦD member Jamal Kerim had handed out<br />
emergency aid packages c<strong>on</strong>sisting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> food and cleaning materials to two thousand<br />
families who were forced to leave <strong>the</strong>ir homes because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> destructi<strong>on</strong> caused by<br />
XXV 219<br />
<strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> bombardment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza.<br />
XXV<br />
Both Misirli and Kerim were being described in various reports at this time as important MÜSIȦD leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
its Foreign Relati<strong>on</strong>s Commissi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
47
FOUNDATIONS (2007)<br />
2007 saw <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network establish important foundati<strong>on</strong>s, beginning with<br />
<strong>the</strong> emergence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its newest c<strong>on</strong>stituent- a Palestinian advocacy organizati<strong>on</strong> known as<br />
FIDDER. In May a delegati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamischen Gemeinschaft Milli Görüs, associated<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party, visited Gaza. The delegati<strong>on</strong> included IGMG, Turkish/MB<br />
network, and Hamas leaders from Europe. In July, Hamas took over c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza Strip, and <strong>the</strong> relati<strong>on</strong>ship between <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network and Hamas became<br />
clearer as <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas in Gaza had a ph<strong>on</strong>e c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong> with a TGTV/UNIW<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial and as FIDDER hosted a Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good meeting. The year ended with a new<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ship between <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network and <strong>the</strong> Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Instituti<strong>on</strong><br />
(AQIII), which held a c<strong>on</strong>ference in Turkey for <strong>the</strong> first time.<br />
February FIDDER Emerges<br />
In February 2007, <strong>the</strong> UNIW sp<strong>on</strong>sored a press c<strong>on</strong>ference featuring Omar El Bursh,<br />
identified as a Palestinian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial, and Mohammed Farac El Goul, identified as<br />
“Deputy.” XXVI The two made a statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide:”<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, who have occupied Palestine territories since 1948, have been increasing<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir expansi<strong>on</strong>ist policies day by day and almost left no place for Palestinians<br />
to take breath. Now, Palestinians, who fell into immigrants in <strong>the</strong> lands <strong>the</strong>y<br />
possessed <strong>on</strong>ce, have been undergoing genocide for more than fifty years owing<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s’ greed for seizing The Promised Land as <strong>the</strong>y regard everything as<br />
legitimate for this greed. Mocking internati<strong>on</strong>al law, <strong>the</strong>y have been assaulting<br />
everybody from infants to defenseless old men and women. They maintain that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y do for <strong>the</strong> sake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> state security…. 220<br />
The statement c<strong>on</strong>cluded by thanking <strong>the</strong> Turkish public for a petiti<strong>on</strong> aimed at freeing<br />
Palestinian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials, presumably Hamas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials, held in Israel pris<strong>on</strong>. XXVII<br />
The UNIW announcement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> press c<strong>on</strong>ference indicated that it was supported by six<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s, including UNIW, TGTV, IHH and a new organizati<strong>on</strong> known as Filistin<br />
Dayanışma Derneği (Palestinian Solidarity Associati<strong>on</strong>) or FIDDER. XXVIII A FIDDER<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial described <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> as “ a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish citizens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian<br />
origin who believe in <strong>the</strong> just Palestine cause and in <strong>the</strong> Palestinians’ right to live in<br />
freedom and dignity and in <strong>the</strong>ir right to return to <strong>the</strong>ir homeland. 221 Tahsin Misirli,<br />
possibly a relative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gazi Misirli, is <strong>the</strong> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> FIDDER. XXIX 222 Mr. Misirli is <strong>the</strong><br />
General Manager <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a company known as TURKPAL, <strong>the</strong> same company providing<br />
223 224<br />
accommodati<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> 2007 Al Quds c<strong>on</strong>ference discussed later in this report.<br />
He is also a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> TGTV board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> directors, and in 2009 was identified as <strong>the</strong><br />
XXVI<br />
XXVII<br />
48<br />
Mr. El-Ghoul (aka Faraj Al-Ghoul) would later be identified by Palestinian media as a Hamas MP in Gaza<br />
who in 2009 described <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> war <strong>on</strong> Gaza as <strong>the</strong> biggest holocaust in history, adding that his government<br />
would chase <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> war criminals and file lawsuits against <strong>the</strong>m. See http://tiny.cc/qyc01.<br />
The campaign is described at http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=2634.<br />
XXVIII Although FIDDER was identified by <strong>the</strong> UNIW announcement in February 2007, Turkish media report said<br />
that <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> was established in February 2008. See http://tiny.cc/45ad8.<br />
XXIX<br />
Mr. Misirli was identified earlier as being listed in a 1999 ph<strong>on</strong>e book bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
foreign relati<strong>on</strong>s leader Youssef Nada, who lists an individual under <strong>the</strong> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “Tahsin” living in Istanbul.
author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, thanking him for his acti<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
Davos. 225 226 Ano<strong>the</strong>r FIDDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial is board member Dr. Hasan Bereket, an Istanbul<br />
dentist and a Palestinian originally from Gaza who has been living in Turkey for <strong>the</strong><br />
last 18 years. 227 Dr. Bereket has made a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> statements praising Hamas, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> following made in July 2010:<br />
Bereket said, “The Palestinian passi<strong>on</strong> for resistance stems from <strong>the</strong>ir devoti<strong>on</strong><br />
to Islam. The Palestinians defend <strong>the</strong> land <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir ancestors through <strong>the</strong>ir belief<br />
in Islam. Could <strong>the</strong> Palestinians leave <strong>the</strong>se blessed lands behind and go” Dr.<br />
Bereket stated that <strong>the</strong> Palestinians live <strong>the</strong>ir everyday life in total resignati<strong>on</strong><br />
and said, “People are used to death. Although <strong>the</strong>y feel <strong>the</strong> fear <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> death every<br />
minute, <strong>the</strong>y live happily. This happiness is granted to <strong>the</strong>m by Allah. When<br />
people go to bed at night, <strong>the</strong>y believe that <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> rockets will kill <strong>the</strong>m<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y submit to Allah.” Bereket added, “There is no <strong>the</strong>ft, adultery, fight<br />
or chaos in Palestine” and added that security ruled under <strong>the</strong> leadership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Hamas in Palestine, saying, “The Palestinians leave <strong>the</strong> door <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir houses<br />
open. They are not scared <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any<strong>on</strong>e. The <strong>on</strong>ly reas<strong>on</strong> for chaos is Israel but<br />
<strong>the</strong> people live in peace am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong>mselves. The Palestinian people owe this<br />
secure envir<strong>on</strong>ment to HAMAS.” 228<br />
A Turkish media report said that while <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> doesn’t collect aid for <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinians, it played a role in bringing wounded Palestinians to Turkey for treatment.<br />
229<br />
FIDDER is currently a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UNIW. 230<br />
In May 2007, <strong>the</strong> Islamischen Gemeinschaft Milli Görüs (IGMG), <strong>the</strong> Turkish Islamist<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> associated with <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party, sp<strong>on</strong>sored what was described as an<br />
aid visit to Palestine and Gaza, said to have “experienced <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> whole world.” The IGMG delegati<strong>on</strong> was headed by Muhammet Turhan, <strong>the</strong> leader<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IGMG in Austria and included Mehmet Yaramis, <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IGMG in <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, Hani Ibrahim, a leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good organizati<strong>on</strong> known as <strong>the</strong><br />
PALÄSTINENSISCHE VEREINIGUNG in Osterreich, and FIDDER President Tahsin<br />
Misirli. XXX 231 232 The IGMG indicated that it was coordinating aid with <strong>the</strong> Arab Medical<br />
Uni<strong>on</strong>, known also to have ties to <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, and Mr. Turhan said that <strong>the</strong><br />
flow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> aid would c<strong>on</strong>tinue periodically, and so <strong>the</strong> European <strong>Muslim</strong>s should c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
to c<strong>on</strong>tribute. 233 He also said, “Our Palestinian bro<strong>the</strong>rs whose hospitals received aid<br />
were very thankful and send <strong>the</strong>ir prayers.” 234<br />
July / August 2007<br />
Hamas took over c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza strip in June 2007, and <strong>on</strong> July 22, <strong>the</strong> AKP w<strong>on</strong><br />
in an early victory what was described as “an unparalleled 46.6 percent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
235 236<br />
vote”, allowing it to form a single-party government.<br />
On that same day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> AKP electoral victory, Mustafa Ozkaya, described as<br />
both <strong>the</strong> CEO <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV and <strong>the</strong> General Coordinator <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UNIW, had a teleph<strong>on</strong>e<br />
c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong> with Ismail Haniyeh, referred to as <strong>the</strong> “President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine.” 237<br />
In that c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>, Haniyeh reportedly thanked <strong>the</strong> TGTV and Turkish civil<br />
society in general for <strong>the</strong>ir “close interest in Palestine”, and particularly for <strong>the</strong><br />
petiti<strong>on</strong> campaign c<strong>on</strong>ducted by UNIW, TGTV, and <strong>the</strong> IHH as discussed above, to<br />
XXX<br />
The Dutch Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good member organizati<strong>on</strong> also has ties to <strong>the</strong> flotilla. See http://globalmbreport.<br />
org/p=3106.<br />
49
elease Palestinian pris<strong>on</strong>ers in Israel. Haniyeh also refers to a letter he received<br />
from Isam Cude, head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society in Gaza identified above as partially<br />
financed by <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good. XXXI XXXII The c<strong>on</strong>tents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> letter are unknown,<br />
but Haniyeh said he would resp<strong>on</strong>d to <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UNIW. In <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>, OZKAYA<br />
informed Haniyeh that:<br />
… UNIW and TGTV are engaged in some activities regarding <strong>the</strong> human tragedy<br />
endured by <strong>the</strong> Palestinians in <strong>the</strong> Regi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Refah, that is, <strong>the</strong> passage between<br />
Egypt and Palestine.<br />
On August 14, Turkish media reported that FIDDER had hosted <strong>the</strong> Third C<strong>on</strong>gress<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good at <strong>the</strong> Park Hotel in Istanbul. Representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> around 60<br />
humanitarian assistance organizati<strong>on</strong>s from almost 50 European and Arab countries<br />
were said to have discussed <strong>the</strong> Palestinian issue and <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> archaeological work<br />
near <strong>the</strong> al-Aqsa Mosque. XXXIII Remarks in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine were reported by<br />
FIDDER chairman Tahsin Misirli, as well as by IHH leader Bulent Yildirim who was<br />
in attendance:<br />
The people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey are <strong>the</strong>re for Palestine, FIDDER Chairman Tahsin Mısırlı<br />
said in a speech delivered at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>gress, while calling <strong>on</strong> those who care<br />
about justice to support <strong>the</strong> Palestinians. Bülent Yıldırım <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Humanitarian<br />
Relief Foundati<strong>on</strong> (IḢH) said <strong>the</strong>ir assistance for Palestinians would c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
until <strong>the</strong> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an independent Palestinian state. “Ninety-seven<br />
percent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this country [‘s people] support <strong>the</strong> Palestinian cause. We have <strong>the</strong><br />
support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two-thirds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament,” Yıldırım added, referring to <strong>the</strong> fact that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian cause has also found support at <strong>the</strong> political level in Turkey.<br />
“Everybody in <strong>the</strong> country is mobilized to help Palestine. Even small children<br />
are sending <strong>the</strong>ir pocket m<strong>on</strong>ey,” he said. 238<br />
On August 22, UNIW reported that a delegati<strong>on</strong> from Al Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Instituti<strong>on</strong><br />
(AQII) visited UNIW and TGTV in a meeting hosted by <strong>the</strong> Safa Foundati<strong>on</strong>. AQII is a<br />
n<strong>on</strong>-pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>it organizati<strong>on</strong> established in Leban<strong>on</strong> in 2001 with a permanent headquarters<br />
in Jerusalem that, according to IslamOnline, “seeks to keep Al-Quds cause alive and<br />
pass it <strong>on</strong> from <strong>on</strong>e generati<strong>on</strong> to ano<strong>the</strong>r.” 239 The AQII Board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustee is chaired by<br />
Youssef Qaradawi, and until recently its board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> directors was headed by Lebanese<br />
Faisal Mawlawi, who has also been Qaradawi’s Deputy at <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good and<br />
<strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR). 240 During <strong>the</strong> August meeting,<br />
AQII Secretary General Akram Adlouni reportedly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered and reached an agreement<br />
<strong>on</strong> cooperati<strong>on</strong> with UNIW and TGTV in several Al-Quds related projects. XXXIV One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong>se joint projects was to be a global “Al-Quds C<strong>on</strong>ference” to be organized by UNIW<br />
and TGTV and which was held in November under <strong>the</strong> title “Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Forum”.<br />
XXXI<br />
XXXII<br />
50<br />
C<strong>on</strong>tents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> letter are unknown but Haniyeh says he will resp<strong>on</strong>d to head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UNIW.<br />
“Jamiyyat al-Islamiyyah fi Madinat al Jabaliyah.”<br />
XXXIII It is a comm<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>me in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood that Israel is attempting to cause <strong>the</strong> collapse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Al-Aqsa mosque under <strong>the</strong> pretense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> archaeological excavati<strong>on</strong>s being c<strong>on</strong>ducted near <strong>the</strong> site.<br />
XXXIV Akram Adel<strong>on</strong>i (aka Muhammad Akram Adlouni) is <strong>the</strong> likely author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a U.S. <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
document calling for <strong>the</strong> destructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Western civilizati<strong>on</strong> at <strong>the</strong> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> U.S. <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
See http://www.currenttrends.org/docLib/20090411_Merley.USBROTHERHOOD.pdf.
November - Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum<br />
The Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum described itself as follows:<br />
Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum is an internati<strong>on</strong>al, humanitarian dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong><br />
for al-Quds (Jerusalem). The Forum is organized by an initiative from al-<br />
Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Instituti<strong>on</strong>, with cooperati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey’s Waqf (Religious<br />
Endowment) for Volunteering Organizati<strong>on</strong>s (TGTV) and <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World. Participati<strong>on</strong> includes many instituti<strong>on</strong>s, associati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
federati<strong>on</strong>s, and networks, reaching <strong>the</strong> Arab-Turkish Islamic and Christian,<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>al and global communities. 241<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> three “host organizati<strong>on</strong>s”, a list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> twenty-five o<strong>the</strong>r organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
participating in <strong>the</strong> invitati<strong>on</strong>s included three NGO’s that are known to have been key<br />
backers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla movement, including <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
In Europe (FIOE), <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Campaign for Resisting Aggressi<strong>on</strong>, and several<br />
syndicates associated with <strong>the</strong> Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. 242 The c<strong>on</strong>ference program<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> agenda in sober, albeit anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> terms, with sessi<strong>on</strong>s titled “Al-Quds in<br />
Zi<strong>on</strong>ist Ideology and Practice” and “The Reality and <strong>the</strong> Suffering in Al-Quds: Insiders’<br />
Testim<strong>on</strong>y.” However, a Turkish media report indicates that in reality, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
was a raucous affair calling for violence to defend <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa mosque:<br />
At <strong>the</strong> “Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum” in Istanbul, in which representatives<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s like Hezbollah [Party <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God] and Hamas [Islamic Resistance<br />
Movement] also took part, a call was made for “Al-Quds [Jerusalem] to be taken<br />
back from <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists through <strong>the</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> force.” The Feshane Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
C<strong>on</strong>gress and Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> Hall in Istanbul was yesterday <strong>the</strong> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a meeting,<br />
entitled <strong>the</strong> “Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum,” attended by 3,000 members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
mostly foreign Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong>s and associati<strong>on</strong>s, at which slogans were<br />
shouted out c<strong>on</strong>taining calls for “Al-Quds to be taken back from <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists<br />
through <strong>the</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> force.” At <strong>the</strong> meeting, during which those in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
hall c<strong>on</strong>tinually shouted out “God is most great” during <strong>the</strong> speeches and<br />
frequently shouted out slogans in Arabic like “we will be milli<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> martyrs<br />
for Al-Aqsa [Mosque]” and “we will defend Al-Aqsa with our spirits and<br />
our blood,” high-level representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s like Hezbollah in<br />
Leban<strong>on</strong> and Hamas in Palestine also took part. The meeting, attended by<br />
approximately 3,000 people, was observed in <strong>the</strong> fr<strong>on</strong>t row by figures from<br />
Turkey who included Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s adviser Nabi<br />
Avci and former AKP [Justice and Development Party] Parliamentary Deputy<br />
Nevzat Yalcintas. 243<br />
Important leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood known to have been invited and/<br />
or in attendance included: 244<br />
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Raed Salah and Kmal Al Khatib, heads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Movement (<strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Israel)<br />
Mohamed Ali Taskhiri, advisor to <strong>the</strong> Iranian Supreme Guide, IUMS<br />
Ali Akbar Mohteshymy, adviser to Iranian President & Vice-President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AQII<br />
Board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees<br />
»» Harith Sulieman Al Daree, President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Iraq (<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood)<br />
51
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Saleh Alwahibi, Secretary-General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> World Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth<br />
(WAMY)<br />
Moussa Abou Marzouk, Hamas political leader<br />
Akrima Sabri, Khatib <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa mosque, Mufti <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jerusalem, Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Good<br />
Essam Al-Bashir, Sudanese <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
Faisal Mawlawi, head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Leban<strong>on</strong><br />
Akram Adlouni, AQII Secretary-General<br />
Maan Bashour, AQII Leban<strong>on</strong><br />
Youssef Qaradawi<br />
Rashid Ghannouchi, Tunisian <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader living in <strong>the</strong><br />
UK<br />
Western Participants:<br />
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Ramsey Clark, former attorney-general <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> US<br />
Stanley Cohen, far-left lawyer in <strong>the</strong> US<br />
George Galloway, close ally <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, Viva Palestina flotilla<br />
organizer<br />
Claire Short, former UK government minister<br />
Desm<strong>on</strong>d Tutu, South Africa<br />
Turkish participants were not <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficially listed, but <strong>the</strong> UNIW reported that its head,<br />
Necmi Sadikoglu, was in attendance and had “special c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>s” with Qaradawi,<br />
Faisal Mawlawi, Ghannouchi, Al Dari, Maan Bashour, Hanna, and o<strong>the</strong>rs. FIDDER<br />
President Tahsin Misirli was also reported to be in attendance as well as MÜSIȦD<br />
245 246<br />
President Omar Bolat and TGTV Chairman Necati Ceylan.<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>ference c<strong>on</strong>cluded by issuing “The Declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul in Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-<br />
Quds”, which called for <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “occupati<strong>on</strong>” in Palestine, <strong>the</strong> Golan, and Shebba<br />
Farms as well as labeling Israel a racist and terrorist nati<strong>on</strong>: 247<br />
52<br />
3. The Zi<strong>on</strong>ist occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al Quds – its Western part in 1948 and its Eastern<br />
part in 1967– is racist and terrorist, based <strong>on</strong> settlements and replacements.<br />
It goes against <strong>the</strong> flow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> history and represents <strong>the</strong> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> col<strong>on</strong>ial<br />
phenomen<strong>on</strong> that was based <strong>on</strong> injustice, oppressi<strong>on</strong>, and exacti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rights.<br />
Occupati<strong>on</strong> must end in Palestine, <strong>the</strong> Golan Heights, and <strong>the</strong> Shebaa Farms.<br />
Thus, <strong>the</strong> powers that struggle against col<strong>on</strong>ialism, injustice, and occupati<strong>on</strong><br />
must back <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people’s resilience and resistance for <strong>the</strong> sake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
freeing <strong>the</strong>ir nati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
4. The Zi<strong>on</strong>ist movement is racist and terrorist; and <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s has<br />
before decided that Zi<strong>on</strong>ism is a form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> racism, as was c<strong>on</strong>firmed in <strong>the</strong> Durban<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ference in 2001.<br />
5. It c<strong>on</strong>demns and rejects <strong>the</strong> racist, col<strong>on</strong>ialist measures that seek to wipe<br />
out <strong>the</strong> character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al Quds and to encroach up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>al and religious<br />
rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its resilient citizens. This is primarily d<strong>on</strong>e through besieging it with
settlement blocs and suffocating it by <strong>the</strong> Separati<strong>on</strong> Wall in order to displace<br />
its people and isolate it from its Palestinian c<strong>on</strong>text.<br />
The declarati<strong>on</strong> also called for all forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “projects” to free Jerusalem including<br />
“ec<strong>on</strong>omic, social, cultural, educati<strong>on</strong>al, as well as media-related” projects.<br />
THE NETWORK MOBILIZES (2008)<br />
2008 saw a solidificati<strong>on</strong> and increasing mobilizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network. The<br />
year began with a MAZLUMDER anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> in Ankara followed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> release <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an IHH report <strong>on</strong> Gaza, as well as a meeting between IHH and a Hamas<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial from Gaza. In <strong>the</strong> wake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> military acti<strong>on</strong> in Gaza, March saw a flurry<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> activity under <strong>the</strong> auspices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV, UNIW, and IHH. Following a gap where no<br />
known activity could be identified, <strong>the</strong> 2 nd Al-Quds C<strong>on</strong>ference was held in Istanbul<br />
in October where Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal delivered an address. The<br />
AQII c<strong>on</strong>ference was followed in November by a “Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return” c<strong>on</strong>ference held in<br />
Damascus where Khaled Mashaal raised <strong>the</strong> idea <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sending a flotilla to Gaza in order<br />
to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade, and where well-known Western flotilla leaders were in<br />
attendance. The year c<strong>on</strong>cluded with <strong>the</strong> outbreak <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> 2008-2009 Gaza War which<br />
was accompanied by <strong>the</strong> launching <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most c<strong>on</strong>centrated and wide –ranging anti-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> campaign ever orchestrated by <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network.<br />
January-March<br />
2008 began with a MAZLUMDER protest near <strong>the</strong> Israel embassy in Ankara where<br />
MAZLUMDER members chanted slogans against Israel. Umit Mert, <strong>the</strong> chairman<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER’s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice in Ankara, said that Israel commits “genocide” against<br />
Palestinian people and that every<strong>on</strong>e should help Palestinians. 248<br />
On January 30, <strong>the</strong> IHH held a press c<strong>on</strong>ference to announce <strong>the</strong> results <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its report<br />
“Slow Death in Gaza.” IHH President Bulent Yildirim read <strong>the</strong> report accompanied<br />
by Palestinian Ambassador to Turkey Nebil Maruf, TGTV President Necati Ceylan,<br />
President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Friendship Associati<strong>on</strong> Omar Agha and FIDDER President<br />
Tahsin Misirli. 249 Yildirim said at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference:<br />
“Israel declares that all Palestinians are terrorists under <strong>the</strong> pretext that it is<br />
for reas<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> security. Israel argues that she occupies <strong>the</strong> Palestinians’ land to<br />
protect itself. However, <strong>the</strong> numbers show us who is actually a terrorist and<br />
who is innocent. Israel killed 216 Palestinians in 2005, 678 in 2006 and 896 in<br />
2007. The numbers are increasing. The Palestinian groups killed 48 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s in<br />
2005, 25 in 2006 and 13 in 2007. The number is c<strong>on</strong>stantly decreasing. While<br />
Israel is killing civilians outside its borders, Palestinians kill <strong>the</strong> Israel soldiers<br />
who occupy <strong>the</strong>ir country. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, we should ask who occupies whose<br />
land and who attacks whom. The numbers dem<strong>on</strong>strate this very well.” Yıldırım<br />
stated that about 1000 Palestinians and 40 parliament members were kept in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> pris<strong>on</strong>s even though <strong>the</strong>y were not guilty. Yıldırım menti<strong>on</strong>ed that <strong>the</strong><br />
siege in Gaza damaged <strong>the</strong> health, agriculture and fishing sectors and said,<br />
“Israel is punishing <strong>the</strong> Palestinians ec<strong>on</strong>omically to break <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
resistance. The ec<strong>on</strong>omic embargo has been transformed into a policy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> revenge<br />
53
starting from June 2007. Today, <strong>the</strong> average per capita income in Palestine<br />
has dropped to 385 dollars. If over 200 thousand unemployed people in Gaza<br />
are added to this, we see that almost all <strong>the</strong> workforce that reaches up to 400<br />
thousand people is unemployed. The unemployment rate has reached 80 percent<br />
in <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>.” 250<br />
Yildirim was also reported to have defended Hamas, calling it <strong>the</strong> “people’s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial<br />
representative”, and said that since 2006, HAMAS had made sure <strong>the</strong>y would not be<br />
involved in activities inside Israel. 251<br />
Nebil Maruf said:<br />
At this point we are waiting for <strong>the</strong> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic countries. The Turkish<br />
people have stood by our side. We believe that our Turkish bro<strong>the</strong>rs will not<br />
leave us al<strong>on</strong>e again. I thank all <strong>the</strong> Turkish people and <strong>the</strong> Turkish government<br />
and <strong>the</strong> President who decided to help Gaza.” 252<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> analysts reported that in January, an IHH delegati<strong>on</strong> met with<br />
Ahmed Bahar, described as a senior Hamas activist and acting chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas’<br />
council in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip. At that meeting, <strong>the</strong> IHH delegati<strong>on</strong> was said to have<br />
explained <strong>the</strong> extent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> aid given to Hamas in Gaza during 2007 and promised to<br />
double such aid in <strong>the</strong> future. 253<br />
On February 20, TGTV held an extended board meeting with a special agenda focusing<br />
<strong>on</strong> Israel. Islamic Movement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel leader Raed Salah and Islamic Development Bank<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sultant Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Omar Zubeyr <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saudi Arabia participated in <strong>the</strong> meeting as guests.<br />
UNIW Secretary-General Necmi Sadikoglu and UNIW Deputy Secretary-General Ali<br />
Kurt were also present at <strong>the</strong> meeting with more than a hundred NGOs’ representatives<br />
reported attending. 254 Also reported attending was AKP Deputy Nevzat Yalcintas. 255<br />
At <strong>the</strong> meeting, Raed Salah “asked for a support against <strong>the</strong> threat that <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa<br />
Mosque is exposed to”, and at <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> meeting, Necmi Sadikoglu was given an<br />
award by Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Omar Zubeyr and Raed Salah. 256<br />
From February 29-March 3, Israel c<strong>on</strong>ducted Operati<strong>on</strong> Hot Winter, a military campaign<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip in resp<strong>on</strong>se to rockets fired from <strong>the</strong> Strip by Hamas into Israel. 257<br />
258<br />
From <strong>the</strong> start <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> campaign until its c<strong>on</strong>clusi<strong>on</strong> and aftermath, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB<br />
network was engaged in a flurry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> activity under <strong>the</strong> auspices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV, UNIW, IHH,<br />
and FIDDER including:<br />
»» On March 3, <strong>the</strong> UNIW reported that representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs in Istanbul met at<br />
<strong>the</strong> IHH headquarters to “determine an extensive and effective acti<strong>on</strong> plan for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinians.” 259 IHH trustee and Middle East representative Ahmet Emin<br />
Dağ reportedly assessed recent developments in Gaza and was followed by a<br />
speech by IHH President Bulent Yildirim who said “that in order to promote<br />
<strong>the</strong> sensitivity for Palestinians in Turkish public opini<strong>on</strong>, it is essential to run<br />
extensive campaigns appealing to every facti<strong>on</strong>.” Mr. Yildirim also said much<br />
was expected <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey and that <strong>the</strong> IHH campaign is expecting “support<br />
from all organizati<strong>on</strong>s” and called for <strong>the</strong> assistance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “all n<strong>on</strong>-governmental<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s to <strong>the</strong> children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> martyred Palestinians.” The UNIW also<br />
reported that o<strong>the</strong>r speeches showed that “<strong>the</strong> winners <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> recent incidents were<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinians despite <strong>the</strong>ir 120 martyrs and deep sorrows and <strong>the</strong>y w<strong>on</strong> a<br />
historic victory against <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s.”<br />
»» On March 3, <strong>the</strong> UNIW issued a press release accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide in<br />
c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> military acti<strong>on</strong> in Gaza. 260 The statement said “Israel<br />
performed <strong>the</strong> bloodiest massacre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> last forty years in March 1, 2008, targeting<br />
54
even <strong>the</strong> government building in Gaza.” XXXV The statement called <strong>on</strong> “all <strong>Muslim</strong>s<br />
to declare mobilizati<strong>on</strong> for Palestinian people, Gaza, Masjid al-Aqsa and al-Quds<br />
(Jerusalem).”<br />
»» On March 12, <strong>the</strong> UNIW reported that a 13-member delegati<strong>on</strong> including <strong>the</strong><br />
UNIW Secretary-General visited wounded Palestinians at hospitals in Cairo,<br />
making c<strong>on</strong>tacts to provide for medical treatment in Turkey. 261 The delegati<strong>on</strong><br />
also included an AKP deputy, IHH representatives including its Middle East<br />
representative Mehmet Emin Dağ, FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli, TGTV<br />
Chairman Necati Ceylan, and a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER.<br />
The delegati<strong>on</strong> visited <strong>the</strong> Turkish and Palestinian embassies and was expected<br />
to visit <strong>the</strong> Egyptian/Gaza border area.<br />
»» Turkish media reported that <strong>the</strong> IHH was expected to sp<strong>on</strong>sor a “Night <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Solidarity with Palestine” <strong>on</strong> March 12 which would include a message from<br />
Hamas Prime Minister Haniyeh. 262<br />
Following this Gaza-related activity, <strong>the</strong> World C<strong>on</strong>gress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Philanthropists<br />
(WCMP) was held from March 22-24.The WCMP describes itself as “<strong>the</strong> premier<br />
community <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individual d<strong>on</strong>ors and foundati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> heritage, established to<br />
promote informed and effective giving.” 263 Am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> seven sp<strong>on</strong>sors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
were <strong>the</strong> Saudi Islamic Development Bank and <strong>the</strong> Kingdom Foundati<strong>on</strong> headed<br />
and funded by Saudi Prince Waleed Bin-Talal, both known to have financed <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood projects around <strong>the</strong> world. 264 265 266 Also attending were <strong>the</strong> World Assembly<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Youth (WAMY) and <strong>the</strong> Qatar Foundati<strong>on</strong> also known to have financed such<br />
projects, as well as a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s representing <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> Islamic Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> North America (ISNA) and <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Institute<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Thought (IIIT). Also in attendance was <strong>the</strong> US Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> State as well<br />
as USAID. XXXVI Turkish participants included IHH, MÜSIȦD, and UNIW. 267<br />
Sixth Al-Quds C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
The sec<strong>on</strong>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Al-Quds c<strong>on</strong>ferences sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Instituti<strong>on</strong> (AQIII) was held in Istanbul from October 12-13 and was reported to have<br />
included 300 people from 120 organizati<strong>on</strong>s representing 30 countries. 268 The UNIW<br />
delegati<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference included its Secretary-General as well as FIDDER President<br />
Tahsin Misirli. The UNIW reported that during <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference, its Secretary-General<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r representatives met with and had “special c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>s” with Youssef<br />
Qaradawi, Faisal Mawlawi, Hamas political leaders Khaled Mashaal and Musa Abou<br />
Marzook, Rashid Ghannouchi, Akram Adlouni, Maan Bashour, and Harith al Dhari,<br />
all identified earlier in this report as tied to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and/or<br />
Hamas. XXXVII 269 O<strong>the</strong>r participants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest included Iranian presidential adviser<br />
Ali Akbar Velayati, Jordanian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Haam Said, Abdul-Ghafar<br />
XXXV <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> media had reported that over 100 Palestinians had been killed in <strong>the</strong> previous week and that over 150<br />
rockets had been fired into Israel from Gaza.<br />
XXXVI Curiously also Tel Aviv University.<br />
XXXVII BBC reported that much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Hamas leadership in Syria was present. See BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East -<br />
Political Supplied by BBC Worldwide M<strong>on</strong>itoring.<br />
October 11, 2008 Saturday Hamas delegati<strong>on</strong> arrives in Syria following Cairo talks.<br />
55
Aziz, deputy leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pakistan’s Islamic group Jamaat-e-Islami, and Abdul-Rasheed<br />
270 271<br />
Al-Turaby, <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir.<br />
Khaled Mashaal addressed <strong>the</strong> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference stating:<br />
…<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference represents a step forward <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> road for liberating Al Quds<br />
and referred to <strong>the</strong> sufferings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al Quds populati<strong>on</strong> including emigrati<strong>on</strong> ,<br />
Judaizati<strong>on</strong> and displacement and termed whatever going <strong>on</strong> in Al Quds as<br />
very severe . 272<br />
Mashaal also was reported to have talked about various o<strong>the</strong>r issues, including accusing<br />
Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attempting to destroy <strong>the</strong> Islamic heritage in Jerusalem and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> playing games<br />
with <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian refugees:<br />
Khaled Mashaal talked about <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Muassasah al-Quds [Jerusalem<br />
Institute based in Beirut and founded in 2003] in <strong>the</strong> campaign carried for <strong>the</strong><br />
cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jerusalem and emphasized that this institute was an important step<br />
in <strong>the</strong> salvati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jerusalem.<br />
After this, he discussed <strong>the</strong> incidents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Akko and stated that this reflected <strong>the</strong><br />
forced immigrati<strong>on</strong> policies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist occupiers against <strong>the</strong> Palestinians living<br />
in <strong>the</strong> lands occupied after 1948. Mashaal said that Zi<strong>on</strong>ist occupiers fought a<br />
multi-dimensi<strong>on</strong>al war and battled in every field and against everything and<br />
used <strong>the</strong> expressi<strong>on</strong>, “<strong>the</strong>y even fight against <strong>the</strong> tree and <strong>the</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e.” What he<br />
meant by this expressi<strong>on</strong> was; <strong>the</strong> occupiers uprooted trees bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinians and collected and hid <strong>the</strong> st<strong>on</strong>es which frightened <strong>the</strong>m because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would be thrown at <strong>the</strong>m. Khaled Mashaal emphasized that Jerusalem<br />
could not be taken back by negotiati<strong>on</strong>s. He said that <strong>the</strong> Jerusalem issue<br />
was not discussed during <strong>the</strong> negotiati<strong>on</strong>s anyway because <strong>the</strong>y did not even<br />
allow it to be put <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> negotiating table. Meanwhile, he also talked about <strong>the</strong><br />
attempts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupiers to destroy <strong>the</strong> Islamic heritage in Jerusalem and <strong>the</strong> Al-<br />
Aqsa Mosque. He discussed <strong>the</strong> plans to c<strong>on</strong>struct a special square for Jews next<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque and build a Jewish temple <strong>the</strong>re. …Ano<strong>the</strong>r important<br />
issue discussed by Mashaal regarding Jerusalem was <strong>the</strong> isolati<strong>on</strong>ist policies<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> occupiers by c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls. He emphasized that <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist<br />
state tried to make its plans for <strong>the</strong> Judaizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jerusalem more effective by<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structing walls and leaving <strong>the</strong> Palestinians outside <strong>the</strong>se walls. …Khaled<br />
Mashaal emphasized that a game was being played during <strong>the</strong> negotiati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
regarding <strong>the</strong> Palestinian refugees’ right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return. According to this political<br />
game, twenty thousand refugees would be allowed to return and <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
return for <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> refugees would be blocked this way. How slyly <strong>the</strong><br />
Zi<strong>on</strong>ist state plays such games by deceiving eyes and distorting facts is known<br />
to us. If it could implement this political game, twenty thousand people would<br />
be allowed to return and this would be presented as a big event by media<br />
channels that are in <strong>the</strong> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist state and it would demand to<br />
drop this issue never to open it again. However, today around five milli<strong>on</strong><br />
Palestinians are living as refugees. 273<br />
Qaradawi began his remarks to <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference by praising <strong>the</strong> late speaker <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Yemeni parliament, a leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Yemeni <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood known as Al-Islah:<br />
274<br />
He <strong>the</strong>n went <strong>on</strong> to say that Israel could be defeated by “o<strong>the</strong>r opportunities and<br />
power sources” in additi<strong>on</strong> to weap<strong>on</strong>s:<br />
Master Yusuf al-Qaradawi stated in his speech that <strong>the</strong> Ummah <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islam<br />
was a great and powerful ummah that had great opportunities but it was<br />
in a difficult c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> because its power and opportunities were not used<br />
56
properly. The Master gave some details about <strong>the</strong> power and <strong>the</strong> opportunities<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Ummah <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islam and reminded us that <strong>Muslim</strong>s had great material and<br />
spiritual opportunities. Master Qaradawi stated that weap<strong>on</strong>s al<strong>on</strong>e were<br />
not enough and o<strong>the</strong>r opportunities and power sources should be exploited<br />
properly. Qaradawi pointed out that <strong>the</strong> occupying <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> state was always<br />
presented as a power that cannot be defeated but in fact it could be defeated<br />
and he said, “The important thing is <strong>the</strong> self-c<strong>on</strong>fidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Ummah.” He<br />
emphasized that <strong>the</strong>re were many reas<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> Ummah to feel c<strong>on</strong>fident and<br />
talked about <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> unity and solidarity. He reminded us that he<br />
did not mean unity in its absolute sense but unity based <strong>on</strong> truth and goodness<br />
as Islam did not strive for a unity based <strong>on</strong> falsehood and wr<strong>on</strong>gness. Master<br />
Qaradawi also talked about seeking a soluti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> Palestinian problem and<br />
said that Jerusalem was <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine and thus it was not possible to<br />
resolve this issue without Jerusalem as we cannot think <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a body without a<br />
head. Qaradawi called up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians to overcome divisi<strong>on</strong>s between<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves and close <strong>the</strong>ir ranks and told Khaled Mashaal sitting in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
him, “Your situati<strong>on</strong> is different. You have no excuse. You should definitely<br />
overcome divisi<strong>on</strong>s and close your ranks.” Master Qaradawi criticized harshly<br />
<strong>the</strong> indifference exhibited by world <strong>Muslim</strong>s, associati<strong>on</strong>s representing <strong>Muslim</strong>s<br />
and NGOs towards <strong>the</strong> dangers threatening Al-Aqsa today. He said that it was<br />
unacceptable for <strong>Muslim</strong>s who organized <strong>the</strong>ir first meeting against <strong>the</strong> burning<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-Aqsa in 1969 to remain inactive towards a bigger danger threatening <strong>the</strong><br />
holy shrine. 275<br />
IUMS and Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial Faisal Mawlawi, also head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
in Leban<strong>on</strong>, told Al-Jazeera that some 60 milli<strong>on</strong> Qatari riyals ($16.2 milli<strong>on</strong>) had been<br />
raised at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference “to help ease <strong>the</strong> problems facing our bro<strong>the</strong>rs in Jerusalem and<br />
support <strong>the</strong>ir steadfastness so that <strong>the</strong>y can c<strong>on</strong>tinue to protect <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque<br />
and Jerusalem. 276<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>ference’s closing statement called <strong>on</strong> Arab and <strong>Muslim</strong> governments to<br />
break <strong>the</strong> siege <strong>on</strong> Palestine and heal <strong>the</strong> Palestinian rift, denounced <strong>the</strong> excavati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ducted by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> authorities under <strong>the</strong> Aqsa Mosque, with <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sensus that <strong>the</strong><br />
ideological differences between <strong>the</strong> facti<strong>on</strong>s (Sunni and Shia) should be “subordinated”<br />
to Jerusalem. The statement also called <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> “Arab and Islamic nati<strong>on</strong> and its rulers<br />
to challenge <strong>the</strong> fear and break <strong>the</strong> unjust siege <strong>on</strong> Palestine, and <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip in<br />
particular.” 277<br />
Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
From November 23-24, a Damascus c<strong>on</strong>ference was held, organized by <strong>the</strong> Syrian Hamas<br />
leadership and known as <strong>the</strong> Arab Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>gress for <strong>the</strong> Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return. 278<br />
279<br />
According to Lebanese media, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference was:<br />
…aimed at establishing <strong>the</strong> Palestinian refugees’ right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return as a firm<br />
Palestinian and Arab principle, refusing any bargaining or trade-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f, and<br />
rejecting settlement and alternative homeland projects…It also aimed to<br />
suggest mechanism and practical programs for defending <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return<br />
XXXVIII 280<br />
and rallying internati<strong>on</strong>al support for it.<br />
XXXVIII There are indicati<strong>on</strong>s that this was also a kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> unity c<strong>on</strong>ference as it included Palestinian Islamic Jihad,<br />
which had not attended <strong>the</strong> AQII c<strong>on</strong>ferences.<br />
57
Various reports claim a participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 5000 individuals from 54 Arab and foreign<br />
countries and a program c<strong>on</strong>sisting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lectures, 22 seminars, workshops, poetry<br />
evenings, and art exhibiti<strong>on</strong>s showing <strong>the</strong> Palestinian refugees’ c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s. 281 282 Known<br />
participants included Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal, representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic<br />
Jihad, and Maan Bashour from AQII Leban<strong>on</strong>. 283 284 Turkish/MB network representatives<br />
included a TGTV/UNIW delegati<strong>on</strong> comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV head Necati Ceylan, UNIW<br />
Turkish representative Ali Kurt, and Murat Yasa as well as FIDDER President Tahsin<br />
285 286<br />
Misirli and Kuwaiti lawyer and UNIW deputy leader Mubarak Al Mutawa.<br />
Also attending <strong>the</strong> Hamas c<strong>on</strong>ference were three Western individuals subsequently<br />
tied to <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla movement:<br />
»»<br />
Lauren Booth, journalist for Iranian Press TV and Islamic c<strong>on</strong>vert, sister-in-law<br />
XXXIX 287 288<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> T<strong>on</strong>y Blair.<br />
289<br />
»»<br />
Cynthia McKinney, former US c<strong>on</strong>gresswoman.<br />
290<br />
»»<br />
George Galloway.<br />
Lauren Booth was reported to have brought a plan to open a ship line between Cyprus<br />
and Gaza that would “not <strong>on</strong>ly break <strong>the</strong> siege but also embarrass Israel <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> side<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> democracy and human rights.”<br />
In his address to <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference, Hamas leader Mashaal raised <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cept <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sending<br />
a fleet <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats to Gaza in order to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade:<br />
The exiled political chief <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Hamas movement slammed Arab<br />
and Islamic states for keeping silent over Israel’s blockade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip.<br />
“What is happening in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip is a tragedy. Shame <strong>on</strong> those who stay<br />
silent <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> criminal blockade that has been imposed <strong>on</strong> Gaza. Shame <strong>on</strong> Arab<br />
and Islamic regimes and <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al community,” Khaled Mashaal<br />
addressed <strong>the</strong> meeting, “Every Arab country could send a boat to Gaza” to<br />
break <strong>the</strong> blockade imposed since Hamas ousted forces loyal to Palestinian<br />
president Mahmud Abbas in June last year, Mashaal said. 291<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong> to supporting <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference declarati<strong>on</strong> supported<br />
“<strong>the</strong> need to maintain a culture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resistance” and said that <strong>the</strong> displacement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinians:<br />
…has been at <strong>the</strong> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist forces through <strong>the</strong> scheme adopted <strong>the</strong><br />
methods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terrorism, murder and massacres, which c<strong>on</strong>stitutes a crime <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ethnic<br />
cleansing and crimes against humanity, which bear also has <strong>the</strong> resp<strong>on</strong>sibility<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al forces which supported and supports <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist project and<br />
provide him with all forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support and protecti<strong>on</strong>. 292<br />
The declarati<strong>on</strong> also accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “apar<strong>the</strong>id”, a comm<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>me <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood:<br />
We c<strong>on</strong>sider <strong>the</strong> so-called (Jewish State), planned to complete <strong>the</strong> displacement<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians living in <strong>the</strong>ir land occupied in 1948, and an attempt<br />
to overthrow <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return, and to devote Jewish Law <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return as a<br />
legitimizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> apar<strong>the</strong>id in Palestine, and fueling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> draft<br />
settlement at <strong>the</strong> expense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people and identity.<br />
XXXIX C<strong>on</strong>verted in September 2010.<br />
58
Finally, referring to <strong>the</strong> “rape <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine”, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference statement called for <strong>the</strong><br />
expulsi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel from <strong>the</strong> UN:<br />
The passed 60 years for <strong>the</strong> rape <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine without <strong>the</strong> return <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinians<br />
to achieve <strong>the</strong>ir homes and lands, <strong>the</strong> UN body has become obliged to drop<br />
<strong>the</strong> membership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist entity and expulsi<strong>on</strong> from <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> that was formed back c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> for acceptance.<br />
December 2008 Gaza War<br />
On December 27 2008, Israel c<strong>on</strong>ducted a series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> air strikes in Gaza following<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ths <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rocket attacks emanating from <strong>the</strong> territory. According to Western media,<br />
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said “Palestine has never seen an uglier massacre” and<br />
in Damascus, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal called for a new Palestinian peoples’<br />
uprising against Israel. 293 Turkish media reported <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> following strident comment<br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong> made by <strong>the</strong> Turkish Prime Minister accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a “serious<br />
crime against humanity:<br />
“Despite <strong>the</strong> calls to stop attacks, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials statements that operati<strong>on</strong>s will<br />
last a l<strong>on</strong>g time and are in fact open-ended, c<strong>on</strong>stitute a serious crime against<br />
humanity,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoethan said yesterday during a<br />
party meeting where thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his supporters protested <strong>the</strong> acti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel.<br />
“I c<strong>on</strong>sider <strong>the</strong>se acti<strong>on</strong>s by Israel, while we are making an attempt for peace,<br />
as delivering a blow to <strong>the</strong> peace initiatives,” he said. “Killing innocent people,<br />
defenseless children and women, bombing civilians and using disproporti<strong>on</strong>ate<br />
force are unacceptable. This operati<strong>on</strong> is a blow to world peace,” Erdoethan<br />
said. Erdoethan criticized Israel for isolating <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip, where Palestinians<br />
try to survive under harsh c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s, from <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world. “Turkey will<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinue to help its Palestinian bro<strong>the</strong>rs. Our Health Ministry has initiated a<br />
project to bring injured Palestinians to Turkey and has been in c<strong>on</strong>tact with<br />
<strong>the</strong> World Health Organizati<strong>on</strong>,” he said. Erdoethan canceled a teleph<strong>on</strong>e<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime Minister Ehud Olmert <strong>on</strong> Saturday, who had<br />
been in Ankara <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day 294<br />
<strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders and organizati<strong>on</strong>s such as Youssef Qaradawi, Tariq<br />
Ramadan, <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe (FIOE), <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, and <strong>the</strong> Egyptian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood immediately began to employ<br />
295 296 297 298 299<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>mes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> massacre and genocide in <strong>the</strong>ir resp<strong>on</strong>se to <strong>the</strong> Gaza events.<br />
The Turkish/MB network sprang quickly into acti<strong>on</strong> with a three-m<strong>on</strong>th anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
campaign that dem<strong>on</strong>strated <strong>the</strong> growing capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> network. A UNIW statement<br />
<strong>on</strong> December 28 set <strong>the</strong> t<strong>on</strong>e for <strong>the</strong> campaign, calling <strong>the</strong> air-strikes <strong>the</strong> “latest brutal<br />
massacre” with a “shameful, cursed and disgusting attack”:<br />
…..we c<strong>on</strong>demn <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist occupati<strong>on</strong> country <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel’s latest brutal massacre<br />
and <strong>the</strong> planned and merciless genocide Israel committed because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
unbelievable tolerance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Western world so str<strong>on</strong>gly, which he added<br />
to his file <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terror he has committed since <strong>the</strong> day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his foundati<strong>on</strong>. The<br />
terrorist country Israel launching fierce acti<strong>on</strong>s toward dynamiting <strong>the</strong> peace<br />
and humanity and <strong>the</strong> welfare in <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> at every opportunity, has now<br />
martyred more than two hundred Palestinians and injured about 800 Palestinian<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs in sight <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> whole world with a shameful, cursed and disgusting<br />
attack witnessed by <strong>the</strong> modern world. Since <strong>the</strong> year 1948 when it occupied<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian territory, <strong>the</strong> occupant country Israel who almost every day<br />
59
committed events such as unlawfulness, bombing, murdering, abducti<strong>on</strong> and<br />
slaughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> innocent people and even <strong>the</strong> babies in <strong>the</strong>ir bundles,<br />
and who is at <strong>the</strong> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nafs al-ammara <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> humanity, <strong>the</strong> level thinking<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly evil, did nothing different today….<br />
The terrorist country Israel who is dominated by some malicious ideas such as<br />
ruling over <strong>the</strong> world by an ethnicity whose founder will and moving power are<br />
elected, regarding people as <strong>the</strong> creatures to serve <strong>the</strong> Jewish race and killing<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those people is lawful, takes his acti<strong>on</strong>s in accordance with <strong>the</strong>se thoughts….<br />
The last part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> massacres taking place in Gaza is a very ignoble<br />
acti<strong>on</strong> performed by an inhumane mentality! 300<br />
At <strong>the</strong> same time, an Istanbul protest dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> was held in Istanbul that featured<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network including IHH, MAZLUMDER, TGTV, and FIDDER. Protesters<br />
shouted anti-Israel slogans such as “Down with Israel, down with Zi<strong>on</strong>ism” and “Child<br />
killer, terror state Israel.” and a press release was delivered by IHH President Bulent<br />
Yildirim which called <strong>the</strong> Gaza strikes “terrorism” and said that IHH had initiated “a<br />
new aid campaign for Palestine.” 301<br />
On December 28, IHH said that it had been <strong>the</strong> first aid agency to enter <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
Strip after <strong>the</strong> latest <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> air strikes and that it had delivered a sec<strong>on</strong>d c<strong>on</strong>voy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
humanitarian aid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> five t<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods worth $300,000 to Gaza hospitals. IHH also<br />
said that it had sent $130,000 to be delivered to families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians killed or<br />
wounded in <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> strikes. 302 303 Finally, IHH said that it had organized d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong><br />
campaigns for Gaza am<strong>on</strong>g Turkish energy workers, a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> college students, and<br />
children aged 6-12, some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom d<strong>on</strong>ated <strong>the</strong>ir allowances. 304 305 306 The children’s’<br />
campaign was described as follows:<br />
The children aged between six and 12 marched in İstiklal Street <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul<br />
and urged support to Palestine. They shouted slogans such as “Stop Israel, let<br />
children not die,” and “Istanbul, do something about Palestine.” … Members<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Free Children Club took <strong>the</strong> fr<strong>on</strong>t lines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> march and shouted slogans<br />
in favor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine. The march was supported by <strong>the</strong> IHH and a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
n<strong>on</strong>governmental organizati<strong>on</strong>s….The groups ga<strong>the</strong>red in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Galatasaray<br />
High-school and marched until Taksim Square. The children shouted slogans<br />
such as “We are all Palestinians, Killer Israel leave Palestine, Stop <strong>the</strong> war, stop<br />
killing children.” The protestors carried blood-tainted dolls symbolizing <strong>the</strong><br />
bodies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> children killed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> strikes. About 1,000 people, most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
children, marched in <strong>the</strong> freezing and rainy wea<strong>the</strong>r and received support<br />
from citizens and store-owners <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> street. The protesters called <strong>on</strong> Jews in<br />
Turkey in a banner that read “We want Jews in Turkey to oppose <strong>the</strong> killing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
children in Palestine.” 307<br />
On December 31, AKP deputy and IHH Trustee Zeyid Aslan, head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> parliamentary<br />
Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Group, called Israel’s attacks “an unnamed genocide<br />
that is being gradually implemented.” 308<br />
60
PLANNING AND CONFERENCES (2009)<br />
In early January, <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS), headed by Youssef<br />
Qaradawi, called for a “Day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anger”, and large anti-Israel dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s were held<br />
in some European countries. 309 310 Citing <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood spokespers<strong>on</strong>s in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Arab media reported later “a coaliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>-based <strong>Muslim</strong> groups, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and several Jewish organizati<strong>on</strong>s around <strong>the</strong> globe” were<br />
<strong>the</strong> driving force behind <strong>the</strong> mass anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe and America<br />
protesting <strong>the</strong> Gaza acti<strong>on</strong>. XL XLI 311 In line with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood’s<br />
orchestrated protest, <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network reacti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> Gaza war c<strong>on</strong>tinued until<br />
<strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> January, involving numerous instances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> political activity, in<br />
some cases mobilizing as many as 100,000 dem<strong>on</strong>strators. IHH was particularly active at<br />
this time, announcing that it had sent relief aid to Gaza, much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it apparently sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
by MÜSIȦD. At <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> January, <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e week after <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> withdrawal from<br />
Gaza, MAZLUMDER issued its “Gaza Pre-Working <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>” that c<strong>on</strong>cluded that Israel<br />
was “not following any limits in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> atrocity or genocide.” 312<br />
In February, a c<strong>on</strong>ference was held in Istanbul at which numerous speakers called for<br />
jihad against Israel in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas. A statement was issued by <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference,<br />
which declared <strong>the</strong> obligati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic world to open all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> crossings into<br />
Palestine permanently, and was signed by numerous <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
leaders, some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom who would play a role in <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla. The m<strong>on</strong>th <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> May saw<br />
two important c<strong>on</strong>ferences held in Istanbul. The first, <strong>the</strong> “World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine”, was organized by <strong>the</strong> FIDDER President and attended<br />
by a l<strong>on</strong>g list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders including Youssef Qaradawi, as<br />
well as western individuals related to <strong>the</strong> flotilla movement and representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network. One week following <strong>the</strong> World C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Popular<br />
Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine, from May 30-31, <strong>the</strong> UNIW held its own c<strong>on</strong>ference in Istanbul<br />
titled “Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine.” June through September saw a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
acti<strong>on</strong>s including an important c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
by MÜSIȦD. From October through December, IHH was <strong>the</strong> center <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> activity, including<br />
its coordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish leg <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Viva Palestina land c<strong>on</strong>voy to Gaza.<br />
January 2009- Gaza War Reacti<strong>on</strong> C<strong>on</strong>tinues<br />
On January 2, following Friday prayers, a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> took place organized by a<br />
coaliti<strong>on</strong> called “Friends <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine” that included IHH, MAZLUMDER, and a number<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<strong>the</strong>r organizati<strong>on</strong>s. A crowd <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 10-20,000 people in Beyazıt Square burned <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
flags, shouted or carried banners with such slogans as “Everywhere is Gaza and We<br />
are all Qassams!”, “Israel, You Will be Drowned in The Blood That You Spilled!”, and<br />
“L<strong>on</strong>g Live The Hamas Fighters, You are <strong>the</strong> Pride <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Ummah”, carried <strong>the</strong> flags<br />
XL<br />
XLI<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Jewish groups identified in <strong>the</strong> report was <strong>the</strong> Neturei Karta, a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> anti-Zi<strong>on</strong>ist rabbis who<br />
frequently act toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood spokesman said that coordinati<strong>on</strong> had taken place “under <strong>the</strong> cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> relief<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s.” See http://www.almasry-alyoum.com/printerfriendly.aspxArticleID=197210.<br />
61
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas and Hezbollah, and waved posters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian “martyrs.” 313 314 FIDDER<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Hasan Bereket was reported to have addressed <strong>the</strong> crowd stating,<br />
The Grandchildren <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Abdulhamid, I salute you in <strong>the</strong> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza and<br />
Palestine. You always showed us by your dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s and aid activities<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people are not al<strong>on</strong>e. We thank our bro<strong>the</strong>rs in Turkey. The<br />
blood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> your ancestors is <strong>on</strong> those lands. Gaza bel<strong>on</strong>gs to all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> us. Palestine<br />
bel<strong>on</strong>gs to all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> us. We are all Palestinians. Allah <strong>the</strong> Great will surely reward<br />
you for your support. Your activities will prevent <strong>the</strong> government from<br />
implementing <strong>the</strong> cooperati<strong>on</strong> agreements and Israel will be isolated and will<br />
be weakened!” 315<br />
On Jan 3, Israel invaded Gaza in an acti<strong>on</strong> lasting until its withdrawal <strong>on</strong> Jan 21. The<br />
Turkish/MB network was involved in numerous anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s following <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
invasi<strong>on</strong>, including:<br />
»»<br />
On January 4, FIDDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Hassan Bereket played a role at a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Diyabakir organized by MAZLUMDER and o<strong>the</strong>r organizati<strong>on</strong>s. 316 More than<br />
100,000 people were reported to have participated, burning US and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flags<br />
and shouting support for Hama and carrying Hamas flags as well as portraits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
deceased Hamas leader Ahmed Yassine. 317 IHH leader Bulent Yildirim reportedly<br />
addressed <strong>the</strong> crowd stating, “I bring you <strong>the</strong> glad tidings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> victory w<strong>on</strong><br />
by Hamas” and called <strong>on</strong> all <strong>Muslim</strong>s to provide material and moral support.<br />
FIDDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer Hassan Bereket also spoke, saying “I am sure that all those killed<br />
318 319 320<br />
in Gaza are watching us from heaven right now.”<br />
»» On January 9, MAZLUMDER volunteers went to <strong>the</strong> Venezuelan C<strong>on</strong>sulate<br />
General in Beyoğlu to deliver a thank-you letter destined for Venezuelan President<br />
Hugo Chavez, who had expelled <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> ambassador from <strong>the</strong> country. The<br />
MAZLUMDER Istanbul Bureau Chief Ayhan Küçük made a statement demanding<br />
<strong>the</strong> expulsi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s from Turkey, <strong>the</strong> closing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>sulates,<br />
embassies, and representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices, <strong>the</strong> aboliti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all bi-lateral agreements<br />
and military ties, and <strong>the</strong> halting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> air traffic. He said “This silence<br />
against an evident murder has exposed that <strong>the</strong> leaders who positi<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
according to world powers do not in fact rule <strong>the</strong>ir own countries and are actually<br />
not independent ec<strong>on</strong>omically, politically and militarily” adding “I c<strong>on</strong>gratulate<br />
Dear Hugo Chavez and <strong>the</strong> Venezuelan people and we expect <strong>the</strong> world leaders<br />
to follow <strong>the</strong> same h<strong>on</strong>orable attitude.” 321<br />
»» On January 10, Hassan Bereket was reported to have addressed a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Sivas organized by 23 NGOs, including MÜSIȦD and IHH. 322 323 Some 20,000<br />
people burned and trampled <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flag, carried baby dolls painted red, and<br />
shouted support for Hamas. Bereket told <strong>the</strong> crowd “Palestine is not just <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinians, <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> blood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> your fa<strong>the</strong>rs” and called for <strong>the</strong> liberati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Palestine.<br />
»» On January 18, 4 NGOs including MÜSIȦD and MAZLUMDER organized a<br />
rally <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 60,000 people in Ankara. The crowd carried flags and shouted slogans<br />
such as ““Greetings to Hamas, <strong>the</strong> resistance c<strong>on</strong>tinues,” “Down with Israel”,<br />
“Collaborati<strong>on</strong> with Israel is a crime.” 324<br />
»» On January 21, FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli joined <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Ec<strong>on</strong>omic and Cultural Affairs in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> C<strong>on</strong>sulate General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Israel in order to protest <strong>the</strong> Gaza acti<strong>on</strong>. A black wreath was left at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sulate,<br />
followed by a press release harshly criticizing Israel. 325<br />
62
Meanwhile, IHH c<strong>on</strong>tinued to send aid to Gaza both during and after <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>flict.<br />
Much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that aid appears to have been sp<strong>on</strong>sored by MÜSIȦD:<br />
»» On January 9, IHH announced that as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a joint aid campaign with MÜSIȦD,<br />
it had sent a Turkish Airlines cargo plane to Gaza loaded with 26 t<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> relief<br />
material worth TL 631,838, enough for an entire hospital. 326<br />
»» On January 16, IHH announced that it had a third plane loaded with relief<br />
materials to <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip in cooperati<strong>on</strong> MÜSIȦD. The Turkish Airlines cargo<br />
plane was said to be carrying 36.5 t<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> medicati<strong>on</strong>, medical equipment and<br />
foodstuff. Eyüp Akbal, member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> MÜSIȦD executive board stated, “We as<br />
MÜSIȦD will carry <strong>on</strong> supporting our fellow <strong>Muslim</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters in<br />
Gaza. Working to end <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> aggressi<strong>on</strong> is as significant as extending aid to<br />
<strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>.” 327<br />
»» On January 20, IHH announced that it had dispatched a ship loaded with 1,000<br />
t<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> relief materials to Gaza. Ali Gür, vice president <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD, and Akif<br />
Bayramoğlu, secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anatolian Businessmen (ASKON),<br />
said <strong>the</strong>y would c<strong>on</strong>tinue to send aid to <strong>the</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. 328<br />
Also, <strong>on</strong> January 17 IHH announced that Bulent Yildirim and IHH board member<br />
Osman Atalay, al<strong>on</strong>g with Mehmet Kaya <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Germany-based charity “Wefa” and Ayhan<br />
Kucuk, Istanbul chief “MAZLUMDER” had entered Gaza al<strong>on</strong>g with four surge<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and <strong>on</strong>e nurse from Turkey. IHH said it was <strong>the</strong> first team am<strong>on</strong>g internati<strong>on</strong>al aid<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s to enter Gaza. 329<br />
During this time, IHH was also publicly engaging with Hamas and its leader:<br />
»» IHH leader Bulen Yildirim met with Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in<br />
Damascus <strong>on</strong> January 15 where Mashaal thanked <strong>the</strong> Turkish people for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
support, stating “In <strong>the</strong> war that we are in <strong>the</strong>re are winners and losers. Those<br />
who resist in Palestine and <strong>the</strong> Turkish people are am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> winners.” 330<br />
»» On January 16, senior Hamas spokesman Abu Zuhri and <strong>the</strong> Deputy President<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH held a joint press c<strong>on</strong>ference at an Istanbul hotel where Zuhri stated that<br />
Hamas was fighting because <strong>the</strong>y refuse to approve Israel’s right to existence<br />
and said <strong>the</strong>re was not a single military complex in Gaza. 331<br />
»» On February 1, Bulent Yildirim attended a Hamas rally in Gaza where he said that<br />
“all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those who do not stand by <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people <strong>the</strong>y will meet <strong>the</strong>ir end<br />
and destructi<strong>on</strong> and that “all <strong>the</strong> Islamic people will demand that <strong>the</strong>ir leaders<br />
become like Rajab Tayyab Erdogan. 332<br />
IHH also took <strong>the</strong> opportunity at this time to engage in propaganda activities,<br />
including:<br />
»» Announcing <strong>on</strong> January 9 that all expenses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> children orphaned during <strong>the</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> operati<strong>on</strong> and existing orphan Palestinian children would be met by <strong>the</strong><br />
IHH. 333<br />
»»<br />
Announcing <strong>on</strong> January 6 that more school children would be d<strong>on</strong>ating <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
allowance to <strong>the</strong> IHH Gaza aid campaign 334<br />
»» Announcing <strong>on</strong> January 28 “<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> troops committed mass killings in Gaza to<br />
break <strong>the</strong> resistance.” 335<br />
63
The UNIW was also active during this time. On January 21, it reported that a Palestinian<br />
Solidarity Platform delegati<strong>on</strong> including over three hundred NGOs visited <strong>the</strong> Embassy<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Egypt in Ankara to talk about “<strong>the</strong> latest heinous crimes in Gaza.” The delegati<strong>on</strong><br />
included <strong>the</strong> UNIW Secretary General and his deputy as well as <strong>the</strong> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
TGTV. The UNIW Secretary-General told <strong>the</strong> Ambassador “It is not possible to accept<br />
heinous massacres <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel, and <strong>the</strong>re cannot be any justificati<strong>on</strong> to cover this ethnic<br />
cleansing.” 336<br />
On January 22, a “c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> meeting” to discuss Gaza was held at <strong>the</strong> MÜSIȦD<br />
Istanbul headquarters organized by UNIW that included hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs and relief<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s in Turkey. A representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH was reported in attendance. The TGTV<br />
President said “It cannot be accepted to be silence or neutral <strong>on</strong> this heinous crimes<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Army who destroys mosques, clinics, doctors, ambulances, children, babies,<br />
elders, government instituti<strong>on</strong>s, schools and everything seen above <strong>the</strong> earth with<br />
phosphorus or o<strong>the</strong>r chemical weap<strong>on</strong>s banned internati<strong>on</strong>ally. We hereby denounce<br />
<strong>the</strong>se heinous and barbaric attacks and show our solidarity with our bro<strong>the</strong>rs in<br />
Palestine as each pers<strong>on</strong> and organizati<strong>on</strong>s.” 337<br />
On January 28, <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e week after <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> withdrawal from Gaza, MAZLUMDER<br />
issued its “Gaza Pre-Working <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>” which c<strong>on</strong>cluded:<br />
Our committee’s opini<strong>on</strong>, in <strong>the</strong> view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <strong>the</strong> data, is that Israel is committing<br />
a crime against humanity. It is also clear that Israel is not following any limits<br />
in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> atrocity or genocide. The aftermath <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 20 days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupati<strong>on</strong> is more<br />
than 5000 injured, more than 1500 killed and chemical weap<strong>on</strong>s used during<br />
<strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fence will have dramatic effects in <strong>the</strong> future. All <strong>the</strong> infrastructure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Gaza had become unusable and more than 20 thousand buildings have been<br />
razed. Hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> industrial facilities, thousand acres <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> agricultural lands<br />
destroyed. Schools, universities, sport facilities, in brief, all <strong>the</strong> living structure<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza collapsed. It is clear <strong>on</strong>ce again that, “Israel disregards <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
law and related instituti<strong>on</strong>s which ought to practice <strong>the</strong> law.” However, after<br />
<strong>the</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our analysis in <strong>the</strong> final report, MAZLUMDER will actively<br />
execute <strong>the</strong> necessary attempts in accordance with <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al law to set<br />
in moti<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> relevant processes. In additi<strong>on</strong> to our reports and complaints, a)<br />
Applicati<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> UN Security Council will be submitted for <strong>the</strong> judgment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sible <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> authorities in <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Crime Court. b) Applicati<strong>on</strong><br />
to <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Crime Court will be made directly. c) Necessary attempts<br />
for Turkey’s and o<strong>the</strong>r countries’ applicati<strong>on</strong> to Hague Justice Council about <strong>the</strong><br />
Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fensive will be achieved. d) Applicati<strong>on</strong> to Republic Attorney according<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Turkish Criminal Law will be made c<strong>on</strong>cerning <strong>the</strong> genocide and<br />
humanity crime <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> authorities. We believe Israel is committing genocide<br />
towards Palestinians by reviving its victimizati<strong>on</strong> psychology. Never<strong>the</strong>less,<br />
Israel does not have any legitimacy bey<strong>on</strong>d <strong>the</strong> eyes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its scarce number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
supporters worldwide. Finally, we as MAZLUMDER think that Israel should<br />
be judged before <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Crime Court, and demand <strong>the</strong> embargo to<br />
be taken <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f from Palestine immediately. 338<br />
On January 31, FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli sent a letter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appreciati<strong>on</strong> to Turkish<br />
XLII 339<br />
Prime Minister Erdogan for his acti<strong>on</strong>s in Davos.<br />
XLII<br />
Erdogan had stormed out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a panel discussi<strong>on</strong> after chastising <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> President Shim<strong>on</strong> Peres over Israel›s<br />
acti<strong>on</strong>s in Gaza.<br />
64
February- The “Jihad” C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
In <strong>the</strong> middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> February, <strong>the</strong> BBC reported <strong>on</strong> an Istanbul c<strong>on</strong>ference organized by<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> Anti-Aggressi<strong>on</strong> Campaign (GAAC), called by some <strong>the</strong> “Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Victory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza”. 340 341 The GAAC had been founded in 2003 by a<br />
large group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> scholars and clerics, largely from Saudi Arabia, and led by Saudi Dr.<br />
Safar al-Hawali, generally regarded as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> main mentors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Osama bin Laden.<br />
The GACC founding declarati<strong>on</strong> said that <strong>the</strong> goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> group is to n<strong>on</strong>-violently<br />
defend itself against “vicious aggressi<strong>on</strong> at <strong>the</strong> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> forces <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tyranny and<br />
oppressi<strong>on</strong>, especially <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists and <strong>the</strong> American administrati<strong>on</strong> led by rightwing<br />
extremist, that are working to expand <strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>trol over nati<strong>on</strong>s and peoples,<br />
loot <strong>the</strong>ir resources, to destroy <strong>the</strong>ir will, and to change <strong>the</strong>ir educati<strong>on</strong>al curricula<br />
and social system”. XLIII 342 Since that time, likely resulting from pressure from <strong>the</strong><br />
Saudi government, <strong>the</strong> GACC appears to have shifted its operati<strong>on</strong>s away from<br />
Saudi Arabia and is now directed from Leban<strong>on</strong> by Rabih Haddad, <strong>the</strong> c<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ounder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> Relief Foundati<strong>on</strong>, which was designated by <strong>the</strong> US as a terrorist entity<br />
XLIV 343 344 345<br />
in 2002 due to its c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s to Al Qaeda and o<strong>the</strong>r terrorist groups.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> BBC and o<strong>the</strong>r reports <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> GACC c<strong>on</strong>ference, over 300 individuals,<br />
including many c<strong>on</strong>servative Sunni sheikhs and scholars as well as Hamas leaders,<br />
heard “speaker after speaker call for jihad against Israel in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas.”<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> report, <strong>the</strong> choice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey as a venue was important:<br />
Arab hardliners were keen to put aside historic differences with <strong>the</strong> Turks. As<br />
<strong>on</strong>e organiser put it: “During <strong>the</strong> past 100 years relati<strong>on</strong>s have been strained<br />
but Palestine has brought us toge<strong>the</strong>r.” Many delegates spoke appreciatively<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> protest by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who stormed<br />
out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Davos debate <strong>on</strong> Gaza two weeks ago.<br />
The BBC report also said that in closed meetings, delegates focused <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> creati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a “third<br />
Jihadist fr<strong>on</strong>t” - <strong>the</strong> first two being Afghanistan and Iraq. The report cited Saudi religious<br />
scholar Mohsen al-Awajy as stating that “Gaza gives us power, it solves our differences.<br />
We are all now in a unified fr<strong>on</strong>t against Zi<strong>on</strong>ism.” Finally, <strong>the</strong> BBC report noted that:<br />
To laughter in <strong>the</strong> audience, ano<strong>the</strong>r speaker noted that twice as many babies<br />
were born as children were killed during <strong>the</strong> war. Every death, I was told, was<br />
a martyrdom <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> road to liberati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The UNIW reported that its General Coordinator Cihangir İşbilir and his deputy<br />
participated in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference where <strong>the</strong>y met with prominent figures and NGO<br />
representatives. 346<br />
A statement <strong>on</strong> Gaza was issued following <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference signed by ninety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>ference participants. 347 The statement affirmed that <strong>the</strong> Gaza “victory” had been<br />
XLIII<br />
XLIV<br />
The GACC had held an earlier c<strong>on</strong>ference Istanbul in December 2006 to support “<strong>the</strong> Iraqi resistance” and<br />
apparently sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars headed by Harith Sulayman al-Dhari.<br />
See BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East December 16, 2006 Saturday “Website carries statement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ference supporting Sunni Iraqis” The organizati<strong>on</strong> also held ano<strong>the</strong>r similar c<strong>on</strong>ference in Istanbul in<br />
April 2009, See http://moqc<strong>on</strong>f.qawim.net/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=78&Itemi<br />
d=148.<br />
Haddad was deported from <strong>the</strong> US in 2003 <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> grounds he had overstayed his tourist visa.<br />
65
“achieved through fulfilling <strong>the</strong> religious obligati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihad in His way” and, am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
“legal judgments” declared <strong>the</strong> two following obligati<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> Islamic Nati<strong>on</strong>:<br />
5. The obligati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Nati<strong>on</strong> to find a fair formula <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rec<strong>on</strong>ciliati<strong>on</strong><br />
between <strong>the</strong> s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people, under whose resp<strong>on</strong>sibility a<br />
legitimate authority will be formed that will attend to <strong>the</strong> fixed norms and <strong>the</strong><br />
legitimate and nati<strong>on</strong>al rights; and will carry <strong>on</strong> with <strong>the</strong> jihad and Resistance<br />
against <strong>the</strong> occupier until <strong>the</strong> liberati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all Palestine.<br />
6. The obligati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Nati<strong>on</strong> to open <strong>the</strong> crossings -- all crossings<br />
-- in and out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine permanently, in order to allow access to all <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians -- m<strong>on</strong>ey, clothing, food, medicine, weap<strong>on</strong>s and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
essentials, so that <strong>the</strong>y are able to live and perform <strong>the</strong> jihad in <strong>the</strong> way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Allah Almighty. The closure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> crossings or <strong>the</strong> preventi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> entry<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> weap<strong>on</strong>s through <strong>the</strong>m should be regarded as high treas<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Islamic<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>, and clear support for <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist enemy.<br />
Signatories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest included<br />
»»<br />
Harith Sulaiman al-Dhari, Iraqi <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
XLV<br />
»»<br />
Daud Abdullah, <strong>Muslim</strong> Council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain<br />
»»<br />
Rashid Ghannouchi, a Tunisian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader living in <strong>the</strong> UK<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Muhammad bin Nasr al-Hazmi, Yemeni <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and aboard Gaza<br />
flotilla<br />
Muhammad Sawalha, Hamas/MB leader living in <strong>the</strong> UK<br />
Hamam Sa’id, Jordanian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
XLVI<br />
»»<br />
Walid Musa’id al-Tabtabai, Kuwaiti parliamentarian, aboard Gaza flotilla<br />
On March 3, <strong>the</strong> UNIW Secretary-General told Turkish media that <strong>the</strong> UNIW would<br />
press for legal charges against some 70 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicians and commanders over<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir involvement in <strong>the</strong> Gaza operati<strong>on</strong>, including <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chief <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Staff and <strong>the</strong><br />
foreign minister. The UNIW Secretary-General said “We want to make sure that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
commanders will not even dare to set foot into o<strong>the</strong>r countries.” 348 UNIW <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials said<br />
<strong>the</strong>y had c<strong>on</strong>tacted representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs in several European countries to assure<br />
<strong>the</strong>m that any charges brought against <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> leader would have <strong>the</strong> backing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> UNIW. The UNIW also said that <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> would provide legal assistance<br />
to NGOs in Europe to make sure <strong>the</strong>ir appeals to European courts were successful,<br />
indicating that <strong>the</strong> UNIW would hold an internati<strong>on</strong>al symposium in Istanbul in May<br />
to discuss <strong>the</strong> Palestinian situati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
XLV<br />
XLVI<br />
The <strong>Muslim</strong> Council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain is a UK Islamic umbrella group dominated by organizati<strong>on</strong>s associated with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
Al-Tabtabai is discussed at length later in this report.<br />
66
World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine<br />
A c<strong>on</strong>ference was held <strong>on</strong> May 22-23 in Istanbul and titled “World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine”. The c<strong>on</strong>ference was sp<strong>on</strong>sored by a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s including FIDDER and IHH, as well as <strong>the</strong> IUMS and <strong>the</strong> GAAC, and<br />
coordinated by FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli and IHH Middle East representative<br />
Ahmet Emin Dag. 349 350 The c<strong>on</strong>ference brought toge<strong>the</strong>r Youssef Qaradawi and<br />
important leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, AKP, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish/MB network, and <strong>the</strong> Western flotilla movement. C<strong>on</strong>ference participants<br />
351 352 353 354 355<br />
included:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Youssef Qaradawi<br />
Mohammed Akram Adlouni, (Leban<strong>on</strong>), AQIII<br />
Abd al-Rahman Siwaral-Dhahab (Sudan), Deputy Head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, former<br />
Sudan President<br />
Osama Hamdan (Leban<strong>on</strong>), Hamas<br />
Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah (Leban<strong>on</strong>), Hezbollah<br />
Raed Salah (Israel), Islamic Movement<br />
Issam El-Bashir (Kuwait), <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
XLVII<br />
»»<br />
Awad Al-Qarni (Saudi Arabia), <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Harith Al-Dari (Iraq), Iraqi <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia), <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Fehmi Huveyd, likely Fahmi Huwaydi, Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars<br />
(IUMS)<br />
Hafidzi Mohd Noor (Malaysia), aboard flotilla<br />
Jamal Badawi (USA), leader in <strong>the</strong> US <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Abdullah Bin Bayh (Saudi Arabia), European Council for Fatwa and Research<br />
(ECFR)<br />
Ahmed Al-Rawi (UK), former FIOE President, Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good<br />
Rashid Ghannouchi (UK), <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Ahmed Jaballah (France), French <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and FIOE <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial<br />
Şükri Ramiş (Bosnia), Bosnian <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and FIOE<br />
Mohammed Al Hawari (Germany), ECFR<br />
Basir Nafi (UK), Palestinian Islamic Jihad<br />
XLVII<br />
On 28 December 2008, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> analysts reported that Awad Al-Qarni, a senior Saudi Arabian Islamic cleric,<br />
published a fatwa calling for attacks <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> interests worldwide “in resp<strong>on</strong>se to <strong>the</strong> slaughtering which<br />
<strong>the</strong> Occupati<strong>on</strong> is perpetrating in <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip”. See http://www.ict.org.il/Portals/0/Internet%20<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring%20Group/JWMG_Al-Qarni_Fatwa.pdf ,Al-Qarni was also accused by Egypt <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> funding <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
67
Western Participants:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Mads Gilbert (Norway), anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> activist<br />
Tom Nels<strong>on</strong> (United States), Free Gaza Movement, <strong>on</strong> board flotilla<br />
Mattias Gardell (Sweden), European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza (ECESG)/<br />
aboard <strong>the</strong> MV Marmara<br />
Turkey:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Bulent Yildirim IHH<br />
Necati Ceylan TGTV<br />
Necmi Sadıkoglu, UNIW Secretary-General<br />
Mubarak Mutawa UNIW<br />
Gazi Misirli MÜSIȦD<br />
st<br />
»»<br />
Erol Yarar- 1 President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Zeyid Aslan – AKP Deputy,, President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Friendship Committee<br />
Cemal Yilmaz Demir- AKP Deputy<br />
Various sources reported <strong>on</strong> speeches made at <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference, giving a taste <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what<br />
occurred. A Palestinian/Islamic Islamic portal reported <strong>the</strong> following comments: 356<br />
357 358 Essam Al-Bashir (opening speech):<br />
We d<strong>on</strong>’t want just speeches and words because <strong>the</strong>y will be forgotten…We have<br />
to translate <strong>the</strong>m into strategic plannings and projects to change <strong>the</strong> realities<br />
in Gaza and Palestine in general.<br />
Raed Salah:<br />
-This is <strong>the</strong> real face <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist.<br />
-If <strong>the</strong>re is justice in <strong>the</strong> political world, <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist is equal to <strong>the</strong> Nazis.<br />
-In fact <strong>the</strong>y are much worse. They have committed hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> holocaust.<br />
-But <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people will not give up and <strong>the</strong>y will c<strong>on</strong>tinue to resist<br />
this terrible holocaust.<br />
Youssef Qaradawi<br />
-Our help is not a c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong> - it is an obligati<strong>on</strong>, a resp<strong>on</strong>sibility (we must<br />
not shirk)<br />
-We have to support <strong>the</strong> resistance through financial means.<br />
-We (The <strong>Muslim</strong> government) must sever our relati<strong>on</strong>ship with Israel.<br />
-If Israel stays, it will spell <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> whole world<br />
Mubarak Al-Mutawa<br />
Stressed that <strong>the</strong> Islamic societies, as well as civil and popular organizati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
will not give up and will provide all possible support <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people.<br />
Necmi Sadıkoglu<br />
68
We must create an internati<strong>on</strong>al superpower to defend Palestinian rights by<br />
legal and peaceful means; if <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world had an internati<strong>on</strong>al force, <strong>the</strong><br />
situati<strong>on</strong> would have been resolved in a just Palestinian cause<br />
Gazi Misirli<br />
Said that MÜSIȦD’s participati<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Palestine C<strong>on</strong>ference is important,<br />
because <strong>the</strong> popular NGO’s are those who revive in <strong>the</strong> souls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turks<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian problem, which is widely absent in Turkey; this is a forceful<br />
message to both inside and out (<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey), saying that Turkey is now able to<br />
step in and deal with <strong>the</strong> problems, especially <strong>the</strong> Palestinian.<br />
Tom Nels<strong>on</strong> called for war crimes prosecuti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Mohammed Akram Adlouni:<br />
Mr. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in Davos acted as <strong>the</strong> Sultan Abdul Hamid.<br />
Turkey is still <strong>the</strong> caliphate as <strong>the</strong> center <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our lives in our heart. I wish all<br />
Arab countries would follow Turkey’s example by taking this stance. Israel is<br />
trying to Judaize Jerusalem.<br />
Turkish media reported that a message from Hamas Prime Minister Haniyeh<br />
was read to <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference, calling <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> participants to “never give up<br />
resistance” and expressing his hope that this kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>ference would someday<br />
be held at <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. 359<br />
A C<strong>on</strong>ference Declarati<strong>on</strong> was also issued with <strong>the</strong> following points <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest: 360<br />
One: <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people have fair, n<strong>on</strong>-negotiable rights as <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> human people <strong>on</strong> earth just as <strong>the</strong>ir right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return, establishing <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
independent country, <strong>the</strong>ir free use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir resources, as well as to feel free and<br />
secured. The internati<strong>on</strong>al community and activists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanity and justice<br />
around <strong>the</strong> world should help <strong>the</strong>m to achieve all this as it is guaranteed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al law.<br />
Two: <strong>the</strong> current occupati<strong>on</strong> regime in Palestine represents a col<strong>on</strong>ial example<br />
which no l<strong>on</strong>ger exists in today’s world. The Zi<strong>on</strong>ists established a racist<br />
country <strong>on</strong> Palestine, using killing, displacing people…etc. and without any<br />
legal law to protect <strong>the</strong>m. The occupati<strong>on</strong> keeps violating <strong>the</strong> laws and <strong>the</strong><br />
rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people in additi<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> ethnic cleansing, occupying<br />
<strong>the</strong> land, mass transfer and many o<strong>the</strong>r violati<strong>on</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al law.<br />
Seven: <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people have <strong>the</strong> right to resist <strong>the</strong> occupati<strong>on</strong> and to<br />
defend his land by all means and this right is c<strong>on</strong>firmed by <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
charter. And for this <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people should receive support from <strong>the</strong><br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al community and freedom supporters in this world.<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine<br />
One week following <strong>the</strong> World C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Popular Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine,<br />
from May 30-31, <strong>the</strong> UNIW held its own c<strong>on</strong>ference in Istanbul titled “Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine.” 361 In additi<strong>on</strong> to UNIW leaders, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference advisory<br />
board included MÜSIȦD leader Gazi Misirli and FIDDER Present Tahsin Misirli as<br />
well as MÜSIȦD founder Erol Yaar and Ahmet Varol, a Turkish journalist who would<br />
69
e <strong>on</strong> board <strong>the</strong> Marmara during <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla crisis. XLVIII 362 The organizers reported<br />
363 364<br />
some 2000 participants and presenters who included:<br />
»»<br />
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»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Dr. Gulam Nabi Fai (USA), UNIW/Kashmir-American Society/Islamic Society<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> North America (ISNA)<br />
Dr. Azzam Tamimi (UK), Hamas/UK <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Fehmi Huveydi (Egypt), likely Fahmi Huwaydi, Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Scholars (IUMS)<br />
Isam Cude (Palestine), UNIW and Islamic Society<br />
Necmi SADIKOĞLU (Turkey), UNIW Secretary General<br />
Necati CEYLAN (Turkey), TGTV President<br />
Erol YARAR (Turkey), President, Palestine Solidarity Platform, founder<br />
MÜSIȦD<br />
Raed Salah (Israel), Islamic Movement<br />
Zeyid Aslan, (Turkey), AKP Deputy (Palestine Friendship Committee), IHH<br />
Trustee,<br />
Mubarak Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), UNIW Secretary-General, aboard flotilla<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>ference published a set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> papers written by c<strong>on</strong>ference participants. 365 Perhaps<br />
<strong>the</strong> most important <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tributors was UK Hamas/<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader<br />
Azzam Tamimi who wrote:<br />
»»<br />
The “ludicrous claims <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Jewish c<strong>on</strong>spiracy” in <strong>the</strong> Hamas charter will be<br />
replaced by “an emphasis <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> “racist nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist project.”<br />
»» That it is unlikely that Hamas will ever recognize <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel to exist as it<br />
is, an “enclave planted in <strong>the</strong> heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world in order to obstruct <strong>the</strong><br />
revival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Ummah.”<br />
»» That suicide bombings are “<strong>the</strong>y are seen as <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>ly means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pressuring <strong>the</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, both state and society, to recognize <strong>the</strong> rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinians and to<br />
agree to a cease-fire deal that would at least spare <strong>the</strong> civilians.”<br />
»» That “ano<strong>the</strong>r scenario that is prevalent within <strong>the</strong> thinking <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some intellectual<br />
Hamas quarters is that so much will change in <strong>the</strong> world that Israel as a Zi<strong>on</strong>ist<br />
entity may not want, or may not have <strong>the</strong> ability, to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to be in existence.<br />
As a matter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> principle, <strong>Muslim</strong>s, Christians and Jews can live toge<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong><br />
regi<strong>on</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y lived toge<strong>the</strong>r for many centuries before.”<br />
XLVIII Also included am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> organizers was TURAN KISLAKCI who would later go <strong>on</strong> to found a Turkish<br />
website promoting Youssef Qaradawi. See BC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East – Political/ http://karadavi.com/<br />
May 24, 2010 M<strong>on</strong>day Students launch website <strong>on</strong> cleric Al-Qaradawi in Turkish - Qatari paper.<br />
70
The final statement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> Palestine c<strong>on</strong>tained <strong>the</strong> following<br />
points <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest, <strong>on</strong>ce again dem<strong>on</strong>izing and delegitimizing Israel: 366<br />
The following decisi<strong>on</strong>s were taken in <strong>the</strong> “Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestine neighborhood”:<br />
4 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference affirms that <strong>the</strong> occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> State <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel since its<br />
foundati<strong>on</strong>, and that its presence in <strong>the</strong> Palestinian territories is c<strong>on</strong>trary to<br />
historical facts, social, cultural and internati<strong>on</strong>al laws.<br />
5 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference affirms that <strong>the</strong> most important project for <strong>the</strong> government<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Benjamin Netanyahu extremist, which was established recently is <strong>the</strong><br />
liquidati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> citizens, Christians and Judaizing <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> as it was in<br />
previous governments, and that it must resp<strong>on</strong>d to <strong>the</strong>se attempts seriously.<br />
6 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> ending <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian territories<br />
immediately, and that <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people’s resistance to this unjust<br />
occupati<strong>on</strong> as legitimate resistance.<br />
7 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference affirms that <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> refugees and <strong>the</strong> basis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
origin, and that it must advocate and support this right, which will last until<br />
<strong>the</strong> return <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> refugees to <strong>the</strong>ir homeland.<br />
14 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference affirms <strong>the</strong> need to establish a fund to support strategic<br />
legal pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al independent Palestine will be legal resp<strong>on</strong>sibilities <strong>on</strong> behalf<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> oppressed Palestinians in <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al courts, and support <strong>the</strong> Fund<br />
in all areas.<br />
16 - The C<strong>on</strong>ference recommends that products be boycotted by all bodies and<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>s that support this occupati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> brutal oppressor, and choose<br />
alternative products.<br />
20 - Provided <strong>the</strong> organizing body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> C<strong>on</strong>ference and its participants thanks<br />
to Mr. Abdullah Gul, President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Republic <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey, and to Mr. Recep<br />
Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister and his government and <strong>the</strong> Turkish people<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir attenti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people and <strong>the</strong>ir support for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
June- September<br />
On June 12, Turkish media reported that <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister,<br />
identified as Muhammet Avam, visited <strong>the</strong> headquarters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Büyük Birlik Partisi<br />
(Grand Uni<strong>on</strong> Party) accompanied by <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Health Besim Naim,<br />
FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli, MAZLUMDER Secretary-General Faruk Unsal, and<br />
IHH Vice-President Hüseyin Oruç. The BPP leader was reported to have said, “Israel’s<br />
embargo should be removed and all <strong>the</strong> states in <strong>the</strong> world recognize <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
State.” 367<br />
Around <strong>the</strong> same time, Turkish media reported that MÜSIȦD in partnership with a<br />
number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<strong>the</strong>r NGO’s would be hosting a forum in Istanbul from June 17-18 aimed<br />
at bringing toge<strong>the</strong>r 1,000 Turkish and internati<strong>on</strong>al businessmen in order to develop<br />
$300 milli<strong>on</strong> in rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> projects for Gaza. The project was seen as including “a<br />
massive rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hospitals, schools, social areas and housing.” MÜSIȦD was<br />
reported to be at <strong>the</strong> forefr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> effort. 368 The c<strong>on</strong>ference,<br />
titled “The First Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference to Build Gaza”, was organized under <strong>the</strong><br />
auspices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new organizati<strong>on</strong> closely tied to <strong>the</strong> new Turkish/MB network called “The<br />
Commitment Campaign to Turkey” headed by its Secretary-General Gazi Misirli. 369<br />
71
The Commitment Campaign was said to have been started by thirty Turkish NGOs,<br />
inspired by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “One Minute” stance in<br />
Davos and serving as a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new business cooperati<strong>on</strong> between Turkey and <strong>the</strong><br />
Middle East. 370 Participants in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference included AKP deputy İrfan Gündüz<br />
representing Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, Gaza Mayor Refik Mekki, <strong>the</strong> Chairman<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ITO, Murat Yalçıntaş, MÜSIȦD members, and businessmen from <strong>the</strong> Islamic world. 371<br />
At <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference, an agreement was reached to purchase 2000 prefabricated houses<br />
XLIX 372<br />
to be used for <strong>the</strong> “rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine.”<br />
On July 31 a new initiative was launched that is likely <strong>the</strong> same as <strong>the</strong> “Commitment<br />
Campaign” and called “Türkiye`ye Vefa Girisimi” (Loyalty to Turkey). The purpose<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> initiative was said to be to working with Arab businessmen who had studied in<br />
Turkey before returning to <strong>the</strong> business world in <strong>the</strong>ir home countries. 373 374 Leaders<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Loyalty to Turkey were identified as:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Gazi Misirli, MÜSIȦD Secretary-General<br />
Dr. Ammar Ibrahim, Sudanese Businessmen’s Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
Tahsin Misirli, FIDDER<br />
Omer Bolat, former head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MÜSIȦD<br />
The group was reported to be planning to screen a 25-sec<strong>on</strong>d promoti<strong>on</strong>al film to be<br />
shown <strong>on</strong> Arab TV stati<strong>on</strong>s and introduced <strong>on</strong> Al-Jazeera, calling <strong>on</strong> people from <strong>the</strong><br />
Arab world to c<strong>on</strong>tribute to Turkey by purchasing Turkish goods, doing business with<br />
Turkish entrepreneurs, and traveling to <strong>the</strong> country. The group also took credit for<br />
some 3,000 thank-you letters to Erdogan.<br />
On September 18, MAZLUMDER staged a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Embassy<br />
in h<strong>on</strong>or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> World Al Quds Day. 375 Some 30 people were reported to have carried<br />
pictures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinians killed in <strong>the</strong> attacks and shouted “Down With Israel.” At <strong>the</strong><br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>, MAZLUMDER Chairman Ahmet Faruk Unsal called Israel “<strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist<br />
occupiers” and said that <strong>the</strong> “<strong>the</strong> comm<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>science” would destroy Zi<strong>on</strong>ism:<br />
Ünsal said that according to <strong>the</strong> UN General Assembly decisi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> 1947,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian lands were divided between Palestinians and imported Jews<br />
and Jerusalem got internati<strong>on</strong>al status. This decisi<strong>on</strong> was finalized when <strong>the</strong><br />
Zi<strong>on</strong>ists founded a structure called Israel <strong>on</strong> May 14, 1948. Ünsal said that Israel<br />
expended its occupati<strong>on</strong> with each passing day with <strong>the</strong> help <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> power and<br />
support it receives from global capitalism. He argued that <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
1947 decisi<strong>on</strong> intended to change <strong>the</strong> demographic structure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine by<br />
settling imported Jews to <strong>the</strong> lands that <strong>the</strong>y occupied.<br />
Ünsal emphasized that with <strong>the</strong> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist occupiers<br />
violated <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>s’ freedom <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religi<strong>on</strong>, freedom <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> expressi<strong>on</strong> and right to<br />
live and said that <strong>the</strong>ir most brutal attack was <strong>on</strong> Gaza at <strong>the</strong> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> year<br />
2009. Ünsal said that <strong>the</strong> comm<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>science <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanity composed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Jews,<br />
Christians and <strong>Muslim</strong>s would destroy Zi<strong>on</strong>ism which damages humanity and<br />
after this Jerusalem as well as <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinian lands would become <strong>the</strong><br />
best example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> peace and cohabitati<strong>on</strong> just like it was in history. 376<br />
XLIX<br />
To be built by Özge Yapı Sanayi ve Ticares AŞ.<br />
72
October-December- IHH in <strong>the</strong> Spotlight<br />
October saw two acti<strong>on</strong>s by IHH which centered <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque. On October<br />
6 IHH President Bulent Yildirim read a press-statement <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish<br />
NGOs that had organized an Istanbul dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> in resp<strong>on</strong>se to events taking place<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Mosque. 377 Yildirim said in his speech,<br />
“Gaza led to a regi<strong>on</strong>al war, <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque incident leads to a world war.<br />
Al-Aqsa Mosque must be protected for peace and happiness. Al-Aqsa Mosque<br />
does not ble<strong>on</strong>g to <strong>on</strong>ly Palestinians, but to all <strong>Muslim</strong>s. All Palestinians<br />
will try to overcome <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> police barricade, if necessary, to protect Al-<br />
Aqsa.” “20 thousand people entered from <strong>the</strong> Maghreb door and attacked<br />
Al- Aqsa, Palestinian youth inside <strong>the</strong> Mosque tried to prevent <strong>the</strong>m.” “Over<br />
60 Palestinians wounded in Jerusalem. One milli<strong>on</strong> Jews are called to attaced<br />
to Al- Aqsa by Zi<strong>on</strong>ist Israel. The decisi<strong>on</strong> to occupy Al-Aqsa until <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
2009 has been made. The aim is c<strong>on</strong>versi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Aqsa to a synagog.” “We call all<br />
sides in Turkey to support Al-Aqsa Mosque,” <strong>the</strong> chairman said. Yildirim said,<br />
“This is Turkey’s territorial land, a land registered to Turkey. Turkey should<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>d to this attack as <strong>the</strong> same way it would resp<strong>on</strong>d to any attack <strong>on</strong> its<br />
own land.” “Organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic C<strong>on</strong>ference should ga<strong>the</strong>r immediately<br />
and should take several decisi<strong>on</strong>s, including cutting all diplomatic relati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
with Israel, if necessary. Israel’s attacks will be shaped according to <strong>the</strong> reacti<strong>on</strong><br />
from <strong>the</strong> world,” he said.<br />
Protesters were reported to have shouted slogans in solidarity with Palestinians, <strong>the</strong>n<br />
burned <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> flag.<br />
On October 26, <strong>the</strong> UNIW reported that toge<strong>the</strong>r with TGTV it had hosted a program<br />
centered <strong>on</strong> Al-Aqsa titled: “Our Heritage Is in Danger.” 378 The program featured<br />
Muhammad Demirci, <strong>the</strong> president <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Associati<strong>on</strong> for Protecting and Maintaining<br />
Ottoman Heritage in Adjacency <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Quds, and Raed Salah who<br />
…spoke to <strong>the</strong> attendees via satellite system informing <strong>the</strong>m about <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
threatening situati<strong>on</strong> in Bait al Maqdes and <strong>the</strong> Holy Quds. Sheikh Salah<br />
pointed out <strong>the</strong> very dangerous attempts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupati<strong>on</strong> forces aiming to full<br />
destructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Masjed al Aqsa and establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir claimed Solom<strong>on</strong><br />
Temple. He said: “We are not al<strong>on</strong>e in our struggle; we are with our bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
in Turkey.<br />
The program ended with <strong>the</strong> presenting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> gifts to Bulent Yıldırım <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IHH and Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />
Dr. Ahmet Ağırakça <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Civilizati<strong>on</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> for <strong>the</strong>ir support in <strong>the</strong> cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Al-Aqsa Mosque.<br />
The ICT has reported that in November, IHH sent an individual identified as Izzat<br />
Shahin to open a West Bank <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice in additi<strong>on</strong> to its Gaza <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice. The ICT report described<br />
Mr. Shahin’s work as follows: 379<br />
Shahin started work supporting Hamas “charitable societies.” He transferred<br />
tens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> American dollars from IHH to <strong>the</strong> Islamic Charitable<br />
Society in Hebr<strong>on</strong> and Al-Tadhamun in Nablus, two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hamas’ most important<br />
“charitable societies.” His activities were thwarted by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> security forces.<br />
In April 2010 he was detained for questi<strong>on</strong>ing <strong>on</strong> suspici<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> involvement<br />
in financing terrorism and supporting Hamas, and was deported from Israel<br />
immediately after his interrogati<strong>on</strong> in compliance with an <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial Turkish<br />
request.<br />
73
In December, <strong>the</strong> IHH coordinated <strong>the</strong> Turkish leg <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Gaza land c<strong>on</strong>voy originating<br />
in <strong>the</strong> UK and sp<strong>on</strong>sored by Viva Palestina, an organizati<strong>on</strong> supported by <strong>the</strong> UK<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. L 380 On December 19, Palestinian media reported that <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
that had left L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> December 6 with 80 vehicles and had arrived in Turkey, where<br />
62 additi<strong>on</strong>al vehicles were d<strong>on</strong>ated by IHH. 381 After being welcomed in Istanbul by<br />
crowds and a dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> featuring George Galloway, representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
visited <strong>the</strong> Turkish parliament where <strong>the</strong>y met with Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister,<br />
foreign minister, humanitarian minister, and <strong>the</strong> Speaker <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> House in a meeting<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Turkish Parliament. The c<strong>on</strong>voy delegati<strong>on</strong> included IHH President Bulent<br />
Yildirim, IHH Trustee and AKP deputy Zeyid Aslan, and Kevin Ovenden, head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
British group in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy. The c<strong>on</strong>voy also met <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Ambassador Marouf<br />
382 383<br />
to inform him about <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy.<br />
Turkish media reported that five AKP deputies and 200 Turkish citizens took part in<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy that was allowed to pass through Egypt into Gaza <strong>on</strong> January 7, after AKP<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials, including an representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, intervened<br />
with Egyptian authorities. 384 385 Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh welcomed a group<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>voy representatives that included IHH President Yildirim and MAZLUMDER<br />
President/IHH Trustee Ahmet Faruk Unsal. Haniyeh reportedly gave a letter to Yildirim<br />
written to <strong>the</strong> Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, inviting him to Gaza. 386<br />
Haniyeh addressed <strong>the</strong> visitors, stating:<br />
“All <strong>the</strong> Palestinians respect you. You reached Gaza with great effort, after all<br />
hurdles.”<br />
“We followed you from <strong>the</strong> beginning, lived and felt your difficulties with<br />
you, prayed to Allah for your safety. There is a great love and happiness in<br />
<strong>the</strong> hearts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza, because you came here. “I see your visit as<br />
an opportunity. We <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer our love and<br />
restect for our bro<strong>the</strong>rs in Turkey. And as leaders, as well as <strong>the</strong> government<br />
and <strong>the</strong> people, we send our love to Turkey.” Haniyeh also thanked <strong>the</strong> IHH<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir help. Saying <strong>the</strong> help is <strong>the</strong> symbol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> “importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rhood”, he said. 387<br />
Yildirim announced that IHH would later go to Palestine by ship to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
embargo and thanked Jordan and Syria for unidentified c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s. In additi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
keys for <strong>the</strong> vehicles brought by <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy were handed over to Hamas in a cerem<strong>on</strong>y<br />
attended by Yildirim, George Galloway, vice president <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party, and a<br />
group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AKP deputies including Murat Mercan, who also heads Parliament’s Foreign<br />
Relati<strong>on</strong>s Commissi<strong>on</strong>. 388 389 Haniyeh’s remarks at <strong>the</strong> key cerem<strong>on</strong>y were reported as<br />
follows:<br />
“We still haven’t forgotten Prime Minister Erdogan’s courageous act in <strong>the</strong><br />
face <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel’s attacks and blockade,” he said, referring to Erdogan’s walking<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f <strong>the</strong> stage during a panel discussi<strong>on</strong> in Davos last year in protest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
attacks <strong>on</strong> Gaza last January after an angry exchange with <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> President<br />
Shim<strong>on</strong> Peres. Haniyeh said he attached great importance to Turkey’s stance<br />
regarding <strong>the</strong> rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestinians, noting, “With <strong>the</strong> new policy Turkey has<br />
been pursuing, <strong>the</strong> Middle East is also being reshaped.”<br />
He said <strong>the</strong>y had followed <strong>the</strong> journey <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy from <strong>the</strong> start, seeing<br />
<strong>the</strong> difficulties <strong>the</strong>y had to face. He said those who finally made it to Gaza <strong>on</strong><br />
Wednesday night were “true heroes.” During his meeting with <strong>the</strong> deputies,<br />
L<br />
3 rd VP c<strong>on</strong>voy.<br />
74
he also thanked President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Erdogan and <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish nati<strong>on</strong> for <strong>the</strong>ir support. Haniyeh also noted that <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> where new<br />
homes will be built with cement from <strong>the</strong> Turkish Red Crescent will be named<br />
after Fatih Sultan Mehmet, <strong>the</strong> Ottoman emperor who c<strong>on</strong>quered !stanbul in<br />
1453. 390<br />
The Syrian Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> reported that in ano<strong>the</strong>r speech during a c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
welcoming cerem<strong>on</strong>y in <strong>the</strong> Syrian port city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Latakiyah, Yildirim thanked both Bashar<br />
Assad and Erdogan for “<strong>the</strong>ir stances, <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>going support to <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to end <strong>the</strong> siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza.” 391<br />
2010 - THE GAZA FLOTILLA<br />
January-March<br />
It is striking that during 2010, with <strong>the</strong> excepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a single MAZLUMDER acti<strong>on</strong><br />
at <strong>the</strong> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> year, Turkish/MB network engaged in n<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its customary<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s, c<strong>on</strong>ferences, and o<strong>the</strong>r anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s. Instead, <strong>the</strong> network<br />
appeared to turn its entire attenti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> planning, executi<strong>on</strong>, and aftermath <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza flotilla.<br />
On January 15, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> media reported that MAZLUMDER had petiti<strong>on</strong>ed a Turkish<br />
prosecutor to start legal proceedings against Defense Minister Ehud Barak for alleged<br />
crimes committed against Palestinians during <strong>the</strong> Gaza war. The MAZLUMDER demand<br />
came two days before Barak’s scheduled visit to Turkey in an attempt to improve<br />
Turkish/<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> relati<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> wake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza war. 392<br />
On January 28, <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement (FGM) and IHH formally announced <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
Flotilla LI<br />
Today <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement and <strong>the</strong> Turkish Relief Foundati<strong>on</strong> (IHH),<br />
announce a joint venture, sending 10 boats in <strong>the</strong> spring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 2010 to <strong>the</strong> besieged<br />
Gaza strip. Organizati<strong>on</strong>s from Greece, Ireland and Sweden have also promised<br />
to send boats to join <strong>the</strong> flotilla with <strong>the</strong> Free Gaza movement and Turkey.<br />
Mr. Bulent Yildirim, chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHH said, “We sail in <strong>the</strong> spring to Gaza,<br />
and our last port is freedom; freedom for <strong>the</strong> 1.5 milli<strong>on</strong> Palestinians denied<br />
<strong>the</strong> right to rebuild <strong>the</strong>ir society. We will never stop sailing until Israel’s siege<br />
is lifted.” Two cargo ships will be part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla, <strong>on</strong>e d<strong>on</strong>ated by <strong>the</strong><br />
Malaysia-based Perdana Foundati<strong>on</strong> and <strong>on</strong>e from IHH. Both will be laden with<br />
building supplies, generators and educati<strong>on</strong>al materials that Israel prohibits<br />
from entering Gaza since <strong>the</strong>ir brutal attack <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian populati<strong>on</strong> a year<br />
ago. The many passenger boats accompanying <strong>the</strong> cargo ships will carry<br />
members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament from countries around <strong>the</strong> world as well as highpr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ile<br />
journalists and human rights workers. According to <strong>the</strong> chair <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Free Gaza Movement, Huwaida Arraf, “The illegal blockade <strong>on</strong> Gaza and<br />
Israel’s c<strong>on</strong>tinued intransigence make a mockery <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al law. If our<br />
LI<br />
The announcement identified two c<strong>on</strong>tact individuals, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom was Ahmet Emin, <strong>the</strong> IHH Middle East<br />
representative who would also serve as <strong>the</strong> Flotilla coordinator.<br />
75
governments will not take a stance to stop Israel’s abuse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
people, global civil society is showing that we will.” 393<br />
On March 31, 2010, IHH leader Bulent Yildirim gave a speech to a massive crowd in <strong>the</strong><br />
Istanbul neighborhood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uskudar during <strong>the</strong> “Days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul’s support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-Quds.”<br />
The speech was summarized by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Intelligence and Terrorism Informati<strong>on</strong><br />
Center (ITIC):<br />
In a speech titled “If Israel [wants to act] wisely, it will not stop <strong>the</strong> flotilla”,<br />
Yildirim detailed IHH’s radical Islamic worldview. That worldview c<strong>on</strong>siders<br />
<strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>-Palestinian c<strong>on</strong>flict in general and <strong>the</strong> Israel-Hamas c<strong>on</strong>flict in<br />
particular to be a reflecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a wider, global c<strong>on</strong>flict in which imperialist<br />
and col<strong>on</strong>ialist forces kill and suppress <strong>Muslim</strong>s in various places worldwide.<br />
Bulent Yildirim praised Hamas, slandered Israel, and analyzed for his listeners<br />
<strong>the</strong> purposes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n-to-be-launched flotilla and <strong>the</strong> various scenarios he<br />
expected to take place during <strong>the</strong> flotilla. 394<br />
The ITIC report goes <strong>on</strong> cite Yildirim’s remarks <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque:<br />
In his speech, Yildirim emphasized <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Al-Aqsa Mosque, for<br />
which <strong>Muslim</strong>s must sacrifice <strong>the</strong>ir lives and property, and <strong>the</strong> significance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ruling Jerusalem: “If Al-Quds [Jerusalem] will be in <strong>Muslim</strong> hands, <strong>the</strong><br />
whole world will to be in <strong>Muslim</strong> hands. “He <strong>the</strong>n added (in an anti-Semitic<br />
t<strong>on</strong>e),” The present Rulers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jerusalem are <strong>the</strong> Jews, <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists. All <strong>the</strong><br />
suffering and <strong>the</strong> evil in <strong>the</strong> world today is a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that. Therefore Jerusalem<br />
must be liberated.“<br />
In a possible foreshadowing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> violence to come, <strong>the</strong> ITIC report also details <strong>the</strong><br />
third <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Yildirim’s possible scenarios for <strong>the</strong> outcome <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Flotilla that he<br />
outlined in his speech:<br />
c. Scenario C: Israel would attack <strong>the</strong> ship (perhaps hinting at <strong>the</strong> Mavi<br />
Marmara), its passengers would defend it, and <strong>the</strong> ship would eventually<br />
“break <strong>the</strong> siege”. Yildirim menti<strong>on</strong>ed that out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> five previous attempts to<br />
break <strong>the</strong> siege, three had ended with ships successfully reaching <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
Strip despite Israel’s threats to open fire.7 Yildirim fur<strong>the</strong>r added, “we want to<br />
protect <strong>the</strong> flotilla at this point [that is, to c<strong>on</strong>tinue <strong>the</strong> process which started<br />
in <strong>the</strong> past]. What can Israel do Will it open fire <strong>on</strong> us Those who came <strong>on</strong><br />
board <strong>the</strong> ship have taken that into account. We have made up our minds.<br />
We’ve succeeded as so<strong>on</strong> as we have made up our minds...”<br />
Finally, in his speech Yildirim gave <strong>the</strong> impressi<strong>on</strong> that <strong>the</strong> entire flotilla was a Turkishsp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
project, inaccurately stating that <strong>the</strong> flotilla ships were Turkish-flagged: LII<br />
They [<strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s] will not attack <strong>the</strong> flotilla because <strong>the</strong> ships are sailing under<br />
a Turkish flag. A ship is like a country’s c<strong>on</strong>sulate. Attacking a ship is <strong>the</strong> same<br />
as attacking a Turkish c<strong>on</strong>sulate.<br />
LII<br />
Only <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ships, <strong>the</strong> cargo vessel Gazze, was Turkish flagged. The o<strong>the</strong>r ships were US, Greek, Kirbati,<br />
and Cormoros (The Marmara).<br />
76
April - The Formal Announcement<br />
On April 2, IHH reported <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> launch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its flotilla campaign “Palestine Our<br />
Destinati<strong>on</strong>, Freedom Our Load” with a meeting/press c<strong>on</strong>ference at IHH headquarters.<br />
395<br />
The meeting included IHH President Bulent Yildirim, <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> MAZLUMDER<br />
Istanbul branch, TGTV Chairman Necati Ceylan, and <strong>the</strong> Istanbul provincial heads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Saadet and BPP parties. LIII Also attending <strong>the</strong> IHH meeting were flotilla activists from<br />
Western countries, including FGM spokespers<strong>on</strong> Huwaida Arraf, Greek representative<br />
Vangelios Pissias, and Mazen Kehil, representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European Campaign to End<br />
<strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza. At <strong>the</strong> meeting, Yildirim revealed that <strong>the</strong> flotilla was expected to sail<br />
in May and would include seven ships in total, two from Turkey, two from Britain, <strong>on</strong>e<br />
from Greece and <strong>on</strong>e from Ireland to carry over 1,000 passengers to Palestine including<br />
human rights advocates, activists, representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> civil society, journalists, and<br />
artists. Yildirim also said that IHH had already purchased two vessels, <strong>on</strong>e passenger<br />
boat and <strong>on</strong>e cargo ship, including <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara passenger ship at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TRY<br />
1,800,000 ($1,200,000) and <strong>the</strong> cargo ship at TRY 850,000 ($570,000). Finally, Yildirim<br />
said that <strong>the</strong> ships were financed with “d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s to <strong>the</strong> Palestine fund.” Yildirim told<br />
<strong>the</strong> meeting:<br />
This flotilla will serve as a test <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sincerity for Israel. If it fires at our ships, it<br />
will be interpreted as declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> war <strong>on</strong> our countries. Israel and Egypt<br />
should permit this internati<strong>on</strong>al movements…are doing what our states should<br />
be doing<br />
Around <strong>the</strong> same time, IHH appears to have held ano<strong>the</strong>r press c<strong>on</strong>ference, this time<br />
<strong>on</strong> or around <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara. The c<strong>on</strong>ference was held by IHH President Bulent<br />
Yildirim and Mohamed Sawalha identified <strong>on</strong>ly as <strong>the</strong> Secretary-General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islam<br />
Expo but also known to be a Hamas/MB operative living in <strong>the</strong> UK. IHH reported<br />
that numerous writers and NGO representatives joined <strong>the</strong> press c<strong>on</strong>ference, as well<br />
as 3 injured Palestinians receiving medical treatment in Turkey and “voluntary human<br />
shields” who would be <strong>on</strong> board <strong>the</strong> flotilla. At <strong>the</strong> Marmara press c<strong>on</strong>ference, Yildirim<br />
denied that <strong>the</strong> AKP was behind <strong>the</strong> flotilla and that:<br />
“Israel, is not <strong>on</strong>ly acting completely illegal in times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> war, but also acting<br />
illegal in times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> peace. It is Israel killing women and children in war and it<br />
is again Israel oppressing women and children under <strong>the</strong> embargo. The aid for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir most basic human needs are not let into Gaza. We, God willing, are going<br />
to carry <strong>the</strong> comm<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>science <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> mankind to Gaza.<br />
He added “We are sailing to Gaza as human shields.”<br />
Numerous writers and NGO representatives joined <strong>the</strong> press c<strong>on</strong>ference to<br />
give <strong>the</strong>ir support. 3 Palestinians injured by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> attacks and receiving<br />
medical treatment in Turkey, came to tour <strong>the</strong> ship that is going to sail to Gaza.<br />
Voluntary human shields also visited Mavi Marmara, <strong>the</strong> ship that will carry<br />
396 397<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to Gaza.<br />
Also at approximately <strong>the</strong> same time, global media reported that <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla would<br />
include not <strong>on</strong>ly IHH and FGM but also <strong>the</strong> European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege<br />
<strong>on</strong> Gaza (ECESG), <strong>the</strong> Greek Ship to Gaza campaign, and <strong>the</strong> Swedish Ship to Gaza<br />
campaign and <strong>on</strong> board, a flotilla <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ships laden with cargo, media, parliamentarians,<br />
LIII<br />
At least two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> casualties bel<strong>on</strong>ged to <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party. See http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_<br />
multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e127.pdf.<br />
77
celebrities, and activists. 398 Later reports added <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Committee to Break<br />
<strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza (ICBSG) to <strong>the</strong> flotilla list. 399<br />
On April 17, Gulf media cited Western flotilla activist Adam Shapiro as saying:<br />
….<strong>the</strong> movement invites participati<strong>on</strong> based <strong>on</strong> two criteria: <strong>the</strong> value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
citizenship in deterring Israel from blocking <strong>the</strong> flotilla, and <strong>the</strong> amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
hype that participants can create that could help <strong>the</strong> cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza and <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinians. 400<br />
On April 15, IHH reported that a delegati<strong>on</strong> had visited Necmettin Erbakan, leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamic Community <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Milli Görüs, and gave informati<strong>on</strong> about <strong>the</strong> ship c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
to Gaza. The delegati<strong>on</strong> was comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bulent Yildirim and o<strong>the</strong>r IHH <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials,<br />
Ahmet Faruk Unsal, chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER and IHH trustee, and Mohammed<br />
Sawalha, identified <strong>on</strong>ly as a “Palestinian friend from England.” IHH reported that<br />
<strong>the</strong> delegati<strong>on</strong> thanked Erbakan for his support. 401<br />
May - The Flotilla Launch<br />
On May 2, MAZLUMDER Chairman Ahmet Faruk Ünsal made a statement denying<br />
<strong>the</strong> legitimacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel:<br />
Ünsal emphasized that 1948 did not signify <strong>the</strong> independence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel but <strong>the</strong><br />
declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a state for Jews who migrated to Palestine starting from 1917<br />
and settled at <strong>the</strong> historical and pers<strong>on</strong>al lands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Arabs and occupied it.<br />
He said, “Thus <strong>the</strong> Europeans have compensated for and redeemed from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sins against <strong>the</strong> Jews during <strong>the</strong> Sec<strong>on</strong>d World War not by giving German lands<br />
but Arab lands and forced <strong>the</strong> Arabs who had no resp<strong>on</strong>sibility in committing<br />
<strong>the</strong>se sins, pay for it. Through this, <strong>the</strong> Europeans cleared <strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>science and<br />
got rid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>se people that <strong>the</strong>y could not get rid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> although for centuries<br />
<strong>the</strong>y massacred <strong>the</strong>m, kept <strong>the</strong>m away by isolating <strong>the</strong>m in ghettos, forced<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to change <strong>the</strong>ir religi<strong>on</strong> through inquisiti<strong>on</strong>s and sent <strong>the</strong>m to die. Thus,<br />
1948 became <strong>the</strong> date that Arabs refused to pay <strong>the</strong> price for things d<strong>on</strong>e by<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs and it was <strong>the</strong> starting point for occupati<strong>on</strong> and humiliati<strong>on</strong> approved<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Europeans who forced <strong>the</strong> Arabs to pay for <strong>the</strong>ir sins. While <strong>the</strong>se<br />
occupati<strong>on</strong>s, annexati<strong>on</strong>s and oppressi<strong>on</strong> take place, <strong>the</strong>y act as if n<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong>se are happening. In a similar manner, <strong>the</strong>y do not menti<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> cruelty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a country like Israel who is <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e possessing nuclear weap<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong><br />
regi<strong>on</strong> and who does abide by any legal or moral criteria when it uses power.<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong>y declare Iran who develops nuclear technology for n<strong>on</strong>-military<br />
purposes, a criminal. This is nothing o<strong>the</strong>r than carrying out <strong>the</strong> policies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al powers.” 402<br />
On May 5, IHH reported that it had held a press c<strong>on</strong>ference at its headquarters for <strong>the</strong><br />
release <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its West Bank representative Izzat Sahin, who had been arrested by Israel. The<br />
press c<strong>on</strong>ference included Bulent Yildirim and <strong>the</strong> Head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER’s Istanbul<br />
Branch as well as o<strong>the</strong>r NGO’s and Mr. Sahin’s wife. 403 MAZLUMDER stated that it<br />
held dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> Sahin’s behalf <strong>on</strong> May 10 and May 14, and <strong>on</strong> May 14 it sent<br />
LIV 404 405 406<br />
lawyers to Israel to help in his defense.<br />
LIV<br />
Sahin was released after being kept in pris<strong>on</strong> by Israel for 20 days. A welcoming cerem<strong>on</strong>y was held in<br />
Istanbul Ataturk Airport for him that included IHH and MAZLUMDER volunteers and MAZLUMDER<br />
lawyers. See http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=116.<br />
78
Palestinian media reported that <strong>on</strong> May 12, a group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UK and French <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders had visited Istanbul and met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep<br />
Tayyip Erdogan. 407 The delegati<strong>on</strong> included:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Majed al Zeer (UK), Palestinian Return Centre<br />
Daud Abdullah (UK), former Secretary-General <strong>Muslim</strong> Council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain<br />
Abdallah Thomas Milcent (France), Uni<strong>on</strong> des organisati<strong>on</strong>s islamiques de France<br />
(UOIF)<br />
Said Ferjani (UK), <strong>Muslim</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain<br />
Arafat Shoukri (UK) European Campaign to End <strong>the</strong> Siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza, PRC<br />
The delegati<strong>on</strong> also included Islamic Human Rights Commissi<strong>on</strong> (IHRC) founder<br />
Massoud Shadjareh and his associate Seyfeddin Kara. An <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> university report<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> Islamic Human Rights Commissi<strong>on</strong> as “a radical Islamist organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
that uses <strong>the</strong> language and techniques <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a human rights lobbying group to promote<br />
an extremist agenda:<br />
Formed in 1997 by its current chairman, Massoud Shadjareh, <strong>the</strong> IHRC supports<br />
jihad groups around <strong>the</strong> world, campaigns for <strong>the</strong> release <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>victed terrorists,<br />
and promotes <strong>the</strong> noti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a western c<strong>on</strong>spiracy against Islam. Shadjareh and<br />
<strong>the</strong> IHRC subscribe to <strong>the</strong> radical Islamist belief that Jewish c<strong>on</strong>spiracies are<br />
afoot to undermine <strong>Muslim</strong>s, and <strong>the</strong>y compare Jews and <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s to Nazis.<br />
Members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IHRC’s board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> advisors have even called <strong>on</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>s to kill<br />
Jews. 408<br />
The purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> visit was reported to be as an opportunity to urge Turkey to play a<br />
more active role in <strong>the</strong> Palestinian issue and at <strong>the</strong> meeting, <strong>the</strong> delegates raised issues,<br />
including Israel accessi<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> OECD, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> settlements, and <strong>the</strong> Gaze blockade. In<br />
return, Prime Minister Erdogan reportedly “promised that Turkey would do all that it<br />
could to see <strong>the</strong> inhumane siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza lifted and would help <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people<br />
in any o<strong>the</strong>r way that it could”.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> European delegati<strong>on</strong> held a lengthy discussi<strong>on</strong> with Numan Kurtulmus,<br />
<strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Saadet Party and <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER. LV<br />
The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Intelligence and Terrorism Informati<strong>on</strong> Center reported <strong>the</strong> discovery <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
file found <strong>on</strong> a laptop <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara that c<strong>on</strong>tained minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a May 16, 2010<br />
meeting held in Istanbul by <strong>the</strong> flotilla organizers. Attending <strong>the</strong> meeting was IHH vice<br />
president Yavuz Dede and representatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> five organizati<strong>on</strong>s that were involved.<br />
The summary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> meeting included <strong>the</strong> following observati<strong>on</strong>:<br />
“Turkey: Government did not announce openly support for missi<strong>on</strong> at first: but<br />
last few days, getting direct support from PM and o<strong>the</strong>r ministers.” 409<br />
In <strong>the</strong> minutes it was also written that<br />
“...if we have any difficulties gov[ernment] will extend what support <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can.”<br />
LV<br />
A MAZLUMDER report says that members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Jewish “anti-Zi<strong>on</strong>ist” group Neturei Karta were part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
delegati<strong>on</strong> that met with <strong>the</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong> and which also included Said Ferjani. It is not clear if this was <strong>the</strong><br />
same meeting. See IHRC and Anti-Zi<strong>on</strong>ist Missi<strong>on</strong> Visits MAZLUMDER - MAZLUMDER Headquarters.<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=112.<br />
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On May 22, <strong>the</strong> Marmara and two o<strong>the</strong>r ships left Istanbul to rendezvous with <strong>the</strong> six<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r ships comprising <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla. Media reports say that <strong>the</strong> ships were seen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f<br />
by a wide variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people, including media people, artists, politicians, and human<br />
rights activists. 410 Prior to <strong>the</strong> departure, speeches were given by <strong>the</strong> representatives<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs from Malaysia, Kuwait, Algeria, Greece, England, Ireland, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Free Gaza Movement, and IHH. 411 412 Bulent Yildirim made <strong>the</strong> following statement<br />
to <strong>the</strong> press at <strong>the</strong> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ships’ departure, <strong>on</strong>ce again using a Nazi analogy:<br />
“Hitler set up pris<strong>on</strong> camps in Europe. Now, Zi<strong>on</strong>ism is setting up a pris<strong>on</strong><br />
camp in Palestine. Here, I would like to address Israel: Come <strong>on</strong> and be wise<br />
in managing this crisis. If you try to stop this campaign, you will be isolate<br />
yourself from whole world, you will <strong>on</strong>ly harm yourself. These are humanitarian<br />
aid ships. They are not even carrying <strong>on</strong>e jackknife <strong>on</strong>board. There will also<br />
be women, children and <strong>the</strong> elderly <strong>on</strong>board those ships. Those ships will also<br />
be carrying medical supplies and medicines. We will be carrying 120 different<br />
types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> medicines <strong>on</strong>board.” 413<br />
Yildirim also said “The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> threats do not affect our resolute to reach our<br />
destinati<strong>on</strong>.” 414<br />
IHH reported that Islamic Movement leader Raed Salah followed directly after Yildirim<br />
and “spoke highly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan” saying “all<br />
Arab leaders should take Erdogan as <strong>the</strong>ir role model.” Salah reportedly added that<br />
Turkey supports Palestine, both with its people and its government. 415<br />
MAZLUMDER issued its own statement to <strong>the</strong> press at <strong>the</strong> send<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f, <strong>on</strong>ce again accusing<br />
Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide, using Nazi analogies and warning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> embargoes <strong>on</strong> Israel in <strong>the</strong><br />
future:<br />
Current <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> government causes itself to become isolated by declaring<br />
every<strong>on</strong>e as its enemy. In fact, it is isolating <strong>the</strong> Jewish people by doing so. It<br />
has turned Gaza into a pris<strong>on</strong>er camp and has been carrying out a genocide.<br />
This camp and genocidal acts very much resemble Hitler’s acti<strong>on</strong>s in history.<br />
It is an important duty for all <strong>the</strong> Jews, especially <strong>the</strong> Jews from Turkey living<br />
in Israel. We are calling out to <strong>the</strong>m and to all people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel to stand for<br />
justice. We would like <strong>the</strong>m to also know that Jewish people that live in Israel<br />
will become totally isolated from <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world thanks to <strong>the</strong>se <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
policies. Because Israel waged a war against peace and humanity. So<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
may face great difficulties and embargo because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this reas<strong>on</strong>. If, <strong>on</strong>e day, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
turn into an embargo-stricken nati<strong>on</strong> in need <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanitarian aid, everybody<br />
in this flotilla campaign will again work with <strong>the</strong> same degree <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> determinati<strong>on</strong><br />
and passi<strong>on</strong> to break <strong>the</strong> embargo that will be imposed <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. 416<br />
It was also reported at this time that MAZLUMDER General Chairman Ahmet Faruk<br />
Ünsal and o<strong>the</strong>r MAZLUMDER <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials would be joining <strong>the</strong> campaign<br />
Finally, UNIW reported <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> comments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its Secretary-General:<br />
“The soluti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian problem is dependent <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> unificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ummah.” Mutawwa said and stated that this c<strong>on</strong>voy which is <strong>the</strong> embodiment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> unity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic World also represents people’s c<strong>on</strong>science. In his<br />
message, UNIW Secretary General Necmi Sadikoglu stated that <strong>the</strong> Islamic<br />
World backed this initiative with all its members, <strong>the</strong> circles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> politics,<br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omy and n<strong>on</strong>-governmental organizati<strong>on</strong>s being in <strong>the</strong> first place, all <strong>the</strong><br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>s and organizati<strong>on</strong>s and said that taking humanitarian aid to Gaza<br />
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and supporting this movement is <strong>the</strong> requirement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being human and went<br />
<strong>on</strong> his speech as follows:<br />
“This movement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanitarian aid and this noble-hearted group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people<br />
should not be blocked. This can be a start for regi<strong>on</strong>al and global peace.<br />
Our Palestinian bro<strong>the</strong>rs should no l<strong>on</strong>ger be aggrieved <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> suffered. Israel,<br />
world public opini<strong>on</strong>, internati<strong>on</strong>al organizati<strong>on</strong>s and internati<strong>on</strong>al decisi<strong>on</strong><br />
mechanisms will be tested through this initiative. And we will struggle with<br />
all our strength for <strong>the</strong> success <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this movement.” 417<br />
The UNIW announcement added that UNIW Deputy Secretary General and Kuwait<br />
Representative Mubarak Al-Mutawa would represent <strong>the</strong> UNIW in <strong>the</strong> flotilla.<br />
Iranian media announced that <strong>the</strong> 19th Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>gress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> would be held in Istanbul from May 26-June 2 418 The C<strong>on</strong>gress was reported<br />
to be part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> 40th anniversary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Millî Görüş (Nati<strong>on</strong>al Visi<strong>on</strong>) movement to<br />
include events centered <strong>on</strong> discussing “<strong>the</strong> possibility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishing a new world”<br />
and celebrating <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>quest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Istanbul. Scheduled participants in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
included:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Necmeddin Erbakan, former Turkish prime minister<br />
Abd al-Rahman Siwaral-Dhahab, Deputy Head Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good, former President<br />
Sudan<br />
Burhanuddin Rabbani, former President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Afghanistan<br />
Abdulhadi Awang, former Prime Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Malaysia<br />
Ketatini, Egypt›s <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan<br />
Khaled Mashaal, Hamas political leader<br />
Post Flotilla- Turkish/MB Network Reacti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Before any investigati<strong>on</strong> could have been made or <strong>the</strong> facts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> matter known, <strong>the</strong><br />
Turkish/MB network immediately began issuing statements c<strong>on</strong>demning <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
The statements followed in <strong>the</strong> wake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a statement issued by <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) <strong>on</strong> May 31, <strong>the</strong> same day in which <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla engaged<br />
with Israel. The following are <strong>the</strong> points <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IUMS statement most relevant to <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza flotilla: 419<br />
1) The IUMS c<strong>on</strong>firms that <strong>the</strong> bleeding wound <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this nati<strong>on</strong> for more than sixty<br />
years, in Jerusalem [bayt al-maqdis] and its wings from <strong>the</strong> land <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine that<br />
Allah blessed. It is obligated to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>s, wherever <strong>the</strong>y are, to assist <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs in all forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihad: with m<strong>on</strong>ey, self [physical jihad], t<strong>on</strong>gue and pen.<br />
They must mobilize <strong>the</strong> well loving powers across <strong>the</strong> world to stand in <strong>on</strong>e line<br />
and c<strong>on</strong>demn <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist entity’s crimes against Palestinian human rights, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
homes, culture and children; <strong>the</strong>y should strive, with full c<strong>on</strong>sciousness and<br />
firmness, no restrains attached, to applause <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people’s demand<br />
for <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> return to its land<br />
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2) The IUMS reaffirms that <strong>the</strong> courageous Palestinian resistance [muqawama]<br />
is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> most noble stances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this nati<strong>on</strong> both in <strong>the</strong> past and present, and<br />
is also a justful, even obligatory act – resisting <strong>the</strong> occupati<strong>on</strong>, that Islam and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r religi<strong>on</strong>s had established, and <strong>the</strong> Geneva C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r UN and<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al organizati<strong>on</strong>s’ decisi<strong>on</strong>s. Each <strong>Muslim</strong> must assist <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
resistance in every possible way he can; it deserves to be blessed and praised<br />
for <strong>the</strong> deep c<strong>on</strong>sciousness and balanced co-operati<strong>on</strong> it dem<strong>on</strong>strates, and for<br />
<strong>the</strong> way it keeps away any disagreements which might divide <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
lines ‘inside’ and ‘outside’. The IUMS reminds <strong>the</strong> Palestinian resistance <strong>on</strong><br />
all its facti<strong>on</strong>s that <strong>the</strong> Palestinian blood is sacred, and that <strong>the</strong>y must apply<br />
Islamic and nati<strong>on</strong>al principles when comes to <strong>the</strong> Palestinian issue; <strong>the</strong> IUMS<br />
calls up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>m to stick to this positi<strong>on</strong> until victory and liberati<strong>on</strong> are achieved<br />
with Allah’s will<br />
5) The IUMS would like to draw <strong>the</strong> attenti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong> Palestinian people,<br />
especially in <strong>the</strong> l<strong>on</strong>g-suffering, garris<strong>on</strong>ed Gaza Strip, which faces a harmful,<br />
shameful campaign to hunger it, this aside from <strong>the</strong> daily killings, murders<br />
and destructi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its leaders, youth, men, women, children, fields, factories,<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>s and houses it has been facing daily for years. It is obligatory up<strong>on</strong><br />
every <strong>Muslim</strong> to work in any possible way to lift <strong>the</strong> oppressing siege, which<br />
prevents food, medicati<strong>on</strong>s and c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> materials from getting to <strong>the</strong><br />
Gazan people; <strong>the</strong> siege kills its children, women and sick pers<strong>on</strong>s slowly. The<br />
IUMS points to <strong>the</strong> clear illegality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> closing <strong>the</strong> border crossings, especially<br />
<strong>the</strong> Rafah Crossing, and would like to remind to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> colleagues <strong>the</strong><br />
Prophetic hadith “A <strong>Muslim</strong> is <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a <strong>Muslim</strong>. He nei<strong>the</strong>r oppresses<br />
him nor humiliates him nor looks down up<strong>on</strong> him”. The IUMS welcomes <strong>the</strong><br />
latest initiative to open <strong>the</strong> crossing, hoping that opening <strong>the</strong> Rafah border will<br />
be opened for indefinite period. This heroic, struggling and patient people –<br />
as far as all members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> General Assembly () <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IUMS are c<strong>on</strong>cerned<br />
– has to be assisted with charity m<strong>on</strong>ey, d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s, benefits in general and<br />
more. <strong>Muslim</strong>s must pull out part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir pers<strong>on</strong>al income and food to help<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir bro<strong>the</strong>rs in Palestine. The IUMS would like to refer to <strong>the</strong> Prophetic<br />
saying “<strong>the</strong>re would not be from us who stays hungry while his neighbor is<br />
full and knows about it”. In this c<strong>on</strong>text, <strong>the</strong> IUMS would like to articulate its<br />
appreciati<strong>on</strong> to all efforts and attempts performed by those liberators from <strong>the</strong><br />
free people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>the</strong>ir instituti<strong>on</strong>s and individuals, especially those<br />
human c<strong>on</strong>voys which tried to break <strong>the</strong> oppressing siege by land and by sea<br />
and bring necessary food, medicati<strong>on</strong>s, garments and c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> materials<br />
to our kinsfolk in Gaza. The IUMS fur<strong>the</strong>r calls up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ulama to take part in<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy that it plans to send so<strong>on</strong> with Allah’s will.<br />
1. MÜSIȦD<br />
MÜSIȦD, <strong>the</strong> first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish/MB network organizati<strong>on</strong>s to react also issued a<br />
statement <strong>the</strong> same day, accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a “blood assault” and calling <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> UN and<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al community to “review <strong>the</strong>ir approach to Israel.”<br />
With <strong>the</strong> most recent assault in internati<strong>on</strong>al waters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> unarmed ships which<br />
were carrying <strong>on</strong>ly humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel has shown <strong>the</strong> entire world<br />
that it will not allow any peaceful attempt in <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> and will not respect<br />
human rights. The attack cannot be approved or backed by any nati<strong>on</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />
world. World leaders do not have <strong>the</strong> luxury to hide <strong>the</strong>mselves behind mere<br />
statements. It is high time <strong>the</strong> world said ‘stop’ to <strong>the</strong> perpetrators <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> bloody<br />
82
assault,” <strong>the</strong> MÜSIAD statement read and called <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
<strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al community to review <strong>the</strong>ir approach to Israel. 420<br />
2. UNIW/TGTV LVI<br />
On June 1, UNIW issued its statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “banditry in internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
waters”:<br />
“Israel’s assault <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> humanitarian aid ships is inhumane. Israel has <strong>on</strong>ce<br />
again transgressed <strong>the</strong> boundaries.” Sadikoglu said and called <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turkish<br />
government, Islamic Countries and internati<strong>on</strong>al decisi<strong>on</strong>-making mechanisms<br />
for urgent interventi<strong>on</strong>. “Israel shed blood in a ship where Turkish flags were<br />
displayed. Israel carried out assault <strong>on</strong> 600 civilians from 50 countries. Israel<br />
has lost forever after its assault causing 15 deaths and more than 100 people<br />
to get wounded! Israel has made banditry in internati<strong>on</strong>al waters! It should<br />
get its resp<strong>on</strong>se in <strong>the</strong> str<strong>on</strong>gest manner.” 421<br />
3. MAZLUMDER<br />
On June 1, MAZLUMDER acknowledged that its leaders and members, including its<br />
President Ahmet Faruk Unsal, were <strong>on</strong> board <strong>the</strong> flotilla, and issued its statement<br />
accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “willful murder”:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
The attack which was committed <strong>on</strong> humanitarian aid flotilla is barbarous.<br />
Israel’s raid <strong>on</strong> flotilla is totally a willful murder.<br />
Israel’s raid inc<strong>on</strong>gruous with n<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local or internati<strong>on</strong>al law.<br />
The attack is actually <strong>the</strong> start <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a war <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole humanity and <strong>the</strong> countries<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whose citizens were in <strong>the</strong> flotilla.<br />
This attack is a shoot to <strong>the</strong> humanity hand which embraces Palestinian people<br />
who are exposed to any kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> shortage by being seized.<br />
»» In <strong>the</strong> perspective <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> people who set out with humanitarian purposes this raid<br />
is not <strong>the</strong> first <strong>on</strong>e. Rachel Corries was also murdered by being grinded under<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> bulldozers.<br />
»»<br />
The attack which appeared today is just an enlarged repetiti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
It is obvious that Israel behaves like a pirate and makes false dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
blatantly. While <strong>the</strong> quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> loads and <strong>the</strong> identities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> crew in <strong>the</strong><br />
ships are open to any supervisi<strong>on</strong> and took place in <strong>the</strong> records, <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
managers do not abstain from making false statements.<br />
»» If Israel’s lawless attacks go unpunished, obviously it is going to drag <strong>the</strong> future<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world into chaos and damage world peace heavily. 422<br />
LVI<br />
TGTV is <strong>on</strong>ly known to have organized a press c<strong>on</strong>ference to discuss <strong>the</strong> situati<strong>on</strong> to have been held <strong>on</strong><br />
July 19. See http://www.tgtv.org/web/guest/anap_p_id=Event_WAR_Event_INSTANCE_MW0p&p_p_<br />
lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=1&p_p_col_<br />
count=2&_Event_WAR_Event_INSTANCE_MW0p_eventId=18877.<br />
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The following day, MAZLUMDER announced that it had filed a Turkish criminal<br />
complaint <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> victims’ families against Sim<strong>on</strong> Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu,<br />
Ehud Barak, Avigdor Lieberman, Gabi Ashkenazi, Eliezer Mer<strong>on</strong> and called <strong>on</strong> Turkish<br />
citizens to join <strong>the</strong> complaints. Before filing <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial complaint, <strong>the</strong> Vice President<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MAZLUMDER’s Istanbul Branch made a statement accusing Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> murder and<br />
torture:<br />
The lawyer Uzunpinar added, “today, here, we are filing a criminal complaint<br />
against <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> authorities with <strong>the</strong> victims’ families for intenti<strong>on</strong>al homicide,<br />
attempted murder, willful injury, retenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> freedom, preventi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
right to travel in internati<strong>on</strong>al waters, property damage, looting, preventi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> communicati<strong>on</strong>, torture, and abducti<strong>on</strong> or detenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sea, rail or air<br />
transports.” 423<br />
CNN reported that thirty families gave MAZLUMDER power <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attorney to file <strong>the</strong><br />
petiti<strong>on</strong>, and more than 50 o<strong>the</strong>r families signed it, said MAZLUMDER chairman<br />
Murat Ozer. 424 On June 6, Turkish media reported that Unsal participated in a protest<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> against Israel in Ankara. 425 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> media reported that Ahmet Unsal<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with several Marmara passengers had been invited to participate in a NY event<br />
organized by Al-Awda-New York, <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Right to Return Coaliti<strong>on</strong> and<br />
scheduled for June 17. 426 However, a prominent blog reported that he was denied a<br />
visa to enter <strong>the</strong> US. 427<br />
5. IHH<br />
On June 2, Turkish media reported that two AKP deputies, including IHH Trustee<br />
Zeyid Aslan, had g<strong>on</strong>e to Israel al<strong>on</strong>g with an adviser to <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and a<br />
Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary to help with <strong>the</strong> release <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> passengers. 428<br />
On June 4, IHH issued a statement that accused Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a massacre and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being “an<br />
empire <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lies”:<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rs and Sisters,<br />
We will be telling about this massacre victims <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which are innocent, unarmed<br />
civilians, to any<strong>on</strong>e till <strong>the</strong> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> time.<br />
There will be no <strong>on</strong>e left unaware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this unjust, cruel and illegal act, all people<br />
will c<strong>on</strong>demn it.<br />
Those who attacked us and massacred our friends with firearms are now <strong>on</strong><br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r attack missi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> government who has become a pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al liar, is now carrying out a<br />
black propaganda campaign against our organizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
We know that <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>the</strong> best artistic skills when it comes to lying. But,<br />
thank God, when we take a look at <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al community today, no <strong>on</strong>e<br />
seems to believe Israel’s empire <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lies.<br />
Israel is accusing us <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> supporting terrorism. This is <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>st point that<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lies can go.<br />
Israel kills innocent civilians, we martyr while trying to save <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Israel kills babies, we martyr while trying to save <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Israel dooms people to famine, we martyr while trying to deliver food to<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
84
Israel deprives people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir right to medicati<strong>on</strong>, we martyr while trying to<br />
deliver medical aid.<br />
I am calling out to those wise people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>science with compassi<strong>on</strong> and<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cern: Which <strong>on</strong>e is <strong>the</strong> terrorist 429<br />
On June 8 IHH <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials accompanied by FIDDER President Tahsin Misirli traveled to<br />
<strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>astern city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Siirt to visit <strong>the</strong> families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those who were killed and wounded<br />
during <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident. The visit was reported as follows:<br />
.....visited <strong>the</strong> house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ibrahim Bilgen killed in <strong>the</strong> same attack and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>dolences. During <strong>the</strong>ir visit IHH Diyarbakır Representative Recep<br />
Idikut said that <strong>the</strong>y were in <strong>the</strong> same ship with Bilgen. IHH Vice President<br />
Ahmed Sarıkurt stated that Istanbul Fatih Municipality would name a public<br />
square after <strong>the</strong> Gaza aid ship Mavi Marmara and said, “In a similar manner,<br />
roads and streets will be named after <strong>the</strong> martyrs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mavi Marmara in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
cities and we were informed that a m<strong>on</strong>ument would be erected in Gaza for<br />
our 9 martyrs. We hope that similar initiatives would be taken for our martyr<br />
Ibrahim Bilgen. We were touched by <strong>the</strong> arrival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thousands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people from<br />
different ethnicities, religious communities and sects to <strong>the</strong> funeral. During our<br />
visits, we were happy to hear demands from <strong>the</strong> people about ‘when <strong>the</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />
ship would travel to Palestine to bring aid.’” After <strong>the</strong> speeches, Palestinian<br />
Government Representative Tahsin Mısırlı gave Ibrahim Bilgen’s s<strong>on</strong> Yusuf a<br />
painting as present. The committee which made its first visit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>dolence in<br />
Siirt left <strong>the</strong> city after its meetings. 430<br />
Post Flotilla- Kuwait<br />
Kuwait, and its government, charities, and parliamentarians, appear to have played<br />
a significant role in <strong>the</strong> flotilla. Kuwait had its own cargo ship, and eighteen Kuwaiti<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>als from <strong>the</strong> flotilla were reportedly detained by <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, including two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
particular importance discussed below. 431 432 Kuwaiti media reported that <strong>the</strong> detainees<br />
were flown home <strong>on</strong> an Amiri plane sent by HH <strong>the</strong> Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-<br />
Sabah and were welcomed in <strong>the</strong> ministerial protocol hall by <strong>the</strong> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Assembly<br />
Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi, described in media reports as “a wealthy businessman. 433<br />
434<br />
The Kuwaiti news agency had reported in May that Kuwait, described as “a main<br />
d<strong>on</strong>or for Palestine”, had participated in <strong>the</strong> flotilla through c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> several<br />
unidentified charities. 435 Ano<strong>the</strong>r media report cited Senan Al-Ahmad, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
female flotilla participants, as revealing that Speaker Al-Khorafi had sp<strong>on</strong>sored <strong>the</strong><br />
charity activity and quoted him as saying, “<strong>the</strong> charitable act will protect <strong>the</strong> doer.” 436<br />
A Kuwaiti MP in turn said that al-Ahmad had raised 1.38 milli<strong>on</strong> dollars in d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and bought a vessel in Turkey to take part in <strong>the</strong> aid journey to Gaza. 437 For his part,<br />
Al-Khorafi spoke during a celebrati<strong>on</strong> held in h<strong>on</strong>or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla participants. He was<br />
reported to have expressed satisfacti<strong>on</strong> over <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al community’s reacti<strong>on</strong><br />
towards <strong>the</strong> flotilla but lamented some Arab nati<strong>on</strong>s’ lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support for Arab causes,<br />
indicating that he had received “thank-you notes” from unidentified parties for his<br />
LVII 438<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
LVII<br />
A charity known as <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Islamic Charity Authority may have played a role as well and is known<br />
to have ties to <strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood as well as have engaged in anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> activities.<br />
85
2. Leaders<br />
The most important Kuwaiti flotilla participant was UNIW Deputy Secretary-General<br />
Mubarak Al-Mutawa, an attorney known in Kuwait as a prominent Islamist and<br />
supporter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>servative Islamic causes such as <strong>the</strong> hijab. LVIII LIX 439 Al-Mutawa is known<br />
to have been in c<strong>on</strong>tact with elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood since at least<br />
1999 when he appeared at a c<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> Kuwaiti POWs with Bassem Hatahet from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamic Students Uni<strong>on</strong> in Belgium. LX 440 In December 2001, as Secretary-General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Kuwait-based Internati<strong>on</strong>al Islamic Committee for Human Rights, Mutawa issued<br />
a written request to Pakistan to grant political and humanitarian asylum to Arab and<br />
foreign fighters currently in Afghanistan, presumably including Osama Bin Laden. 441<br />
Al-Mutawa has subsequently defended terrorist suspects such as Sheikh Hamed al-Ali<br />
in 2005, who allegedly had issued fatwas encouraging militants to kill US troops and<br />
fight against <strong>the</strong>m. 442<br />
Al-Mutawa had been a colleague <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> TGTV President Necati Cylan since at least 2001,<br />
when toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y announced <strong>the</strong> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a <strong>Muslim</strong> legal foundati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
Berlin. 443 He is known to have been <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> early leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> UNIW, and in March<br />
2009 was <strong>the</strong> UNIW <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial who announced that <strong>the</strong> UNIW would seek legal acti<strong>on</strong><br />
against some 70 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> politicians and commanders over <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza operati<strong>on</strong>. 444 445 As noted above, Al-Mutawa was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials attending<br />
<strong>the</strong> November 2008 “Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return” c<strong>on</strong>ference in Damascus and was an organizer<br />
for <strong>the</strong> May 2009 World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine, where he<br />
chaired <strong>the</strong> sessi<strong>on</strong> “HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF ISRAEL AND ITS WAR<br />
CRIMES.” Also noteworthy is that Al-Mutawa was <strong>the</strong> UNIW representative aboard<br />
<strong>the</strong> Marmara. His family reported <strong>on</strong> his desire to become a martyr, expressed shortly<br />
before his departure:<br />
Since he was little, my fa<strong>the</strong>r hoped to become a martyr for <strong>the</strong> sake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allah.”[33]<br />
Al-Mutawa’s wife related that <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his departure, her husband had<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong>ir children toge<strong>the</strong>r to tell <strong>the</strong>m about martyrdom and jihad, and that<br />
he bade <strong>the</strong>m farewell by saying: “If I am martyred during my voyage, do not be<br />
sad. I will be in Paradise, because I am going to wage jihad for <strong>the</strong> sake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allah.” 446<br />
Al-Mutawa himself reportedly said he had purchased a <strong>on</strong>e-way ticket and wrote a<br />
will:<br />
“I wrote a will and purchased a <strong>on</strong>e-way plane ticket because [I knew that] all<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s existed. It was not just me. The Turks did <strong>the</strong> same before us.” 447<br />
Up<strong>on</strong> his return to Kuwait following <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident, Al-Mutawa was widely<br />
quoted in <strong>the</strong> press as claiming that it was <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s who had started shooting at <strong>the</strong><br />
flotilla without warning: LXI<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> commandos started shooting from <strong>the</strong> air without warning,” lawyer<br />
Mubarak Al-Mutawa, who was also <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara, told reporters.<br />
LVIII<br />
LIX<br />
LX<br />
LXI<br />
Aka mubarak al-mutawwa, Mubarak Al-Mutawaa, MUBARAK SADOUN AL MUTAWA<br />
A possible relative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mubarak Al-Mutawa is <strong>the</strong> late Abdallah ‘Ali al-Mutawwa, deceased 2006 and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> founders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in Kuwait and <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its Kuwaiti branch known as <strong>the</strong> Social<br />
Reform Society (Al-Islah al-Ijtimai). He was also active in Saudi religious organizati<strong>on</strong>s such as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
World League and <strong>the</strong> World Supreme Council for Mosques, both close to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
Hatahet is a leader in <strong>the</strong> Belgium <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood.<br />
See http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefambbelgium0408.pdf<br />
Full account at http://hmak.org/main/p=224<br />
86
“They killed a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> volunteers even before landing aboard <strong>the</strong> ship,”<br />
he said. 448<br />
Sometime later, Al-Mutawa filled a criminal complaint with <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Criminal<br />
Court and <strong>the</strong> European Court for Human Rights against Binyamin Netanyahu, Ehud<br />
Barak, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Mahmoud Merza Abbas, and Mohammad Dahlan. 449<br />
450<br />
The sec<strong>on</strong>d important Kuwait flotilla participant is Walid al-Tabtabai, a Kuwaiti MP<br />
and a former pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic law at Kuwait University. Al-Tabtabai has been<br />
head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> parliamentary Human Rights Committee since 1992 and is described in<br />
media reports as a leading Salafist who has taken very c<strong>on</strong>servative positi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong><br />
social issues since at least 1996, when he called for a popular downtown cinema to<br />
change its name, claiming it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fensive to Islamic sensibilities. 451 Al-Tabtabai also<br />
has ties to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands. In March 2007, Dutch media<br />
reported that Al-Tabtabai had worked with <strong>the</strong> founders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Essalam Mosque in<br />
Rotterdam and described him as a “prop<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic punishments such as st<strong>on</strong>ing<br />
and amputati<strong>on</strong>.” 452 The Essalam mosque is financed and operated by <strong>the</strong> branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Maktoum Foundati<strong>on</strong>, a charity operated by <strong>the</strong> ruling family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dubai that has<br />
funded global <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood projects in Europe. 453 454 One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch board is Nooh Al-Kaddo, <strong>the</strong> director <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Cultural Center <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ireland,<br />
which also houses <strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research, chaired by <strong>Global</strong><br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leader Youssef Qaradawi. 455<br />
As had Al-Mutawa, Al-Tabtabai reportedly said he had written a will prior to departure<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti c<strong>on</strong>tingent. 456 On May 29, Kuwait media reported <strong>on</strong><br />
comments by Al-Tabtabai from aboard <strong>the</strong> Marmara, suggesting that he might welcome<br />
media attenti<strong>on</strong> to any <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s with regard to <strong>the</strong> flotilla:<br />
“We wish that <strong>the</strong>re would be Kuwaiti popular interacti<strong>on</strong> for pressuring <strong>the</strong><br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al community to expose <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> intenti<strong>on</strong>s to prevent relief supplies<br />
from reaching Gaza.” Defying <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> threats, he said: “I believe that <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
moves and threats cannot scare us, given that this relief campaign is <strong>the</strong> key<br />
media event in <strong>the</strong> world at present. There are several internati<strong>on</strong>al and Arab<br />
media networks partaking in <strong>the</strong> campaign and covering <strong>the</strong> events step by<br />
step.” He adm<strong>on</strong>ished that should Israel take any acti<strong>on</strong> against <strong>the</strong> “Freedom<br />
Fleet” ships, <strong>the</strong>n it would be internati<strong>on</strong>ally m<strong>on</strong>itored. However, <strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti<br />
parliamentarian did a hatchet job <strong>on</strong> Kuwaiti local media for failing to properly<br />
cover this campaign to break <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> blockade <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gaza Strip “in spite<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Kuwaiti delegati<strong>on</strong>.” 457<br />
On June 2, Al-Tabtabai was widely quoted as saying that <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s had fired first:<br />
Tabtabai, who was also <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara, said that at least two aid activists<br />
were killed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> gunfire from boats and <strong>the</strong> helicopter. “<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> soldiers<br />
landed <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ship after <strong>the</strong> killings. People <strong>the</strong>n resisted by hand in self defence<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y had no weap<strong>on</strong>s at all... it’s a crime by high sea pirates,” he said. 458<br />
On June 3, Al-Tabtabai described <strong>the</strong> flotilla clashes and <strong>the</strong> preparati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>the</strong> group<br />
had made to fight <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> military forces:<br />
There were violent clashes between <strong>the</strong> activists and <strong>the</strong> army, and our friends<br />
managed to capture three <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> soldiers. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turks grabbed a soldier<br />
and brought him to us, saying: ‘Here is a new [Gilad] Shalit.” Al-Tabtabai noted,<br />
“The Turks had no weap<strong>on</strong>s but used pipes and sticks <strong>the</strong>y found <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ship.”<br />
In answer to a questi<strong>on</strong> about whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> activists “had made any preparati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
before <strong>the</strong> arrival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> soldiers,” he replied: “We agreed not to let <strong>the</strong>m take<br />
87
<strong>the</strong> ship... We agreed to fend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f any <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> soldier who came near. Our goal<br />
was to prevent a takeover.” Al-Tabtabai also reported that Sheikh Raed Salah,<br />
head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Movement in Israel, was “<strong>the</strong> star<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> trip and gave rousing speeches.” Asked whe<strong>the</strong>r he would participate<br />
in ano<strong>the</strong>r Gaza flotilla, Al-Tababai said: “If I have to, I will not hesitate. When<br />
<strong>the</strong>y asked me, I agreed in principle.” 459<br />
On June 24, Arabic media reported <strong>on</strong> comments by Al-Tabtabai <strong>on</strong> a full-fledged<br />
satellite TV channel to be devoted to <strong>the</strong> flotillas:<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime, MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei announced that a full-fledged<br />
satellite channel for <strong>the</strong> various volunteer groups <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Freedom Flotilla from<br />
Kuwait will debut in <strong>the</strong> next few days. Channel He said <strong>the</strong> channel is <strong>on</strong><br />
test transmissi<strong>on</strong>, and a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> crew, Abdul- Rahman Al-Kharaz, is<br />
<strong>the</strong> General Manager <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> channel. He noted that stakeholders will send <strong>the</strong><br />
necessary equipment to Bahrain, where <strong>the</strong> channel is located, for proper take<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f. The channel has been established to inform <strong>the</strong> public about our subsequent<br />
missi<strong>on</strong>s, and to remember martyrs who lost <strong>the</strong>ir lives during <strong>the</strong> last trip. It<br />
also involves <strong>the</strong> need to sensitize <strong>the</strong> public for lifting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> blockade in Gaza,<br />
and open opportunity for more people to participate in future. He added <strong>the</strong><br />
channel will link Arabs who wish to participate in internati<strong>on</strong>al humanitarian<br />
service, while exhibiting vital roles Kuwait plays in humanitarian activities. LXII<br />
460<br />
3. Kuwait Meetings<br />
On June 12, Arab media reported that both Al-Mutawa and Al-Tabtabai had spoken at<br />
a seminar <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> flotilla organized by <strong>the</strong> Kuwait Bar Associati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e day earlier. 461<br />
The report characterized Al-Mutawa’s remarks as follows:<br />
A Freedom Flotilla returnee Lawyer Mubarak Al-Mutawa disclosed that <strong>the</strong><br />
ships were about 100 kilometers away from <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> waters, yet <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists<br />
attacked <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy, killing 16 Turkish crew, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Al-<br />
Mutawa declared this at a seminar organized by Kuwait Bar Associati<strong>on</strong><br />
Thursday, and said <strong>the</strong> trip was purely humanitarian ra<strong>the</strong>r than military,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trary to propaganda <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists embarked up<strong>on</strong>. He stated <strong>the</strong> incident<br />
aboard was a clear message to <strong>the</strong> entire world that Zi<strong>on</strong>ists are hostile to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>scientious <strong>Muslim</strong>s and o<strong>the</strong>r internati<strong>on</strong>al communities. He stressed <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinian situati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cerns <strong>the</strong> entire world, based <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> large number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
individuals from different parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world joining <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy, and lauded<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turkish crew for <strong>the</strong>ir unequalled bravery, and determinati<strong>on</strong> to face <strong>the</strong><br />
hostility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists, which led to some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>m dying. “Some journalists<br />
criticized certain individuals with <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy, instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> criticizing acti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
This is unfair journalism and must not c<strong>on</strong>tinue that way,” <strong>the</strong> activist lawyer<br />
submitted. Inhumane<br />
In <strong>the</strong> same report, Al-Tabtabai’s remarks were also reported:<br />
In his c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>, MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei declared that voluntary<br />
participati<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> trip witnessed has broken <strong>the</strong> inhumane restricti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gaza<br />
Strip. He said Kuwaitis participated in <strong>the</strong> trip because it was a humanitarian<br />
and Islamic issue. He noted <strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti government did not support <strong>the</strong>m<br />
LXII<br />
“Interested viewers can tune to 11662 <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabsat or 10949 <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nile Sat”, he reported.<br />
88
financially but <strong>the</strong> country benefited from <strong>the</strong> h<strong>on</strong>or and achievement at <strong>the</strong><br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al level. He added <strong>the</strong> Al-Azhar scholars are proud <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti<br />
participants. “We have been able to defeat <strong>the</strong> propaganda by <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ists, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> US and Europe criticizing <strong>the</strong>m <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gaza blockade and terrible attack<br />
against <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy”, he pointed out.<br />
On June 16, Al-Mutawa and Al-Tabtabai were featured speakers at a seminar sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Kuwait-Turkish Friendship Society under <strong>the</strong> directi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its leader Abdullah<br />
Salem al-Jam’iyya. LXIII LXIV 462 Al-Jam’iyya explained that <strong>the</strong> Society was in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
“[building <strong>the</strong>] bridges <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bro<strong>the</strong>rhood between <strong>the</strong> instituti<strong>on</strong>s and societies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both<br />
Kuwait and Turkey”:<br />
Kuwait does not hesitate to give a hand <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> co-operati<strong>on</strong> with this country, as<br />
Allah created <strong>the</strong> various peoples to get to know each o<strong>the</strong>r and communicate,<br />
not to disagree and argue”. He fur<strong>the</strong>r stressed that “For <strong>the</strong> Arab countries,<br />
Turkey is not a society like o<strong>the</strong>r societies, or a people like o<strong>the</strong>r peoples,<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r it is <strong>the</strong> depth and culture, and we welcome it to <strong>the</strong> lap <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its Arab<br />
sisters”. He also added “<strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist brutal aggressi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Freedom Flotilla<br />
has inflamed <strong>the</strong> feelings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> solidarity between <strong>the</strong> Arab and Islamic people<br />
to face this absurdity”.<br />
Al-Mutawa and Al-Tabtabai were joined by Gazi Misirli, who was identified as Vice-<br />
President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Businessmen Forum and coordinator <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>s in MÜSIȦD. Mr. Misirli reportedly opened his comments by stressing <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> voluntary work and <strong>the</strong> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> civil organizati<strong>on</strong>s (NGOs)”, saying<br />
“Praise to Allah, even if all Arab armies would have ga<strong>the</strong>red to open a fr<strong>on</strong>t with<br />
Israel, <strong>the</strong> would not have accomplished such a success like <strong>the</strong> Freedom Flotilla and<br />
<strong>the</strong> civil organizati<strong>on</strong>s did.” He <strong>the</strong>n identified himself and MÜSIȦD as <strong>the</strong> coordinator<br />
for d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s to <strong>the</strong> Flotilla as well having purchased its own ship:<br />
We worked day and night to equip <strong>the</strong> Freedom Flotilla, and collected d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
for it with devoti<strong>on</strong> and dedicati<strong>on</strong>; with Allah’s help we also bought ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
ship, that will be sent to Gaza carrying aid again.”<br />
Mr. Misirli also spoke extensively about <strong>the</strong> support provided by Turkey and particularly<br />
by <strong>the</strong> AKP government and Prime Minister Erdogan:<br />
“The Turkish people as a whole ga<strong>the</strong>red to agree and assist <strong>the</strong> Freedom Flotilla,<br />
and this is <strong>the</strong> fist time that all Turkish people agree <strong>on</strong> a certain issue”, adding<br />
that “<strong>the</strong> declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> PM Rajab Tayyip Erdogan in <strong>the</strong> Turkish parliament<br />
should be written <strong>on</strong> golden waters; he did not <strong>on</strong>ly spoke ‘dust’, but also<br />
issued decisi<strong>on</strong>s which were executed, promised that <strong>the</strong> pris<strong>on</strong>ers and martyrs<br />
will be back and appointed <strong>the</strong> Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to<br />
see <strong>the</strong>se decisi<strong>on</strong>s are carried out and <strong>the</strong> whole issue is resolved quickly. In<br />
additi<strong>on</strong> he co-opted with <strong>the</strong> UN in issuing a decisi<strong>on</strong> re what happened”.<br />
Masry fur<strong>the</strong>r c<strong>on</strong>tinued: “Erdogan sent airplanes to carry <strong>the</strong> wounded from<br />
Israel, and <strong>the</strong> al-Fatih Mosque in Turkey was filled with prayers in spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> great hit and sun, all praying for <strong>the</strong> martyrs and wounded”, adding that<br />
“am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> most important successes was <strong>the</strong> Turkish nati<strong>on</strong>’s recruitment<br />
around <strong>the</strong> flotilla issue”.<br />
LXIII<br />
LXIV<br />
ةيتيوكلا تاقالعلاو ةيرحلا لوطسأ<br />
ايكرت ةقادصلا ةيعمج تيوكلا<br />
89
Al-Tabtabai reportedly emphasized <strong>the</strong> benefits and achievements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla in <strong>the</strong><br />
Arab and <strong>Muslim</strong> world, and its role in breaking <strong>the</strong> siege<br />
“The Turkish people are brave, generous and noble; this was made clear by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
stand <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> freedom ship, and by <strong>the</strong>ir facing <strong>the</strong> deadly Zi<strong>on</strong>ist weap<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
bullets with <strong>the</strong>ir own bodies”. “I have never seen such bravery and generosity<br />
like <strong>the</strong> Turks in <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> pris<strong>on</strong>s; three Turks as well as <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
IHH were with me, and <strong>the</strong>y all refused any Turk is released before <strong>the</strong> Arabs<br />
who were with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ship…” He fur<strong>the</strong>r added that “in Allah’s will,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re will be a c<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with Zi<strong>on</strong>ism, having kidnapped 700 activists <strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir peaceful way to Gaza”, pointing at <strong>the</strong> fact that “<strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist Ehud Barak<br />
has cancelled a scheduled visit to France, since he heard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a legal procedure<br />
initiated against him by activists, and this made him fear he will be held in<br />
custody for shooting at <strong>the</strong> ship; thus, Israel has been placed under siege for<br />
its mistreatment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> freedom flotilla, and this is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> real gains”.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r gain, according to him, was that “Amr Mussa, Secretary General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>the</strong> Arab League did not even wait for a sec<strong>on</strong>d <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rafah crossing blessing<br />
<strong>the</strong> freedom flotilla”.<br />
Al-Mutawa was reported to have expressed his opini<strong>on</strong> that following <strong>the</strong> flotilla, <strong>the</strong><br />
Gaza siege is now viewed as a siege imposed <strong>on</strong> all Arabs and <strong>Muslim</strong>s:<br />
There is no doubt that <strong>the</strong> siege imposed <strong>on</strong> Gaza, following <strong>the</strong> Freedom<br />
Flotilla, is no l<strong>on</strong>ger [seen as] imposed <strong>on</strong> Gaza al<strong>on</strong>e, ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>on</strong> all Arabs<br />
and <strong>Muslim</strong>s”, implying to “a land c<strong>on</strong>voy that left to Gaza <strong>the</strong> day before<br />
yesterday, which is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> gains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla, which opened <strong>the</strong> way to<br />
this regi<strong>on</strong>”. Mutawa asked: “Under what right <strong>the</strong> Turkish-Arab and Islamic<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>s were in <strong>the</strong> past titled ‘col<strong>on</strong>ialism’ In any case, what happened in<br />
<strong>the</strong> freedom flotilla has transformed this approach, and brought closer <strong>the</strong><br />
Arab and Turkish peoples to <strong>the</strong> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> becoming a blood bro<strong>the</strong>rhood”,<br />
expressing his “h<strong>on</strong>or and pride in taking part in <strong>the</strong> freedom flotilla”. He<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r added that he is “<strong>the</strong> Kuwaiti-Turkish Friendship Committee expresses<br />
<strong>the</strong> understanding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bro<strong>the</strong>rhood, fur<strong>the</strong>r more than <strong>on</strong>ly friendship, as it<br />
percepts it [understanding] very deep and effective”.<br />
Post-Flotilla- IUMS/Qaradawi<br />
In a June 5 serm<strong>on</strong>, Youssef Qaradawi launched a vitriolic attack <strong>on</strong> Israel and <strong>the</strong><br />
Jews over <strong>the</strong> flotilla incident, saying “we should not be surprised, as <strong>the</strong>y had killed<br />
<strong>the</strong> prophets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God”:<br />
In his Friday serm<strong>on</strong>, Sheikh Qaradawi said that Israel’s raid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla was<br />
a “barbaric and unexpected crime” that should not go unpunished. “When<br />
<strong>the</strong>y (<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g>s) had said that <strong>the</strong>y would block <strong>the</strong> aid ships, we thought that<br />
those were just mere threats. Nobody ever thought that <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist gang in<br />
Israel would really attack activists and volunteers <strong>on</strong> board a defenceless ship<br />
carrying humanitarian aid,” Sheikh Qaradawi told a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Omar<br />
bin al-Khattab mosque in Khalifa South town. “But (<strong>the</strong>n) we should not be<br />
surprised as <strong>the</strong>y had killed <strong>the</strong> prophets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God,” he added. “Those corrupt<br />
Zi<strong>on</strong>ists are war-m<strong>on</strong>gers. I believe that Israel’s day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God’s wrath is coming<br />
very so<strong>on</strong> because <strong>the</strong>y have, tempted by <strong>the</strong> American veto and weap<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
have crossed all lines,” he maintained. …… The scholar hailed <strong>the</strong> “great<br />
Turkish stand” <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian cause as heroic, saying that Arab countries<br />
90
should feel ashamed. “We have to greet our brethren <strong>the</strong> Turks. Some people<br />
thought that Turkey had lost its link with Islam but <strong>the</strong> recent incident showed<br />
that Islam was still inherent in <strong>the</strong> hearts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its people,” he said. Qaradawi,<br />
who is also <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> European council for Fatwa and Research, urged<br />
<strong>the</strong> Palestinian facti<strong>on</strong>s to stand united against Israel’s aggressi<strong>on</strong>s. “It is not<br />
acceptable any more that some Palestinians would go and shake hands with <strong>the</strong><br />
Zi<strong>on</strong>ist murderers,” he added. He praised Qatar’s stance <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> attack, saying<br />
that Qatar had announced that it would bear <strong>the</strong> financial cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> suing Israel<br />
for its raid <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> aid flotilla, both before nati<strong>on</strong>al and internati<strong>on</strong>al courts.<br />
“Qatar is am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> few Arab countries which str<strong>on</strong>gly support <strong>the</strong> resistance<br />
movement,” he added. The serm<strong>on</strong> was followed by speakers who c<strong>on</strong>demned<br />
<strong>the</strong> attack <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ship. 463<br />
On June 23, <strong>the</strong> UNIW hosted ano<strong>the</strong>r meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Scholars (IUMS) and <strong>the</strong> European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR). Turkish<br />
media described <strong>the</strong> main agenda <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IUMS meeting as <strong>the</strong> Palestinian issue and<br />
<strong>the</strong> situati<strong>on</strong> in Gaza. 464 465 466 Turkish media reported that a message sent by Prime<br />
Minister Erdogan was read before <strong>the</strong> opening speeches, where he said he saluted<br />
<strong>the</strong> participants with <strong>the</strong> “warmest feelings” and wished that <strong>the</strong> meetings would be<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ducted in unity and solidarity. The Turkish Vice-President and a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers<br />
and AKP <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials also sent messages to <strong>the</strong> meeting. 467 Turkish media reported that<br />
some 500 Islamic scholars attended <strong>the</strong> opening meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> third general assembly<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS) and characterized <strong>the</strong> comments<br />
LXV 468<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> following IUMS leaders:<br />
»» The inaugurati<strong>on</strong> sessi<strong>on</strong> started with a speech from IUMS Vice President Dr.<br />
Ali al-Qaradaghi in which he drew attenti<strong>on</strong> to a new sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> solidarity am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong> people in <strong>the</strong> world, stating that “finally <strong>the</strong> hearts and minds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong>s<br />
are coming toge<strong>the</strong>r today. The Freedom Flotilla and <strong>the</strong> proud stance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish<br />
President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan against <strong>the</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> attacks are <strong>the</strong> examples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this.”<br />
»» IUMS Chairman al-Qaradawi also highlighted <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> using Turkish<br />
goods and investing in Turkey, saying, “We are not guests here; we are am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
our own bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters,” adding how f<strong>on</strong>d he is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iṡtanbul. “This city was<br />
<strong>on</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> base for <strong>the</strong> most powerful army in <strong>the</strong> world,” he said, announcing that<br />
<strong>the</strong> fourth assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IUMS will also be in Istanbul just like <strong>the</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d and<br />
<strong>the</strong> third <strong>on</strong>es. Al-Jazeera fur<strong>the</strong>r reported that Qaradawi called up<strong>on</strong> Egypt to<br />
open <strong>the</strong> Rafah Crossing permanently, 469<br />
Turkish/MB network leaders were also in attendance, and <strong>the</strong>ir remarks were<br />
characterized as follows:<br />
»» IHH President Bulent Yildirim emphasized <strong>the</strong> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars<br />
coming toge<strong>the</strong>r, “especially <strong>the</strong> courageous <strong>on</strong>es.” Recounting <strong>the</strong> events that<br />
happened <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> boat during <strong>the</strong> attack, Yildirim stated that <strong>the</strong> freedom <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza<br />
and Palestine is no l<strong>on</strong>ger that far <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f.<br />
»» MÜSIȦD head Omer Cihad Vardan thanked <strong>the</strong> UNIW for <strong>the</strong>ir recent call for<br />
increased c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish goods in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> world and <strong>the</strong>ir support<br />
for tourism and investments in Turkey.<br />
LXV<br />
A Turkish IUMS member, Dr Ahmet Agir Akca, reportedly demanded an increase in <strong>the</strong> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turks<br />
in <strong>the</strong> General Secretariat and a streng<strong>the</strong>ning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir role in <strong>the</strong> uni<strong>on</strong>. See BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East -<br />
Political July 3, 2010 Saturday Al-Qaradawi re-elected head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> for <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars<br />
91
Al-Jazeera reported <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> comments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two additi<strong>on</strong>al individuals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest:<br />
»» Turkish government representative Hamza Aqta said that <strong>the</strong> situati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
Islamic world needs <strong>the</strong> percepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ulama, that every<strong>on</strong>e should work<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, and that resisting oppressi<strong>on</strong> and getting free from it is an internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
humanitarian task.<br />
»» TGTV Chairman Necati Ceylan pointed to <strong>the</strong> capitalist-imperialist system, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> deviati<strong>on</strong> which exists in Western culture in <strong>the</strong> grave problems around <strong>the</strong><br />
world; he fur<strong>the</strong>r added that it is time to create an alternate culture and a new<br />
world, which requires unity between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>s.<br />
On June 25, Arab media reported <strong>on</strong> a statement and declarati<strong>on</strong> issued by Qaradawi<br />
and <strong>the</strong> IUMS in support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flotilla that praised Turkey for being <strong>the</strong> “first to<br />
raise <strong>the</strong> flag <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jihad” and referred to various plots and c<strong>on</strong>spiracies directed against<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong>s: 470<br />
Greetings to <strong>the</strong> noble Turkish people <strong>on</strong> all its wings, and we fur<strong>the</strong>r send our<br />
c<strong>on</strong>dolences for its justified martyrs; I wish ano<strong>the</strong>r flotilla will be launched.<br />
Greetings to <strong>the</strong> bravery <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> hero PM Rajab Tayyip Erdogan, who stood like<br />
a high mountain to oppose Israel and those behind it, and wrote a new page<br />
in <strong>the</strong> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turkish people who were <strong>the</strong> first to raise <strong>the</strong> flag <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihad<br />
by ‘Emad Uddin Zanaki, his s<strong>on</strong> Nur Uddin Mahmoud <strong>the</strong> martyr, and his<br />
student Saladin al-Ayyubi”.“This fear has made Turkey’s enemies plot against<br />
it and deceive its leader Erdogan, <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> Islamic nati<strong>on</strong> should stand<br />
with Turkey, greet Erdogan, call for his victory, streng<strong>the</strong>n and lean <strong>on</strong> his back;<br />
talking is not enough, it has to be followed by acti<strong>on</strong> like buying Turkish goods,<br />
prefer <strong>the</strong>m <strong>on</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, encourage people to travel to Turkey, mainly to Istanbul<br />
and open <strong>the</strong> doors to Turkish factories, governmental, [private] companies<br />
and instituti<strong>on</strong>s”. “We call up<strong>on</strong> our nati<strong>on</strong> across <strong>the</strong> world at this stage, to<br />
support and unite for <strong>the</strong> making <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a major bloc, which has its substance and<br />
power am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r internati<strong>on</strong>al blocs; this will be <strong>the</strong> bloc for <strong>the</strong> victory<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> truth, justice and human rights, standing against superiority over people.<br />
We have <strong>the</strong> numerous, ec<strong>on</strong>omic, cultural and spiritual powers which place<br />
us in <strong>the</strong> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>voy if <strong>the</strong> intenti<strong>on</strong>s are right”<br />
92<br />
Declarati<strong>on</strong><br />
1) This nati<strong>on</strong> [umma] is <strong>on</strong>e… (Quranic and hadith verses); its unity is best<br />
pr<strong>on</strong>ounced during times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> crisis, <strong>the</strong>refore every<strong>on</strong>e is expected to leave<br />
behind any sectarian differences and unite around <strong>the</strong>ir biggest problem, <strong>the</strong><br />
land <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> isra wa-al mi’raj, Jerusalem and <strong>the</strong> Aqsa Mosque, which is under<br />
threat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> destructi<strong>on</strong> by Zi<strong>on</strong>ism, that wishes to fulfill its dream over its<br />
ruins.<br />
2) That [<strong>Muslim</strong>s] should stand <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> oppressed and defend <strong>the</strong>m<br />
as l<strong>on</strong>g as <strong>the</strong>y are oppressed. Turkey took a brave positi<strong>on</strong> re <strong>the</strong> Freedom<br />
Flotilla that wished to break <strong>the</strong> oppressing siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza, and paid with<br />
martyr’s blood who sit next to Allah; fur<strong>the</strong>rmore Turkey plans to send ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
flotilla<br />
3) Greetings to <strong>the</strong> brave Turkish people, and greetings to <strong>the</strong> hero PM Erdogan<br />
who wrote a new chapter in Turkish history (than he puts him with <strong>on</strong>e line<br />
with heroes who raised <strong>the</strong> flag <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jihad like ‘Emad Uddin Zanaki,first to<br />
declare jihad <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> crusaders, his s<strong>on</strong> Nur Uddin Mahmoud <strong>the</strong> martyr, and<br />
his student Saladin al-Ayyubi).
4) The Islamic nati<strong>on</strong> has to praise Erdogan and call for his victory. Words are<br />
not enough, and should be followed with acti<strong>on</strong> like starting to buy Turkish<br />
goods, travelling to Turkey, especially to Istanbul and open doors to cooperati<strong>on</strong><br />
with factories, companies and o<strong>the</strong>r Turkish instituti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
5) We call up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turkish people <strong>on</strong> all its different classes, religious, political<br />
and ideological trends to stand toge<strong>the</strong>r to face <strong>the</strong> challenges and strive to<br />
annul <strong>the</strong> plots and c<strong>on</strong>spiracies which stand in <strong>the</strong> way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> positive reforms<br />
that Erdogan’s government is promoting.<br />
The meeting also issued a statement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support for Turkey that referred to Turkey as “a<br />
blessing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allah”, since she did not remain indifferent to <strong>the</strong> difficulties in <strong>the</strong> Middle<br />
East and played an important role in <strong>the</strong> resoluti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> problems. The statement was<br />
described as follows: 471<br />
The L<strong>on</strong>g-Awaited Actor<br />
The Islamic scholars who prepared <strong>the</strong> manifesto for <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
all <strong>Muslim</strong>s around <strong>the</strong> world, pointed out to <strong>the</strong> courageous steps taken by<br />
Turkey in <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al arena for <strong>the</strong> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza which is under <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
occupati<strong>on</strong> and its attempts to bring aid to <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>. When referring to <strong>the</strong><br />
lawlessness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acts in Gaza, <strong>the</strong>y said, “We owe resp<strong>on</strong>sibility to <strong>the</strong>se<br />
Arab and <strong>Muslim</strong> people because <strong>the</strong>y are our neighbors sharing <strong>the</strong> same<br />
religi<strong>on</strong> and race and <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> victims <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a great crime,” and thus made an<br />
important self-criticism <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Arab world. In <strong>the</strong>ir manifesto, <strong>the</strong><br />
Islamic scholars used expressi<strong>on</strong>s showing <strong>the</strong>ir gratefulness to Turkey who<br />
acted to overcome <strong>the</strong> distress in Gaza: “Turkey arrived at <strong>the</strong> right time as<br />
a blessing from Allah. As a state that preserves global and regi<strong>on</strong>al balances,<br />
she acted to seek justice for our suffering Palestinian people and to regain its<br />
expected role as an important actor in <strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong>.”<br />
People In The Flotilla Were Noble<br />
The Islamic scholars viewed <strong>the</strong> ‘freedom flotilla’ which became <strong>the</strong> target <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> terror while delivering aid to Gaza, as a big step since it brought <strong>the</strong><br />
attenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world to <strong>the</strong> siege in Gaza. The manifesto referred to <strong>the</strong> flotilla<br />
that was <strong>the</strong> target <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a bloody raid as: “The Turkish people who believed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> justness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this cause and felt <strong>the</strong> depth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong>ir b<strong>on</strong>d with Islam and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
Arab neighbors sacrificed precious people. Noble and h<strong>on</strong>orable people from<br />
all <strong>the</strong> countries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world participated in this blessed flotilla.”<br />
Give The Turks Media Support<br />
The Islamic scholars emphasized that <strong>the</strong> developments following <strong>the</strong> atrocities<br />
committed in <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean necessitated <strong>the</strong> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Islamic and Arab<br />
world for Turkey and called for media support in <strong>the</strong>ir manifesto. The Islamic<br />
scholars said, “It is important to return <strong>the</strong> salute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Turks with something<br />
even better” and explained <strong>the</strong> need for media support as follows:<br />
“We call up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Islamic world and especially <strong>the</strong> Arab world to stand by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
Turkish bro<strong>the</strong>rs and to give <strong>the</strong>m media support. Words have an important<br />
role and a wider scope in echoing messages.”<br />
“This is <strong>the</strong> call <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars and Islamic leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world regarding<br />
<strong>the</strong> attitude that should be taken towards <strong>the</strong> Turks. It is <strong>the</strong> blessing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allah<br />
93
that whenever we are entangled in disasters, difficulties and intense crises, we<br />
get closer to relief, openness and good news. Deprivati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza<br />
from all <strong>the</strong> necessities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life by embargo and occupati<strong>on</strong> is unacceptable in<br />
<strong>the</strong> eyes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanity and <strong>the</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al law. This is a crime against Arab<br />
and <strong>Muslim</strong> people. It is a blessing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allah that Turkey, a str<strong>on</strong>g state in global<br />
and regi<strong>on</strong>al balances, has regained its expected role as an important actor in<br />
<strong>the</strong> regi<strong>on</strong> and arrived at <strong>the</strong> right time to defend <strong>the</strong> rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Palestinian<br />
people. Turkish people were martyred. Noble and h<strong>on</strong>orable people from all<br />
countries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world participated in this blessed flotilla. Thus, we call up<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Islamic world and especially <strong>the</strong> Arab world to stand by <strong>the</strong>ir Turkish<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs and give <strong>the</strong>m media support. Words play an active role and <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
<strong>the</strong> power to create public opini<strong>on</strong>. Fighting jihad by speech, writing, pictures,<br />
modern electr<strong>on</strong>ic tools and media technology is legitimate. Its influence <strong>on</strong><br />
public opini<strong>on</strong> is obvious.”<br />
Support The Turks By Spending Your Vacati<strong>on</strong> In Turkey<br />
The Islamic scholars urged <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>s and Arabs to spend <strong>the</strong>ir vacati<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
Turkey. They stated in <strong>the</strong> manifesto, “We call up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> families and groups who<br />
want to visit various countries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> world and travel to Europe, <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States and o<strong>the</strong>r countries to give priority to Turkey.” The manifesto pointed out<br />
to <strong>the</strong> annulment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visas between Turkey and many Arab countries and stated,<br />
“If an individual has decided to travel, Turkey and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Muslim</strong> countries<br />
are more suitable to <strong>the</strong> cultural and moral nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an Arab tourist.” The<br />
manifesto also menti<strong>on</strong>ed that <strong>the</strong> Islamic and Arab world should also support<br />
Turkey, who played an active role in <strong>the</strong> problematic regi<strong>on</strong>, ec<strong>on</strong>omically.<br />
The scholars emphasized that strategic and ec<strong>on</strong>omic partnerships between<br />
Turkey and <strong>the</strong> Arab countries should be streng<strong>the</strong>ned and said, “Comm<strong>on</strong><br />
interests between <strong>the</strong> countries should be advanced and <strong>the</strong> trade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods,<br />
commodities and industrial products should be increased. We call up<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
companies, instituti<strong>on</strong>s and businessmen to benefit from <strong>the</strong> opportunities in<br />
Turkey in <strong>the</strong> fields <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> industry, c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>rs. We want <strong>the</strong>m to give<br />
priority and privileges to Turkey in <strong>the</strong>ir work.”<br />
The statement was signed by <strong>the</strong> following <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood leaders:<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Youssef Qaradawi<br />
Abdullah Bin Bayh, ECFR<br />
Salman Al-Awda (Saudi Arabia), Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars<br />
(IUMS)<br />
Chakib Ben Maklouf. FIOE President<br />
Ahmed Al-Rawi, past FIOE President, Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good<br />
Tariq Al-Suwaidan, leader Kuwait <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Emin Belhac, President <strong>Muslim</strong> Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Britain (MAB)<br />
Rashid Al-Ghannouchi, Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars (IUMS)<br />
»» Walid Al-Tabtabai (Kuwait)<br />
94
It should be noted that Tariq Suwaidan is <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in<br />
472 473<br />
Kuwait and that Gazi Misirli has taught at Suwaidan Leadership Academy.<br />
Qaradawi also indicated at <strong>the</strong> meeting that Islamic scholars would support <strong>the</strong><br />
Palestinian cause by being <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> next boat that would be sent to Gaza from Turkey,<br />
as well as supporting crossing into Gaza by land. 474 At <strong>the</strong> closing sessi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> IUMS<br />
announced that it would purchase its own ship to sail in its name and described it as<br />
follows:<br />
The 2000-t<strong>on</strong>ne ship will carry up to 50 passengers as well as its crew, and have<br />
<strong>the</strong> words “Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars” written prominently across<br />
its hull. The missi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ship will be to travel around <strong>the</strong> world providing<br />
assistance and humanitarian relief wherever it is needed. One philanthropist<br />
attending <strong>the</strong> assembly in Istanbul, Turkey has already pledged to pay <strong>on</strong>ethird<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> ship, while Sheikh Abdullatif Aal Mahmood separately<br />
pledged 200,000 Euros to <strong>the</strong> project. 475<br />
Sheikh Mahmood is known to be <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good. 476<br />
On July 4, Middle Eastern media reported that Qaradawi himself would take part in<br />
<strong>the</strong> next sea c<strong>on</strong>voy attempting to break <strong>the</strong> Gaza blockade stating:<br />
“’The Uni<strong>on</strong> will c<strong>on</strong>tribute effectively God willing to Freedom Flotilla II and<br />
will c<strong>on</strong>tinue to issue statements in order to alert and warn <strong>the</strong> Islamic nati<strong>on</strong><br />
until it recovers its rights in <strong>the</strong> land <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> prophets,” he said. “The IUMS,”<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinued <strong>the</strong> Sheikh, “has paid attenti<strong>on</strong> to all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> major issues facing<br />
<strong>Muslim</strong>s.” Focusing at times <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> core issue, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine and Jerusalem,<br />
has not distracted <strong>the</strong> IUMS from <strong>the</strong> situati<strong>on</strong> in Somalia, Kashmir, Iraq and<br />
Afghanistan which are currently occupied by <strong>the</strong> US and o<strong>the</strong>r issues, he<br />
added. 477<br />
However, a Kuwaiti media report cast doubt <strong>on</strong> Qaradawi’s participati<strong>on</strong>, saying “<strong>the</strong><br />
members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> IUMS refused this”; Israel will arrest him, “and this will be a great<br />
victory for <strong>the</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>ist state, which sees Qaradawi as its enemy”. The report added that<br />
Al-Tabtabai “welcomed <strong>the</strong> IUMS initiative, saying he wished Qaradawi would join,<br />
however he knows his medical c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> does not allow him to. “Tabtabai fur<strong>the</strong>r said<br />
that <strong>the</strong>ir missi<strong>on</strong> is not to deliver aid, ra<strong>the</strong>r “<strong>the</strong> battle is comprised <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> media and<br />
politics, aiming to break <strong>the</strong> siege <strong>on</strong> Gaza”. 478<br />
95
REFERENCES<br />
1 http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R41275.pdf<br />
2 IHH Preparati<strong>on</strong>s for a Violent C<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with IDF Soldiers<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e110.htm<br />
3 Sp<strong>on</strong>sor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Flotilla Tied to Elite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey - NYTimes.com : http://www.nytimes.<br />
com/2010/07/16/world/middleeast/16turkey.html_r=1<br />
4 http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e127.pdf<br />
5 http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R41275.pdf<br />
6 Israel says Free Gaza Movement poses threat to Jewish state<br />
http://www.washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com/wp-dyn/c<strong>on</strong>tent/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053103445_2.<br />
htmlhpid=topnews<br />
7 “Probe: Erdogan Knew Gaza Flotilla Would be Violent,” Haaretz, September 6, 2010).<br />
8 C<strong>on</strong>spicuous am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> passengers and organizati<strong>on</strong>s aboard <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara were<br />
Turkish and Arab Islamic extremists led by IHH. : http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_<br />
multimedia/English/eng_n/html/ipc_e127.htm<br />
9 C<strong>on</strong>spicuous am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> passengers and organizati<strong>on</strong>s aboard <strong>the</strong> Mavi Marmara were<br />
Turkish and Arab Islamic extremists led by IHH. : http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_<br />
multimedia/English/eng_n/html/ipc_e127.htm<br />
10 The Daily Star - Opini<strong>on</strong> Articles - Turkey’s dangerous Leban<strong>on</strong> intenti<strong>on</strong>s : http://www.<br />
dailystar.com.lb/article.aspediti<strong>on</strong>_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=74992#axzz14gAmBBNC<br />
11 IHH Preparati<strong>on</strong>s for a Violent C<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with IDF Soldiers : http://www.terrorism-info.<br />
org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e110.htm<br />
12 IHH Preparati<strong>on</strong>s for a Violent C<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with IDF Soldiers : http://www.terrorism-info.<br />
org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e110.htm<br />
13 Freegaza - Separati<strong>on</strong> Notice<br />
http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/883-separati<strong>on</strong>-notice<br />
14 About ISM | Internati<strong>on</strong>al Solidarity Movement<br />
http://palsolidarity.org/about-ism/<br />
15 S.F. Jewish activist held as security threat in Israel / Social worker appeals deportati<strong>on</strong> order –<br />
colleagues tie it to crackdown <strong>on</strong> protesters - Page 2 - SFGate<br />
http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-07-14/news/17435321_1_israeli-policies-pro-palestinianisraeli-palestinian/2<br />
16 http://web.archive.org/web/20030421000358/www.pngo.net/GIPP/framework.htm<br />
17 Calendar : http://www.dcpalestine.org/cgi-bin/cld_past.py09<br />
18 Backgrounder: Internati<strong>on</strong>al Solidarity Movement<br />
http://www.adl.org/israel/israel_int_solidarity.asp<br />
19 Dallas charity’s lawsuit over terror claims in book dismissed<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20080211233112/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.<br />
cgif=/n/a/2007/08/21/state/n033713D59.DTL&type=politics<br />
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20 http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e127.pdf<br />
21 Print <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> : http://www.memri.org/report/en/print1421.htm<br />
22 The <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood’s C<strong>on</strong>quest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe :: Middle East Quarterly : http://www.<br />
meforum.org/687/<strong>the</strong>-muslim-bro<strong>the</strong>rhoods-c<strong>on</strong>quest-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-europe<br />
23 http://www.currenttrends.org/docLib/20090411_Merley.USBROTHERHOOD.pdf<br />
24 “L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>: A Center-stage for Radical Islamic Incitement to Anti-American and Anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Violence and Hatred, Intelligence and Terrorism Informati<strong>on</strong> Center”, October 1, 2003<br />
25 Mohammed Akram (a.k.a. Mohammed Adlouni), “An Explanatory Memorandum <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
General Strategic Goal for <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood in North America - May 22, 1991,” Government<br />
Exhibit Elbarasse Search—3 3:04-CR-2. 40-G U.S. v. Holy Land Foundati<strong>on</strong> et. Al http://www.<br />
nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/ExplMemoGenStratGoal-trial2.pdf p. 4.<br />
26 IkhwanWeb<br />
http://www.ikhwanweb.com/Article.aspID=17267&LevelID=1&Secti<strong>on</strong>ID=0<br />
:نعمل لصالح املصريني وال نفرق بني مسلم ومسيحى : MBC األخبار - موقع نافذة مصر - فضيلة املرشد لقناة 27<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20060504054131/http://www.egyptwindow.net/modules.php<br />
name=News&file=article&sid=1817<br />
28 http://www.verfassungsschutz.de/download/de/publikati<strong>on</strong>en/verfassungsschutzbericht/<br />
vsbericht_2007/vsbericht_2007.pdf<br />
29 Ian Johns<strong>on</strong>, “How Islamic Group’s Ties Reveal Europe’s Challenge,” Wall Street Journal, 29<br />
December 2005.<br />
30 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefafioereport1008.pdf<br />
31 http://www.currenttrends.org/docLib/20090411_Merley.USBROTHERHOOD.pdf<br />
32 Al-Qaradawi Turns Down Offer to Assume Leadership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
http://www.cesnur.org/2004/qaradawi.htm<br />
33 Clip Transcript http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/1691.htm<br />
34 “Leading Sunni Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradhawi and o<strong>the</strong>r Sheikhs Heralds <strong>the</strong> Coming C<strong>on</strong>quest<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rome.” MEMRI, Special Dispatch No. 447, December 6, 2002)<br />
http://www.ahewar.org/debat/show.art.aspaid=227375 :رفيق صموئيل - كان واخواتها - كتابات حسن البنا 35<br />
36<br />
http://www.ikhwanwiki.com/ : موسوعة االخوان املسلمني إخوان ويكي - Ikhwan Wiki رسالة أيها الشباب index.phptitle=%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A3%D9%8A%D9%87%D<br />
8%A7_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8<br />
37 http://www.dissentmagazine.org/democratiya/article_pdfs/d13GardnerRich.pdf<br />
38 http://www.dissentmagazine.org/democratiya/article_pdfs/d13GardnerRich.pdf<br />
39 Clip Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/2005.htm<br />
40 Clip Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/2005.htm<br />
41 Clip Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/1979.htm<br />
42 Clip Transcript: http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/1979.htm<br />
43 YouTube - Al-Qaradhawi Compilati<strong>on</strong> Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=FuAlVMZc<br />
sUU&feature=channel<br />
44 Islamic Justice Finds a Foothold In Heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe.<br />
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/internati<strong>on</strong>al-politics/7371-islamic-justice-findsfoothold-heart-europe.html<br />
45 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>good0109.pdf<br />
46 Closing statement by <strong>the</strong> Shoura Council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Federati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic Organisati<strong>on</strong>s in Europe<br />
(FIOE)<br />
http://www.euro-muslim.com/En_news_Details.aspxNews_ID=800<br />
47 Interview with Kamal Al-Helbawy by Ian Johns<strong>on</strong> 20 October 2005, pers<strong>on</strong>al communicati<strong>on</strong><br />
to author<br />
48 http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05852.pdf<br />
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50 http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/detainees/csrt_arb/ARB_Round_1_Factors_000694-000793.<br />
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51 Suspicious Islamic Missi<strong>on</strong>aries: Active Islamic Youth (SETimes.com): http://www.setimes.<br />
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52 Islamic Organizati<strong>on</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> Balkans (U). A Joint Research Project by <strong>the</strong> Governments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong><br />
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53 “Combating Terrorist Financing, Despite <strong>the</strong> Saudis,” by Mat<strong>the</strong>w Levitt. Policywatch 673,<br />
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54 Gold, Dore Hatred’s Kingdom, How Saudi Arabia Support The New <strong>Global</strong> Terrorism, Regnery:<br />
Washingt<strong>on</strong> D.C. 2003.<br />
55 Ak Parti Offical Web Site. http://eng.akparti.org.tr/english/lifestory.html<br />
56 Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: http://www.oecd.org/speaker/0,2879,en_21571361_31<br />
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57 The Chr<strong>on</strong>ikler » A bro<strong>the</strong>r and a scholar. http://chr<strong>on</strong>ikler.com/middle-east/egypt/abro<strong>the</strong>r-and-a-scholar/<br />
58 Ak Parti Offical Web Site. http://eng.akparti.org.tr/english/lifestory.html<br />
59 7 Years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AKP Rule - Al Majalla. http://www.majalla.com/en/cover_story/article11110.ece<br />
60 http://www.setav.org/ups/dosya/28015.pdf<br />
61 Ak Parti Offical Web Site. http://eng.akparti.org.tr/english/lifestory.html<br />
62 Religi<strong>on</strong> and politics in Turkey - Google Books : http://books.google.com/booksid=t5G_zw<br />
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63 Closer look at AKP after its eight-year rule in Turkey.<br />
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64 The Daily Star - Opini<strong>on</strong> Articles - Turkey’s dangerous Leban<strong>on</strong> intenti<strong>on</strong>s: http://www.<br />
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65 Federal Bureau <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Investigati<strong>on</strong> - The Bost<strong>on</strong> Divisi<strong>on</strong>: Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Justice Press Release:<br />
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66 Ptech Officials Indicted for Allegedly C<strong>on</strong>cealing Terror Financier’s Assets: The Investigative<br />
Project <strong>on</strong> Terrorism.<br />
http://www.investigativeproject.org/1094/ptech-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials-indicted-for-allegedly-c<strong>on</strong>cealing<br />
67 http://www.currenttrends.org/docLib/20090411_Merley.USBROTHERHOOD.pdf<br />
68 http://www.verfassungsschutz.de/download/SHOW/vsbericht_2008_engl.pdf<br />
69 http://www.verfassungsschutz.de/download/SHOW/vsbericht_2008_engl.pdf<br />
70 http://www.verfassungsschutz.de/download/SHOW/vsbericht_2008_engl.pdf<br />
71 Ermittlungen: In der Schmuddelecke | Politik | ZEIT ONLINE.<br />
http://www.zeit.de/2009/14/Milligoerues<br />
72 http://www.im.nrw.de/sch/doks/vs/islam.pdf March 30, 2005<br />
73 Creditreform German Companies Verband der Vereine Creditreform e.V. 7/30/2004<br />
74 http://www.im.nrw.de/sch/doks/vs/islam.pdf March 30, 2005<br />
75 Der Herr der Moscheen - Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.<br />
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76 C<strong>on</strong>tact Us” http://www.euro-muslim.net/English/yo-yo-yo/c<strong>on</strong>tact-us/ (no l<strong>on</strong>ger<br />
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77 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefafioereport1008.pdf<br />
78 http://web.archive.org/web/20070403004701/http://www.wamy.org/aboutus/secretary/<br />
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79 December 29, 2005 “How Islamic Group’s Ties Reveal Europe’s Challenge” WALL STREET<br />
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80 ISNA_C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong>_Program98.html : http://www.sakkal.com/ISNA98_Program.html<br />
81 http://www.currenttrends.org/docLib/20090411_Merley.USBROTHERHOOD.pdf<br />
82 www.isna.net/assets/C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong>s/Programs/2009/SpecialAnnouncements.pdf<br />
83 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>ing The <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood » Current Trends in Islamist Ideology:<br />
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84 The Journal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Counterterrorism & Security Internati<strong>on</strong>al 1999 Fall “The Kavakci Affair:<br />
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85 We are Witnessing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong>’s Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Take <strong>on</strong> Turkish Foreign Policy: Huds<strong>on</strong> New<br />
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86 Why Turkey will emerge as <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> World - Hurriyet Daily News and<br />
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87 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2004/12/04ANKARA7211.html<br />
88 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2005/03/05ANKARA1730.html<br />
89 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2010/01/10ANKARA87.html<br />
90 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2006/08/06ANKARA4688.html<br />
91 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2009/10/09ANKARA1549.html<br />
92 Is Turkey Leaving <strong>the</strong> West | Foreign Affairs<br />
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93 Turkey ‘will not be silent’ if Israel attacks - Israel News, Ynetnews http://www.ynetnews.<br />
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94 7 Years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AKP Rule - Al Majalla: http://www.majalla.com/en/cover_story/article11110.ece<br />
95 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2010/01/10ANKARA87.html<br />
96 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2007/03/07ANKARA648.html<br />
97 Why Turkey will emerge as <strong>the</strong> leader <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> World - Hurriyet Daily News and<br />
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98 EJP | News | Western Europe | ‘Free Gaza,’ plans to sail from Greece to Gaza:<br />
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99 BBC NEWS | Middle East | Activist boats reach Gaza Strip:<br />
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7578880.stm<br />
100 Israel c<strong>on</strong>cerned leftists plan to send ship from Cyprus to break Gaza blockade - Haaretz Daily<br />
Newspaper | Israel News.<br />
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101 The <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Daily <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> » Jaamat-e-Islami C<strong>on</strong>ference Features <strong>Muslim</strong><br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Leaders; Speakers Say Islam To Rule The World : http://globalmbreport.<br />
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102 http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e127.pdf<br />
103 Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ile: Islamic Movement in Israel - Middle East - Al Jazeera English : http://english.<br />
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100
104 The rise <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Raed Salah: http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspxid=179827<br />
http://www.al-sharq.com/index.phpdate=2010-11-15 :املوقع الرسمي جلريدة الشرق القطرية 105<br />
106 Arab Media & Society: http://www.arabmediasociety.com/index.phparticle=576&p=2<br />
:املعرفة - الكتاب - أكرم كساب 107<br />
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108 Summary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> equipment and aid aboard <strong>the</strong> Gaza flotilla 7-Jun-2010 : http://www.mfa.gov.il/<br />
MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Equipment_aid_Gaza_flotilla_7-Jun-2010.htm<br />
109 Third Palestinians in Europe C<strong>on</strong>ference, Vienna<br />
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europe-c<strong>on</strong>ference-vienna-<br />
110 The Palestinian Return Center [ P R C ]..:: : http://www.prc.org.uk/archive/index.<br />
phpmodule=about_us<br />
111 ICC Directors February 3, 2010 ZAHER BIRAWI<br />
112 ICC Informati<strong>on</strong> Group Ltd. ICC Directors February 3, 2010 MAGDY MOHD AQIL<br />
113 <strong>Muslim</strong> Networks and Movements in Western Europe - <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and Jama’ at-i<br />
Islami - Pew Forum <strong>on</strong> Religi<strong>on</strong> & Public Life : http://pewforum.org/<strong>Muslim</strong>/<strong>Muslim</strong>-<br />
Networks-and-Movements-in-Western-Europe-<strong>Muslim</strong>-Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood-and-Jamaat-i-Islami.aspx<br />
114 C<strong>on</strong>tact and trustees: http://www.charity-commissi<strong>on</strong>.gov.uk/ShowCharity/<br />
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115 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>good0109.pdf<br />
116 C<strong>on</strong>tact and trustees: http://www.charity-commissi<strong>on</strong>.gov.uk/ShowCharity/<br />
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117 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>goodmemberorgs0309.pdf<br />
118 The Palestinian Return Center [ P R C ]..: http://www.prc.org.uk/index.phpmodule=news&i<br />
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119 Haniyeh urges Europe: Remove Hamas from terror group list - Haaretz Daily Newspaper |<br />
Israel News: http://www.haaretz.com/news/haniyeh-urges-europe-remove-hamas-fromterror-group-list-1.275216<br />
120 Hamas c<strong>on</strong>tinues initiating anti-<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> activities in Europe: http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/<br />
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122 Jihad: <strong>the</strong> trail <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> political Islam - Google Books<br />
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6AEwAA#v=<strong>on</strong>epage&q=MÜSIȦD&f=false<br />
123 http://yayinlar.yesevi.edu.tr/files/article/340.pdf<br />
124 http://yayinlar.yesevi.edu.tr/files/article/340.pdf<br />
125 THE RISE OF THE ISLAMIST MOVEMENT IN TURKEY: http://web.archive.org/<br />
web/20070116051309/http://meria.biu.ac.il/journal/1999/issue3/jv3n3a4.html<br />
126 Cable Viewer: http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2004/12/04ANKARA7211.html<br />
127 Turkish Business Associati<strong>on</strong> Drives Str<strong>on</strong>g <strong>Muslim</strong> World Ties - Dinar Standard:<br />
http://dinarstandard.com/current/MÜSIȦD042906.htm<br />
http://www.odabasham.net/show.phpsid=30681 :رابطة أدباء الشام 128<br />
129 The Arabs, <strong>the</strong> Turks and Islamic Bourgeoisie Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English)http://<br />
www.aawsat.com/english/news.aspsecti<strong>on</strong>=3&id=12084<br />
130 Eg˘itim için geldikleri Türkiye, <strong>on</strong>ların yeni vatanı oldu<br />
http://tr.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/31072009/Egitim-icin-geldikleri-Turkiye-<br />
101
102<br />
<strong>on</strong>larin-yeni-vatani-oldu.php<br />
131 I˙GI˙AD - Ülke Tanıtım Toplantıları: http://www.igiad.com/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&<br />
task=view&id=266&Itemid=66<br />
132 The Arabs, <strong>the</strong> Turks and Islamic Bourgeoisie Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English):<br />
http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.aspsecti<strong>on</strong>=3&id=12084<br />
133 “Our Services”: http://www.santralexport.com/en/index.html<br />
134 “Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2000” The European Trust (Charity<br />
Number 1054478)<br />
135 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefafioereport1008.pdf<br />
136 www.charity-commissi<strong>on</strong>.gov.uk/SHOWCHARITY/RegisterOfCharities/C<strong>on</strong>tactAndTrustees.<br />
aspxRegisteredCharityNumber=1103290&SubsidiaryNumber=0<br />
الوزير-األول-الغنوشى-راشد-الغنوشى-اليستطيع-العودة-الى-تونس-اال-اذا-صدر-قانون-عفو-عنه 137<br />
http://www.ikhwan.net/forum/showthread.php77506<br />
138 About Us: http://www.ihh.org.tr/hakkimizda/en<br />
139 Mersin Gazetesi - I˙HH VE TERÖR (I˙HH YI˙ AKLAMAK!)<br />
http://mersingazetesi.com/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=3416&Itemid=67<br />
140 U.S. v. Alamoudi. (E.D. Va) 03-1009M. “Supplemental Declarati<strong>on</strong> in Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Detenti<strong>on</strong>.”<br />
October 22, 2003.<br />
141 <strong>Muslim</strong> Activist Sentenced to 23 Years for Libya C<strong>on</strong>tacts (washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com):<br />
http://www.washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36718-2004Oct15.html<br />
142 Aid Group, Israel Primed for Flotilla Clash, According to Accounts, Video - WSJ.com<br />
http://<strong>on</strong>line.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575349031510961398.html<br />
143 BBC News - Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ile: Free Gaza Movement: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10202678<br />
144 Sp<strong>on</strong>sor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Flotilla Tied to Elite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkey - NYTimes.com<br />
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/world/middleeast/16turkey.html<br />
145 BBC News - Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ile: Free Gaza Movement: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10202678<br />
146 Turkish group behind flotilla Gaza’s new hero - Israel News, Ynetnews<br />
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898977,00.html<br />
147 Muzafferabad Center Camp Hospital is opened « IHH Aid Projects<br />
http://aidprojects.wordpress.com/2006/09/19/muzafferabad-center-camp-hospital-isopened/<br />
148 Aid Group, Israel Primed for Flotilla Clash, According to Accounts, Video - WSJ.com<br />
http://<strong>on</strong>line.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575349031510961398.html<br />
149 Aid Group, Israel Primed for Flotilla Clash, According to Accounts, Video - WSJ.com<br />
http://<strong>on</strong>line.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575349031510961398.html<br />
150 “Istanbul group protests US operati<strong>on</strong>s in Iraq.” Turkish Daily News. December 4, 2004. Cited<br />
in http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publicati<strong>on</strong>s/WP2006/DIIS%20WP%202006-7.web.pdf<br />
151 “Turkish Islamist group sends food to besieged Fallujah.” Agence France Presse (AFP).<br />
November 10, 2004. Cited in http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publicati<strong>on</strong>s/WP2006/DIIS%20<br />
WP%202006-7.web.pdf<br />
152 “<str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>er’s Transcript <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Proceedings.” United States <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> America v. Ahmed Ressam, aka Benni<br />
Noris. United States District Court for <strong>the</strong> Western District <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Washingt<strong>on</strong>. Case #: CR 99-666-<br />
JCC. Dated April 2, 2001. Pages 11-12. Cited in http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publicati<strong>on</strong>s/<br />
WP2006/DIIS%20WP%202006-7.web.pdf<br />
153 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>good0109.pdf<br />
154 Aid Group, Israel Primed for Flotilla Clash, According to Accounts, Video - WSJ.com<br />
http://<strong>on</strong>line.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575349031510961398.html<br />
155 IHH - a Turkish humanitarian relief fund with a radical Islamic anti-Western orientati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e105.htm<br />
156 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>good0109.pdf<br />
157 Defense Minister signs order banning Hamas-affiliated charitable organizati<strong>on</strong>s 7-Jul-2008
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2008/Defense+Minister+signs+or<br />
der+banning+Hamas-affiliated+charitable+organizati<strong>on</strong>s+7-Jul-2008.htm<br />
158 HP-1267: Treasury Designates <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good:<br />
http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/hp1267.htm<br />
159 World News C<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>: December 17, 2002 TURKEY: IMAM OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE VISITS<br />
KUTAN, BBP LEADER,<br />
160 http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publicati<strong>on</strong>s/WP2006/DIIS%20WP%202006-7.web.pdf<br />
161 http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publicati<strong>on</strong>s/WP2006/DIIS%20WP%202006-7.web.pdf<br />
162 “Manifestati<strong>on</strong>s en Turquie c<strong>on</strong>tre les violences israéliennes à Gaza” Agence France Presse<br />
May 21, 2004.<br />
163 “Turkish human rights group calls for boycott US, British, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods” BBC Summary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
World Broadcasts November 23, 2004, Tuesday SOURCE: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in<br />
English 1230 gmt 23 Nov 04<br />
164 “Istanbul Group Protests US Acti<strong>on</strong>s in Iraq” Turkish Daily News, December 4, 2004.<br />
165 “1,500 pray for Chechen rebel leader in Istanbul” Agence France Presse – English March 11, 2005<br />
Friday 1:23 PM GMT<br />
166 “Guide to Turkish Islamic websites” BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring World Media December 18, 2006 M<strong>on</strong>day<br />
167 Aid Group, Israel Primed for Flotilla Clash, According to Accounts, Video - WSJ.com<br />
http://<strong>on</strong>line.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704535004575349031510961398.html<br />
168 Orta Dog˘u: http://www.ihh.org.tr/114/en/<br />
169 I˙slam alimleri I˙stanbul’da [ Dünya Bülteni ]:<br />
http://www.dunyabulteni.net/news_detail.phpid=3747<br />
170 HIKMET: http://web.archive.org/web/20070220075332/www.HIKMET.org.tr/misi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
aspnews_type=90<br />
171 Eg˘itim için geldikleri Türkiye, <strong>on</strong>ların yeni vatanı oldu<br />
http://tr.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/31072009/Egitim-icin-geldikleri-Turkiye<strong>on</strong>larin-yeni-vatani-oldu.php<br />
172 Sivil ültimatom - Milli Gazete: http://www.milligazete.com.tr/haber/29205<br />
173 Gül, yarın I˙srail´e gidiyor haberi Siyaset haberleri Haber7 haber7.com - Güncel Haberler,<br />
S<strong>on</strong> dakika haberleri - Bu noktada haber var<br />
http://www.haber7.com/haber/20050102/Gul-yarin-Israile-gidiyor.phpid=70212<br />
174 meria.idc.ac.il/journal/2007/issue4/jv11no4a3.asp<br />
175 http://research.sabanciuniv.edu/254/1/3011800000794.pdf<br />
176 INTRODUCTION - MAZLUMDER Headquarter : http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/sayfa.<br />
aspsayfaID=1<br />
177 Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English 0949 gmt 23 January 2003<br />
178 miniDEV - Sivil Toplum Kurulus¸ları / Duyurular<br />
http://www.minidev.com/stk/sivil_toplum172a.asp<br />
179 MAZLUMDER: ‘I˙srail is¸gal yönetimi açıkça savas¸ suçu is¸liyor‘<br />
http://www.savaskarsitlari.org/arsiv.aspArsivTipID=9&ArsivAnaID=33495<br />
180 Pacifica.org<br />
http://www.pacifica.org/programs/reportfromiraq/PacInIraq-20040223.html<br />
181 NBC News Transcripts March 10, 2003 M<strong>on</strong>day SHOW: NBC Nightly News (6:30 PM ET) –<br />
NBC “New Turkish prime minister could affect US war plans”<br />
182 Pacifica.org: http://www.pacifica.org/programs/reportfromiraq/PacInIraq-20040223.html<br />
183 Turkish Vote <strong>on</strong> Troops Shows Surprises <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Democracy (washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com)<br />
http://www.washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A48091-2003Mar5language=printer<br />
184 “Anti-NATO protests staged in Turkish cities, dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong> planned in Istanbul” BBC<br />
Summary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> World Broadcasts June 18, 2004, Friday SOURCE: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in<br />
Turkish 0000 gmt 17 Jun 04<br />
103
185 MÜSI˙AD-Müstakil Sanayici ve I˙s¸adamları Derneg˘i<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20060929003246/www.MÜSIȦD.org.tr/kurumsalYapi/<br />
y<strong>on</strong>etimDetay.aspid=23<br />
186 Hamas Sweeps Palestinian Electi<strong>on</strong>s, Complicating Peace Efforts in Mideast - washingt<strong>on</strong>post.<br />
com<br />
http://www.washingt<strong>on</strong>post.com/wp-dyn/c<strong>on</strong>tent/article/2006/01/26/AR2006012600372.<br />
html<br />
187 Jamaica Gleaner News - Hamas movement pays visit - Saturday | February 18, 2006<br />
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060218/int/int2.html<br />
188 Ankara c<strong>on</strong>firms reports that Davutoglu met with Mashaal in Damascus - Hürriyet Daily<br />
News and Ec<strong>on</strong>omic Review : http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/h.phpnews=ankarac<strong>on</strong>firms-reports-that-davutoglu-met-with-Mashaal-in-damascus-2006-07-12<br />
189 http://www.<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7099/7099.pdf<br />
190 http://web.archive.org/web/20070207080849/www.muslims<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>europe.com/steering.php<br />
191 <strong>Muslim</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Europe C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20070207081012/www.muslims<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>europe.com/invitees.php<br />
192 http://cas.uchicago.edu/workshops/islammod/Walt<strong>on</strong>.doc<br />
193 http://cas.uchicago.edu/workshops/islammod/Walt<strong>on</strong>.doc<br />
194 Türkiye Gönüllü Tes¸ekkülleri Vakfı - TGTV Üye Listesi<br />
http://www.tgtv.org/web/guest/tgtv-uye-listesi<br />
195 A new cooperati<strong>on</strong> for Pakistan « IHH Aid Projects<br />
http://aidprojects.wordpress.com/2006/09/19/a-new-cooperati<strong>on</strong>-for-pakistan<br />
196 TGTV Bas¸kanı Necati Ceylan:Çeçenistan Ziyaretim Yanlıs¸ Kimse Gitmesin! Medyapress -<br />
Canlı haber - S<strong>on</strong> dakika haberleri - Video Haber.<br />
http://www.davethaber.com/ynt=haberdetay&id=619<br />
197 Turkish NGOs Warned for Puppet Kadirov<br />
http://boycottsochi.eu/genocide-in-chechnya/356-turkish-ngos-warned-for-puppet-kadirov<br />
198 Turkish civil organisati<strong>on</strong>s preparing mass march against army coups<br />
[WORLD BULLETIN - TURKEY NEWS, WORLD NEWS]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=54753<br />
199 http://web.archive.org/web/20061215220743/http://www.tgtv.org/<br />
200 Türkiye Gönüllü Tes¸ekkülleri Vakfı - Hakkımızda<br />
http://www.tgtv.org/web/guest/hakkimizda<br />
201 Civil society urges support for c<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong>al amendment package<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-215650-civil-society-urges-support-forc<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong>al-amendment-package.html<br />
202 About Us: http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=24<br />
1&Itemid=15<br />
203 New Period in MÜSIȦD: http://idsb.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=255:new-period-in-MÜSIȦD&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
204 The Unity - Members: http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=ar<br />
ticle&id=146&Itemid=10<br />
205 Üyelerimiz: http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/tr/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=5<br />
40&Itemid=7<br />
206 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Islamophobia C<strong>on</strong>ference: http://www.islamophobiac<strong>on</strong>ference.com/index.<br />
phppage=katilimcilar<br />
207 Islamic Times - A Scholars Role In Society: http://www.islamictimes.co.uk/c<strong>on</strong>tent/<br />
view/224/50/<br />
208 http://cas.uchicago.edu/workshops/islammod/Walt<strong>on</strong>.doc<br />
209 Islamic Times - A Scholars Role In Society: http://www.islamictimes.co.uk/c<strong>on</strong>tent/<br />
view/224/50/<br />
104
210 404 Not Found: http://www.dunyabulteni.net/news_detail.phpid=3747 (no l<strong>on</strong>ger available)<br />
211 Sec<strong>on</strong>d Leban<strong>on</strong> War: Hizbullah attacks nor<strong>the</strong>rn Israel and Israel’s resp<strong>on</strong>se 12-Jul-2006<br />
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Modern+History/Israel+wars/Hizbullah+attack+in+n<br />
or<strong>the</strong>rn+Israel+and+Israels+resp<strong>on</strong>se+12-Jul-2006.htm<br />
212 Sivil ültimatom - Milli Gazete: http://www.milligazete.com.tr/haber/29205<br />
213 Joint Press Statement (<str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Massacre)<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.net/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=151:<strong>the</strong>-members<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-uniw-made-a-press-c<strong>on</strong>ference-c<strong>on</strong>cerning-palestine-issue&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
214 13 tırlık kafile yola koyuldu « I˙HH faaliyetleri<br />
http://insaniyardim.wordpress.com/2006/08/15/13-tirlik-kafile-yola-koyuldu/<br />
215 “Palestinian media reports <strong>on</strong> humanitarian situati<strong>on</strong>” BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East - Political<br />
July 29, 2006 Saturday<br />
216 http://www.google.com/urlurl=http://www.kantakji.com/fiqh/Files/Wakf/z118.doc&rct=j<br />
&sa=U&ei=nHjKTKG3BYeWOuyojdcB&ved=0CCAQFjAC&sig2=Vb-rUcgnhH4GvU1XndXv5A<br />
&q=%22Sanabil+al-Khayr%22&usg=AFQjCNERoV0jNkEzPn5v-Pi6sNmkqNzMnw<br />
217 General Coordinator talks with Mr. Haniya<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=214:genera<br />
l-coordinator-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>the</strong>-uniw-had-a-talk-with-smail-heniyye&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
218 http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/hamas_e008.pdf<br />
219 Abant Platformu - Vesayet ve Demokrasi toplantısı s<strong>on</strong>uç bildirgesi yayınlandı ::. - 16. Abant<br />
Toplantısı Teblig˘leri<br />
http://www.abantplatform.org/index.php/main/comp<strong>on</strong>ent/opti<strong>on</strong>/fr<strong>on</strong>tpage/secti<strong>on</strong>/1/<br />
category/368/c<strong>on</strong>tent/1478<br />
220 Joint Press C<strong>on</strong>ference (Palestine)<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=217:whatshappening-in-palestine-comm<strong>on</strong>-press-statement&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
221 Biz Kimiz - FI˙DDER: http://turkce.FIDDER.org.tr/index.php/page/bizkimiz.html<br />
222 Secretary General at Quds Meeting: http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong><br />
tent&view=article&id=292:secretary-general-at-qud...<br />
http://www.mounahada.org/saveprintpage.phpname :اجلمعية األهلية ملناهضة الصهيونية ونصرة فلسطني 223<br />
part=felandsah&number=336&ac=7<br />
224 Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum<br />
http://www.alquds-forum.com/en/index.phps=30<br />
225 Türkiye Gönüllü Tes¸ekkülleri Vakfı - Yönetim<br />
http://www.tgtv.org/web/guest/y<strong>on</strong>etim-kurulu;jsessi<strong>on</strong>id=3486E05138107C02D19C00D00E608C74<br />
226 FI˙DDER’den Bas¸bakan’a mektup<br />
http://www.timeturk.com/FIDDERden-basbakana-mektup-49650-haberi.html<br />
227 Keyif Haber: Filistinlilerin Türkiyedeki en etkili kurumu olan Filistin Dayanıs¸ma Derneg˘i<br />
FI˙DDER Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Hasan Bereket Filistin toprakları I˙srail is¸galinden<br />
kurtarılıncaya kadar direnis¸ sürecek dedi:<br />
http://www.keyifhaber.com/haber-5323-Filistinlilerin-Turkiyedeki-en-etkili-kurumu-olan-<br />
Filistin-Dayanisma-Dernegi-FIDDER-Y<strong>on</strong>etim-Kurulu-uyesi-Hasan-Bereket-Filistin-topraklariisrail-isgalinden-kurtarilincaya-kadar-direnis-surecek-dedi.html<br />
228 Keyif Haber: Filistinlilerin Türkiyedeki en etkili kurumu olan Filistin Dayanıs¸ma Derneg˘i<br />
FI˙DDER Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Hasan Bereket Filistin toprakları I˙srail is¸galinden<br />
kurtarılıncaya kadar direnis¸ sürecek dedi:<br />
http://www.keyifhaber.com/haber-5323-Filistinlilerin-Turkiyedeki-en-etkili-kurumu-olan-<br />
Filistin-Dayanisma-Dernegi-FIDDER-Y<strong>on</strong>etim-Kurulu-uyesi-Hasan-Bereket-Filistin-topraklariisrail-isgalinden-kurtarilincaya-kadar-direnis-surecek-dedi.html<br />
229 Keyif Haber: Filistinlilerin Türkiyedeki en etkili kurumu olan Filistin Dayanıs¸ma Derneg˘i<br />
FI˙DDER Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Hasan Bereket Filistin toprakları I˙srail is¸galinden<br />
kurtarılıncaya kadar direnis¸ sürecek dedi:<br />
105
http://www.keyifhaber.com/haber-5323-Filistinlilerin-Turkiyedeki-en-etkili-kurumu-olan-<br />
Filistin-Dayanisma-Dernegi-FIDDER-Y<strong>on</strong>etim-Kurulu-uyesi-Hasan-Bereket-Filistin-topraklariisrail-isgalinden-kurtarilincaya-kadar-direnis-surecek-dedi.html<br />
230 Members: http://www.<strong>the</strong>uniw.net/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=14<br />
6:members&catid=10:<strong>the</strong>-unity<br />
231 HP-1267: Treasury Designates <strong>the</strong> Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good : http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/<br />
hp1267.htm<br />
232 “Journalist <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <strong>on</strong> Austrian Chancellor’s Meeting With Alleged HAMAS Financer<br />
Austria” OSC <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>day, December 3, 2007 T09:11:52Z Journal Code: 9241 Language:<br />
ENGLISH Record Type: FULLTEXT<br />
Document Type: OSC <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> Word Count: 2,487<br />
233 Schily prüft Verbot v<strong>on</strong> Nachfolgern des verbotenen islamistischen Al-Aksa-Vereins -<br />
netzeitung.de: http://www.netzeitung.de/deutschland/315966.html<br />
234 Avrupa’daki Müslümanların Gazze’deki yardım eli - IGMG.de - Das islamische Portal:<br />
http://www.igmg.de/tr/haberler/yazi/2008/05/04/avrupadaki-muesluemanlaringazzedeki-yardim-eli.html.html<br />
235 Hamas takes c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza | World news | guardian.co.uk<br />
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/jun/15/israel4<br />
236 AKP wins big despite all odds<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.doload=detay&link=117376<br />
237 General Coordinator talks with Mr. Haniya<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=214:genera<br />
l-coordinator-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>the</strong>-uniw-had-a-talk-with-smail-heniyye&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
238 Internati<strong>on</strong>al charity groups ga<strong>the</strong>r in Istanbul for Palestine<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.doload=detay&link=119373<br />
239 World <strong>Muslim</strong>s Meet to Save Al-Quds - IslamOnline.net - News<br />
http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellitec=Article_C&cid=1221720719579&pagename=Z<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-English-News/NWELayout<br />
240 Humanity Voice - The 7th c<strong>on</strong>ference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Al-Quds c<strong>on</strong>cluded its works in Beirut<br />
http://www.humanityvoice.net/news_details.phpid=4693<br />
241 Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum: http://www.alquds-forum.com/en/index.phps=30<br />
242 Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum: http://www.alquds-forum.com/en/index.phps=30<br />
243 “Turkish paper reports <strong>on</strong> Al-Quds meeting in Istanbul” BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Europe - Political<br />
November 18, 2007 Sunday Source: Hurriyet website, Istanbul, in Turkish 16 Nov 07<br />
244 Al-Quds Internati<strong>on</strong>al Forum: http://www.alquds-forum.com/en/index.phps=33<br />
245 “Turkish paper reports <strong>on</strong> Al-Quds meeting in Istanbul” BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Europe - Political<br />
November 18, 2007 Sunday<br />
246 Secretary General at Quds Meeting: http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent<br />
&view=article&id=292:secretary-general-at-quds-meeting&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
247 http://alquds-forum.net/files/<strong>the</strong>_istanbul_declarati<strong>on</strong>.doc<br />
248 “Protest over Palestinian embargo held near <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> embassy in Turkey” BBC M<strong>on</strong>itoring Europe<br />
– Political January 23, 2008 Wednesday<br />
249 Gazze’de öldürülen insan sayısı her geçen yıl artıyor haberi | Haber Aktüel - S<strong>on</strong> Sürat Haber,<br />
haber, haberler<br />
http://www.haberaktuel.com/gazzede-oldurulen-insan-sayisi-her-gecen-yil-artiyorhaberi-108646.html<br />
250 I˙srail, soykırımcı terör devleti<br />
http://www.haberpan.com/israil-soykirimci-teror-devleti-haberi/<br />
251 I˙srail, soykırımcı terör devleti<br />
http://www.haberpan.com/israil-soykirimci-teror-devleti-haberi/<br />
252 I˙srail, soykırımcı terör devleti<br />
http://www.haberpan.com/israil-soykirimci-teror-devleti-haberi/<br />
106
253 IHH - a Turkish humanitarian relief fund with a radical Islamic anti-Western orientati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e105.htm<br />
254 Secretary General at Palestine Meeting<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=201:<strong>the</strong>-secretarygeneral-participates-tgtvs-meeting-with-<strong>the</strong>-agenda-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-palestine&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
255 I˙srail dünyanın bas¸ belası!<br />
http://www.tumgazeteler.com/a=2577463<br />
256 Secretary General at Palestine Meeting<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=201:<strong>the</strong>-secretarygeneral-participates-tgtvs-meeting-with-<strong>the</strong>-agenda-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-palestine&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
257 Country <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <strong>on</strong> Terrorism 2008 Chapter 2. Country <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s: Middle East and North Africa<br />
Overview<br />
http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/2008/122433.htm<br />
258 Country <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <strong>on</strong> Terrorism 2008 Chapter 2. Country <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s: Middle East and North Africa<br />
Overview<br />
http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/2008/122433.htm<br />
259 Urgent Meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs for Palestine<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=221:<strong>the</strong>-urgentmeeting-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-n<strong>on</strong>-governmental-organizati<strong>on</strong>s-for-palestine-&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
260 The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> genocide must be stopped<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=203:<strong>the</strong>-genocideby-israel-must-be-stopped&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
261 Call for Emergency Aid for Palestine<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=226:call-for-<br />
262 Unuttunuzsa eg˘er derhal hatırlamalısınız | MORAL HABER<br />
http://www.moralhaber.net/haber-yorum/unuttunuzsa-eger-derhal-hatirlamalisiniz/<br />
263 http://www.<strong>the</strong>wcmp.org/uploads/Ist_08_<str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>.pdf<br />
264 http://www.<strong>the</strong>wcmp.org/uploads/Ist_08_<str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>.pdf<br />
265 ALRAID - Press about us: http://web.archive.org/web/20080618034756<br />
http://www.arraid.org/92/eng/full_news/4848/visibletype/1/index.html<br />
266 Kingdom Foundati<strong>on</strong> Chaired by Prince Alwaleed D<strong>on</strong>ates $100,000 to <strong>the</strong> Next Generati<strong>on</strong><br />
C<strong>on</strong>ference: https://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080504104945<br />
267 Internati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>gress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Philantropists in Istanbul<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.com/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=235:internati<strong>on</strong>a<br />
l-c<strong>on</strong>gress-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-philantropists-held-in-istanbul&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
268 Al-ManarTV: Doha Hosts 6th Annual C<strong>on</strong>ference <strong>on</strong> Al-Quds 12/10/2008<br />
http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspxid=59757&language=en<br />
269 Secretary General at Quds Meeting<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>uniw.net/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=292:secretar<br />
y-general-at-quds-meeting&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
270 Kudüs Müessesesi’nin K<strong>on</strong>gresi: http://www.vahdet.com.tr/filistin/dosya7/1808.html<br />
271 World <strong>Muslim</strong>s Meet to Save Al-Quds - IslamOnline.net - News<br />
http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellitec=Article_C&cid=1221720719579&pagename=Z<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-English-News/NWELayout<br />
272 “Sixth Al Quds C<strong>on</strong>ference Kicks Off In Doha” Qatar News Agency October 13, 2008 M<strong>on</strong>day<br />
12:02 AM EST<br />
273 Kudüs Müessesesi’nin K<strong>on</strong>gresi: http://www.vahdet.com.tr/filistin/dosya7/1808.html<br />
274 BBC NEWS | Middle East | Mourning begins for Yemen speaker : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/<br />
hi/middle_east/7164667.stm<br />
275 Kudüs Müessesesi’nin K<strong>on</strong>gresi: http://www.vahdet.com.tr/filistin/dosya7/1808.html<br />
276 “Lebanese Islamic group leader comments <strong>on</strong> Jerusalem c<strong>on</strong>ference, Iran’s envoy” BBC<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring Middle East - Political M<strong>on</strong>itoring, October 15, 2008 Wednesday<br />
107
:الدوحة: “مؤمتر القدس” يدعو الى رأب الصدع الفلسطيني ويستنكر احلفريات اإلسرائيلية حتت املسجد األقصى 277<br />
http://www.al-ayyam.ps/znews/site/template/article.aspxdid=95645&date=10/14/2008<br />
278 Al-ManarTV: Syria Hosts Forum <strong>on</strong> Palestinians’ Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return 23/11/2008<br />
http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspxid=64890&language=en<br />
:إسالم أون الين.نت - األخبار - مؤمتر دمشق.. “اجلهاد” تشارك و”الدميقراطية” تعتذر 279<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20071012020017/http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellite<br />
c=ArticleA_C&cid=1190886274713&pagename=Z<strong>on</strong>e-Arabic-News/NWALayout<br />
280 Al-ManarTV: Syria Hosts Forum <strong>on</strong> Palestinians’ Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return 23/11/2008<br />
http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspxid=64890&language=en<br />
281 Al-ManarTV: Syria Hosts Forum <strong>on</strong> Palestinians’ Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return 23/11/2008<br />
http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspxid=64890&language=en<br />
282 THE ARAB INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS FOR THE RIGHT OF RETURN C<strong>on</strong>ferences Palace<br />
http://www.safsaf.org/12-2008/awda/arab_internati<strong>on</strong>al_c<strong>on</strong>gress_for.htm<br />
283 404 - Hata: 404: http://www.hukukcular.org.tr/haber_detay.phphaber_id=1020 (no l<strong>on</strong>ger<br />
available)<br />
:إسالم أون الين.نت - األخبار - مؤمتر دمشق.. “اجلهاد” تشارك و”الدميقراطية” تعتذر 284<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20071012020017/http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellite<br />
c=ArticleA_C&cid=1190886274713&pagename=Z<strong>on</strong>e-Arabic-News/NWALayout<br />
285 http://thawra.alwehda.gov.sy/_archive.aspFileName=32397142220081125005142<br />
286 ADALETI˙ SAVUNANLAR DERNEG˘I˙ - S¸am K<strong>on</strong>feransı<br />
http://as-der.org.tr/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=607&Itemid=64<br />
swissinfo: - في دمشق.. ملتقى عربي ودولي يجدد التأكيد على حق العودة للفلسطينيني· 287<br />
http://www.swissinfo.ch/ara/index.htmlcid=7064726&rss=true<br />
288 T<strong>on</strong>y Blair’s sister in law Lauren Booth says: I’m a <strong>Muslim</strong> | Mail Online:<br />
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1323412/T<strong>on</strong>y-Blairs-sister-law-Lauren-Boothsays-Im-<strong>Muslim</strong>.html<br />
289 Cynthia McKinney - Message to Palestine Right to Return C<strong>on</strong>ference in Damascus, Syria<br />
http://www.iacenter.org/palestine/sryiaror_mckinney121508/<br />
290 http://thawra.alwehda.gov.sy/_archive.aspFileName=32397142220081125005142<br />
291 Al-ManarTV:: Syria Hosts Forum <strong>on</strong> Palestinians’ Right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Return 23/11/2008<br />
http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspxid=64890&language=en<br />
292 THE ARAB INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS FOR THE RIGHT OF RETURN C<strong>on</strong>ferences Palace<br />
http://www.safsaf.org/12-2008/awda/arab_internati<strong>on</strong>al_c<strong>on</strong>gress_for.htm<br />
293 Israel kills scores in Gaza air strikes | Reuters<br />
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLR1342320081227<br />
294 “TURKEY SLAMS ISRAEL, CALLS ATTACKS ‘CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY’ Turkish Daily<br />
News December 29, 2008 M<strong>on</strong>day<br />
295 Tariq RAMADAN: http://www.tariqramadan.com/In-<strong>the</strong>-name-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<strong>the</strong>-Palestinians.html<br />
296 Ikhwanweb: The <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood Official English Website<br />
http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.phpID=18989&LevelID=1&Secti<strong>on</strong>ID=0<br />
297 <strong>Muslim</strong> Leaders Announce Gaza Humanitarian Campaign<br />
http://www.mpac.org/article.phpid=760<br />
298 Euro <strong>Muslim</strong>s’ Stance <strong>on</strong> Gaza Massacre - IslamOnline.net - European <strong>Muslim</strong>s<br />
http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellitec=Article_C&cid=1230414072132&pagename=Z<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-English-Euro_<strong>Muslim</strong>s/EMELayout&utm_source=opt-in_list&utm_medium=Email&utm_<br />
campaign=weekly_Newsletter#r<br />
299 Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Qatar<br />
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.aspcu_no=2&item_<br />
no=265731&versi<strong>on</strong>=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16<br />
300 UNIW denounces <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> State Terrorism<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=307:wevehemently-c<strong>on</strong>demn-<strong>the</strong>-zi<strong>on</strong>ist-terrorism&catid=2:basn-acklamalar&Itemid=3<br />
108
301 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> raids into Gaza protested in Istanbul<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/istanbul-da-israil-e-protesto2/en/<br />
302 IHH rushes sec<strong>on</strong>d load <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> humanitarian aid to Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/ihh-gazze-ye-ikinci-yardim-k<strong>on</strong>voyunu-ulastirdi/en/<br />
303 IHH d<strong>on</strong>ates $300,000 to Gazan strike victims<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/gazzeye-400-bin-ytllik-acil-yardim-ulastirdik/en/<br />
304 Workers d<strong>on</strong>ate <strong>the</strong>ir wages to Gazans<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/isciler-bir-gunluk-yevmiyelerini-gazze-ye-bagisladi1/en/<br />
305 Pupils want end to Gaza strikes<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/minik-yureklerden-anlamli-cagri/en/<br />
306 Children join Gaza protests<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/minik-eylemciler-gazze-icin-yurudu/en/<br />
307 Children join Gaza protests<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/minik-eylemciler-gazze-icin-yurudu/en/<br />
308 Reacti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turkish Politics to <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> Airstrikes <strong>on</strong> Gaza -1-<br />
http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/62588/reacti<strong>on</strong>-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-turkish-politics-to-israeli-airstrikes<strong>on</strong>-gaza-1-.html<br />
309 Arab News January 9, 2009 Friday Qunoot prayers reflect Saudi anger over aggressi<strong>on</strong><br />
310 Brit<strong>on</strong>s Against Israel’s Terrorist Attacks <strong>on</strong> Gaza - IslamOnline.net - European <strong>Muslim</strong>s<br />
http://www.islam<strong>on</strong>line.net/servlet/Satellitec=Article_C&cid=1230490513742&pagename=Z<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-English-Euro_<strong>Muslim</strong>s%2FEMELayout<br />
311 <strong>Muslim</strong>s, Jews united to protest Gaza war:<br />
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/02/04/65690.html<br />
312 MAZLUMDER Istanbul Branch: http://www.MAZLUMDERistanbul.org/eng/default.<br />
aspsayfa=rapor_detay&rapor=64<br />
313 Thousands protest Israel in Istanbul<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/israil-binlerce-kisi-tarafindan-protesto-edildi/en/<br />
314 Özgür-Der [ Beyazıt Meydanı Gazze I˙çin Doldu Tas¸tı ]<br />
http://www.ozgurder.org/v2/news_detail.phpid=589<br />
315 İstanbul’da Mahşeri Gazze’ye Destek Mitingi (foto-video) - Velfecr.com || Kudüs’ün Özgür<br />
ve Aydınlık Şafağına Doğru<br />
http://www.velfecr.net/haber_detay.phphaber_id=9395<br />
316 SELAHADDI˙N’I˙N TORUNLARI GAZZE I˙ÇI˙N MEYDANLARI DOLDURDU - Zillet Bizden<br />
Uzaktır | Hizbullah | Huseyni Sevda<br />
http://www.huseynisevda.net/news.phpreadmore=575<br />
317 Diyarbakır, Gazze I˙çin Ayakta - Marmara Haber [Nokta] Net - Bu kadar net!<br />
http://www.marmarahaber.net/diyarbakir-gazze-icin-ayakta_haberi_8929.html<br />
318 SELAHADDI˙N’I˙N TORUNLARI GAZZE I˙ÇI˙N MEYDANLARI DOLDURDU - Zillet Bizden<br />
Uzaktır | Hizbullah | Huseyni Sevda<br />
http://www.huseynisevda.net/news.phpreadmore=575<br />
319 TARI˙HE TANIK OLUN | Yer Gök Gazze Oldu!<br />
http://www.habervakti.com/page=news_details&id=3271<br />
320 Yurtta I˙srail vahs¸etine öfke vardı video<br />
http://www.haberpan.com/yurtta-israil-vahsetine-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ke-vardi-video-israilin-gazzeyeduzenledigi-saldirilar-yurt-genelinde-haberi/<br />
321 HABER: İsrail Büyükelçisini Ülkesine Gönderen Hugo Chavez’e Teşekkür Mektubu haberi :<br />
http://www.haberler.com/israil-buyukelcisini-ulkesine-g<strong>on</strong>deren-hugo-chavez-haberi<br />
322 “Gazze Elazıg˘, Elazıg˘ Gazze” Mitingi Sog˘uk Dinlemedi haberi 12 Ocak 2009 Pazartesi<br />
haberleri<br />
http://www.medya73.com/news_detail.phpid=10656<br />
109
323 Sivas’ta Memur-Sen’in ve Yirmi STK.Katıldıg˘ı I˙sraille lanet filistine destek mitingine oldukça<br />
yog˘undu. - SI˙VAS SAG˘LIK-SEN<br />
http://www.sivassagliksen.org/haber_detay.asphaberID=141<br />
324 “Her yer Filistin, hepimiz Filistinliyiz’ mitinginde <strong>on</strong> binlerce vatandas tek yürek oldu (2)”<br />
Cihan News Agency (CNA) January 18, 2009 Sunday<br />
325 I˙srail K<strong>on</strong>soloslug˘u önünde protestolar devam ediyor<br />
http://www.timeturk.com/haber-47581-haberi.html<br />
326 Plane loaded with medical equipment sent to Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/gazzeye-tam-d<strong>on</strong>animli-bir-hastane-g<strong>on</strong>derdik/en<br />
327 New aid cargo heads for Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/ucuncu-kargo-ucagi-da-yola-cikti/en<br />
328 IHH sends humanitarian ship to Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/yardim-gemimiz-yola-cikti/en/<br />
329 Our Teams are at Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/ekiplerimiz-gazze-de/en/<br />
330 Türkiye halkı bize moral oldu - Marmara Haber [Nokta] Net - Bu kadar net!<br />
http://www.marmarahaber.net/turkiye-halki-bize-moral-oldu_haberi_9008.html<br />
331 Hamas spokesman: Resistance will c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/hamas-sozcusu-zuhri-direnise-devam-edecegiz/en/<br />
332 YouTube - Bülent Yıldırım Gazze’lilere seslendi: “Yanınızdayız”<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=tLNWwSDjFzs&feature=player_embedded<br />
333 IHH to care for Gazan orphans: http://www.ihh.org.tr/gazzenin-tum-yetimleri-bize-emanet/<br />
en/<br />
334 Students d<strong>on</strong>ate <strong>the</strong>ir allowances to Gaza<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/ogrenciler-gazze-deki-kardeslerini-unutmadi/en/<br />
335 Gaza recovering: http://www.ihh.org.tr/gazze-de-hayata-d<strong>on</strong>us-e2-80-a6/en/<br />
336 Palestinian Platform visits Egypt Embassy<br />
http://www.ngouni<strong>on</strong>.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=311:palestin<br />
ian-platform-visits-egypt-embassy&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
337 Hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> NGOs Ga<strong>the</strong>red for Gaza<br />
http://www.ngouni<strong>on</strong>.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=312:hundre<br />
ds-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-ngos-ga<strong>the</strong>red-for-gaza&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
338 MAZLUMDER Istanbul Branch<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDERistanbul.org/eng/default.aspsayfa=rapor_detay&rapor=64<br />
339 FI˙DDER’den Bas¸bakan’a mektup<br />
http://www.timeturk.com/FIDDERden-basbakana-mektup-49650-haberi.html<br />
340 BBC NEWS | Middle East | Clerics urge new jihad over Gaza<br />
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7895485.stm<br />
341 UNIW Attends to Gaza C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
http://www.ngouni<strong>on</strong>.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=318:uniwattends-to-gaza-victory-c<strong>on</strong>ference&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
342 http://www.e-prism.org/images/PRISM%20no%206.doc<br />
343 Qawim English WebSite - About Us:<br />
http://en.qawim.net/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=12&Itemid=34<br />
344 PO-3553: Treasury Department Statement Regarding <strong>the</strong> Designati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Global</strong> Relief<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong>: http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/po3553.htm<br />
345 U.S. plans to appeal order <strong>on</strong> status <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> co-founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> charity - CNN<br />
http://articles.cnn.com/2002-09-26/justice/muslim.charity.detainees_1_rabih-haddad-globalrelief-foundati<strong>on</strong>-muslim-charity_s=PM:LAW<br />
346 UNIW Attends to Gaza C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
http://www.ngouni<strong>on</strong>.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=318:uniwattends-to-gaza-victory-c<strong>on</strong>ference&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
110
347 translati<strong>on</strong> by <strong>Muslim</strong> World News<br />
348 <strong>Muslim</strong> NGOs to sue <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> generals in European courts | Turkey | Trend<br />
http://en.trend.az/news/world/turkey/1433819.html<br />
349 Haksöz Haber [ Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı S<strong>on</strong>a Erdi ]<br />
http://haksozhaber.net/news_detail.phpid=8206<br />
350 Uluslararası Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı | zest! Society<br />
http://www.myzest.com/uluslararasi-filistin-sivil-dayanisma-k<strong>on</strong>feransi/<br />
351 Uluslararası Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı | zest! Society<br />
http://www.myzest.com/uluslararasi-filistin-sivil-dayanisma-k<strong>on</strong>feransi/<br />
352 The World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine<br />
http://salahuddeen.net/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=1452&Itemid=197<br />
353 Haksöz Haber [ Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı S<strong>on</strong>a Erdi ]<br />
http://haksozhaber.net/news_detail.phpid=8206<br />
354 The World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine<br />
http://salahuddeen.net/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=1452&Itemid=197<br />
355 Müslüman alimlerin dev I˙stanbul bulus¸ması | Minare.Net<br />
http://www.minare.net/arsiv/musluman-alimlerin-dev-istanbul-bulusmasi.html<br />
356 The World Popular C<strong>on</strong>ference for <strong>the</strong> Support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palestine<br />
http://salahuddeen.net/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=1452&Itemid=197<br />
357 http://www.alsedeek.com/alsedeek/Article.aspid=263<br />
358 Haksöz Haber [Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı S<strong>on</strong>a Erdi ]<br />
http://haksozhaber.net/news_detail.phpid=8206<br />
359 Haksöz Haber [Filistin Sivil Dayanıs¸ma K<strong>on</strong>feransı S<strong>on</strong>a Erdi ]<br />
http://haksozhaber.net/news_detail.phpid=8206<br />
360 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Committee to break <strong>the</strong> siege <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gaza<br />
http://en.gaza-siege.org/2009/10/651<br />
361 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine<br />
http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/index.php<br />
362 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine<br />
http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/index.phppage=organisati<strong>on</strong>_committee<br />
363 http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/s<strong>on</strong>ucbildirgeler/ISP.docx<br />
364 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Symposium <strong>on</strong> Palestine<br />
http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/index.phppage=symposium_program<br />
365 http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/s<strong>on</strong>ucbildirgeler/IDSB-Palestine-Sypmosium-Book.pdf<br />
366 http://www.filistinsempozyumu.org/s<strong>on</strong>ucbildirgeler/ISP.docx<br />
367 BBP’ye Filistin’den Bas¸sag˘lıg˘ı! haberi - 12 Haziran 2009 / 16:32<br />
http://www.nethabercilik.com/haber/bbpye-filistinden-bassagligi.htm<br />
368 MÜSI˙AD aims to bring 1,000 businessmen to help rebuild Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.doload=detay&link=177742<br />
369 Commitment Campaign to Turkey gives fruits<br />
http://en.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/18062009/Commitment-Campaign-to-<br />
Turkey-gives-fruits.php<br />
370 Commitment Campaign to Turkey gives fruits<br />
http://en.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/18062009/Commitment-Campaign-to-<br />
Turkey-gives-fruits.php<br />
371 Commitment Campaign to Turkey gives fruits<br />
http://en.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/18062009/Commitment-Campaign-to-<br />
Turkey-gives-fruits.php<br />
372 Commitment Campaign to Turkey gives fruits<br />
http://en.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/18062009/Commitment-Campaign-to-<br />
Turkey-gives-fruits.php<br />
111
373 Eg˘itim için geldikleri Türkiye, <strong>on</strong>ların yeni vatanı oldu haberi - 27 Temmuz 2009 / 10:20<br />
http://www.risalehaber.com/news_detail.phpid=59474<br />
374 Eg˘itim için geldikleri Türkiye, <strong>on</strong>ların yeni vatanı oldu<br />
http://tr.vefaturkiye.com/Haber/Genel-Haberler/31072009/Egitim-icin-geldikleri-Turkiye<strong>on</strong>larin-yeni-vatani-oldu.php<br />
375 HABER: MAZLUMDER’den I˙srail Büyükelçilig˘i Önünde Kudüs Eylemi haberi<br />
http://www.haberler.com/MAZLUMDER-den-israil-buyukelciligi-<strong>on</strong>unde-kudus-haberi/<br />
376 HABER: MAZLUMDER’den İsrail Büyükelçiliği Önünde Kudüs Eylemi haberi:<br />
http://www.haberler.com/MAZLUMDER-den-israil-buyukelciligi-<strong>on</strong>unde-kudus-haberi<br />
377 Thousands call <strong>on</strong> Turkey to protect Al-Aqsa mosque from Israel / PHOTO [WORLD<br />
BULLETIN- TURKEY NEWS, WORLD NEWS]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=48050<br />
378 Our Heritage is in Danger Program<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>uniw.net/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=366:our-heritageis-in-danger-program&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
379 IHH - a Turkish humanitarian relief fund with a radical Islamic anti-Western orientati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e105.htm<br />
380 ‘Egypt is committing crimes against humanity’: http://www.ihh.org.tr/12681/en<br />
381 Turkey Gives Rapturous Welcome To Gaza Aid C<strong>on</strong>voy - Internati<strong>on</strong>al Middle East Media<br />
Center<br />
http://imemc.org/article/57425<br />
382 Turkey Gives Rapturous Welcome To Gaza Aid C<strong>on</strong>voy - Internati<strong>on</strong>al Middle East Media<br />
Center<br />
http://imemc.org/article/57425<br />
383 Gaza c<strong>on</strong>voy delegati<strong>on</strong> visits TBMM<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/11373/en/<br />
384 C<strong>on</strong>voy given 24 hours to deliver aid and leave Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-197896-c<strong>on</strong>voy-given-24-hours-to-deliver-aidand-leave-gaza.html<br />
:األخبار - عربي - شريان احلياة تغير مسارها لسوريا 385<br />
http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A9AFCE7A-A165-421A-8863-90AC03C1DD35.htm<br />
386 Hamas leader hails Gaza aid c<strong>on</strong>voy, sends letter to Turkish PM [ WORLD BULLETIN-<br />
TURKEY NEWS, WORLD NEWS ]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=52336<br />
387 Hamas leader hails Gaza aid c<strong>on</strong>voy, sends letter to Turkish PM [ WORLD BULLETIN-<br />
TURKEY NEWS, WORLD NEWS ]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=52336<br />
388 Hamas leader hails Gaza aid c<strong>on</strong>voy, sends letter to Turkish PM [ WORLD BULLETIN-<br />
TURKEY NEWS, WORLD NEWS ]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=52336<br />
389 C<strong>on</strong>voy given 24 hours to deliver aid and leave Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-197896-c<strong>on</strong>voy-given-24-hours-to-deliver-aidand-leave-gaza.html<br />
390 C<strong>on</strong>voy given 24 hours to deliver aid and leave Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-197896-c<strong>on</strong>voy-given-24-hours-to-deliver-aidand-leave-gaza.html<br />
:األخبار - عربي - شريان احلياة تغير مسارها لسوريا 391<br />
http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A9AFCE7A-A165-421A-8863-90AC03C1DD35.htm<br />
392 Turkish human rights group seeks to prosecute Barak for alleged Gaza war crimes - Haaretz<br />
Daily Newspaper | Israel News<br />
http://www.haaretz.com/news/turkish-human-rights-group-seeks-to-prosecute-barak-foralleged-gaza-war-crimes-1.265684<br />
112
393 “SENDING A FLOTILLA IN SPRING TO BREAK SIEGE OF GAZA” States News Service<br />
January 28, 2010 Thursday<br />
394 IHH leader Bulent Yildirim<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/ipc_e123.htm<br />
395 Flotilla to be launched in May<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/15-mayis-ta-filistin-e/en/<br />
396 Palestine Meeting in Mavi Marmara<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/mavi-marmara-da-filistin-bulusmasi/en/<br />
397 7 Schepen <strong>on</strong>der Turks vlag varen uit met humanitaire hulp naar de Gaza -strook - be.politics<br />
| Google Groups: http://groups.google.com/group/be.politics/msg/c24af492c93ded3e<br />
398 A<strong>the</strong>ns News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 10-04-07<br />
http://www.hri.org/news/greek/ana/2010/10-04-07.ana.html<br />
399 “First ship to launch Wednesday in new push to break Gaza sea blockade” Jordan Times<br />
(Amman) Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News May 11, 2010 Tuesday<br />
400 gulfnews : On a missi<strong>on</strong> to garner support for Gaza<br />
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/<strong>on</strong>-a-missi<strong>on</strong>-to-garner-support-forgaza-1.613382<br />
401 Erbakan: Eine gute Akti<strong>on</strong><br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/erbakan-ne-guzel-bir-calisma/de/<br />
402 MAZLUM-DER’den ÖSYM’ye I˙srail tepkisi - En Dog˘ru ve Güncel Haber<br />
http://www.habervaktim.com/haber/120769/mazlum_derden_osymye_israil_tepkisi.html<br />
403 Israel Must Release Izzet Sahin!<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/izzet-sahin-serbest-birakilsin/en/<br />
404 NGOs protest <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> detenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Izzet S¸ahin - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=109<br />
405 Protest Acti<strong>on</strong> against Israel - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=113<br />
406 Israel Must Release Izzet Sahin!<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/izzet-sahin-serbest-birakilsin/en/<br />
407 <strong>Muslim</strong> delegati<strong>on</strong> meets Prime Minister Erdogan to discuss Palestine<br />
http://www.middleeastm<strong>on</strong>itor.org.uk/news/europe/1008-muslim-delegati<strong>on</strong>-meets-primeminister-erdogan-to-discuss-palestine<br />
408 Antisemitism And Racism<br />
http://www.tau.ac.il/Anti-Semitism/asw2002-3/uk.htm<br />
409 IHH Preparati<strong>on</strong>s for a Violent C<strong>on</strong>fr<strong>on</strong>tati<strong>on</strong> with IDF Soldiers<br />
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e110.htm p.<br />
129<br />
http://www.kuna.net. :الشؤون اإلجتماعية - 22/05/2010 - Gaza Turkish aid flotilla sets sail for :كونا 410<br />
kw/newsagenciespublicsite/ArticleDetails.aspxLanguage=en&id=2085485<br />
411 Mavi Marmara Ship Sent Off To Palestine With Prayers<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/mavi-marmara-gemisi-filistin-e-dualarla-ugurlandi/en/<br />
412 Mavi Marmara Ship Sent Off To Palestine with Prayers - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=118<br />
413 Mavi Marmara Ship Sent Off To Palestine With Prayers<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/mavi-marmara-gemisi-filistin-e-dualarla-ugurlandi/en/<br />
http://www.kuna.net. :الشؤون اإلجتماعية - 22/05/2010 - Gaza Turkish aid flotilla sets sail for :كونا 414<br />
kw/newsagenciespublicsite/ArticleDetails.aspxLanguage=en&id=2085485<br />
415 Mavi Marmara Ship Sent Off To Palestine With Prayers<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/mavi-marmara-gemisi-filistin-e-dualarla-ugurlandi/en/<br />
113
416 Below you can find <strong>the</strong> press release given out by “Palestine Our Route, Humanitarian Aid<br />
Our Load” Flotilla in Antalya. - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20101006102519/http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_<br />
detay.asphaberID=120<br />
417 UNIW Deputy Secretary General Mutawwa in Gaza c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=427:uniw-deputysecretary-general-mutawwa-in-gaza-c<strong>on</strong>voy&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
418 Leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Islamic world coming for Turkish meetings<br />
http://abna.ir/data.asplang=3&id=189766<br />
http://www.iums<strong>on</strong>line.net/index. :البيان اخلتامي الجتماع اجلمعية العامة الثالثة لالحتاد العاملي لعلماء املسلمني 419<br />
phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=973:2010-07-10-23-06-44&catid=6:data&Itemid=83<br />
420 <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> assault <strong>on</strong> Gaza flotilla draws sharp reacti<strong>on</strong> from Turkish civil society<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.doload=detay&link=211688<br />
421 Israel’s Banditry should not remain unreturned!<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=429:israelsbanditry-should-not-remain-unreturned&catid=1:haberler&Itemid=2<br />
422 Israel Commits Crimes against Humanity!.. - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20101007091529/http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_<br />
detay.asphaberID=123<br />
423 MAZLUMDER files criminal complaint <strong>on</strong> Israel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials - MAZLUMDER Headquarter<br />
http://www.MAZLUMDER.org/ing/haber_detay.asphaberID=124<br />
424 Turks want prosecutors to sue Israel for murder over flotilla raid - CNN<br />
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-06-02/world/turkey.israel.lawsuit_1_israeli-commandos-gazaisraeli-government_s=PM:WORLD<br />
425 HABER: Ankara’da I˙srail’i Protesto Mitingi haberi<br />
http://www.haberler.com/ankara-da-israil-i-protesto-mitingi-2089909-haberi/<br />
426 Thousands petiti<strong>on</strong> US gov’t to probe flotilla passengers<br />
http://www.jpost.com/Internati<strong>on</strong>al/Article.aspxid=178446<br />
427 “My Inbox: IHH Funded Turkish Flotilla Jihadi Denied A Visa To Spread His Hate In The US”<br />
The Jawa <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g> June 23, 2010 Wednesday 2:23 AM EST<br />
428 Turkey pushes for impartial inquiry into <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s - Hurriyet Daily News and Ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
Review<br />
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.phpn=turkey-calls-for-probe-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-gaza-aid-ship-deathsthreatens-to-review-israel-ties-2010-06-02<br />
429 Israel kills babies and we martyr while trying to save <strong>the</strong>m<br />
http://www.ihh.org.tr/israil-bebekleri-olduruyor-biz-kurtarmaya-calisirken-sehit-oluyoruz/<br />
en/<br />
430 Filistin Hükümeti Ve I˙hh Yetkililerinden Siirt’te Taziye Ziyareti - 09 Haziran 2010 Çars¸amba<br />
10:07<br />
http://www.beyazgazete.com/haber/2010/06/09/filistin-hukumeti-ve-ihh-yetkililerindensiirt-te-taziye-ziyareti.html<br />
431 Kuwaiti MP seeks popular interacti<strong>on</strong> with Gaza relief campaign<br />
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.<br />
aspxLanguage=en&id=2090700<br />
432 ‘Free flotilla activists immediately’<br />
http://www.arabtimes<strong>on</strong>line.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/154732/<br />
reftab/69/Default.aspx<br />
433 ‘Gaza heroes’ welcomed home » Kuwait Times Website<br />
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.phpnewsid=NDg0MzQ1OTYy<br />
434 “Political affiliati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> new assembly” Kuwait Times July 2, 2006<br />
435 KUNA : Turkish aid flotilla sets sail for Gaza - Society - 22/05/2010: http://www.kuna.net.<br />
kw/newsagenciespublicsite/ArticleDetails.aspxLanguage=en&id=2085485<br />
114
436 Al Anwar Newspaper-English - Kuwaitis who returned home safely from Israel ‘h<strong>on</strong>oured’<br />
http://www.al-anwar.com.au/english/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=1013<br />
&Itemid=28<br />
437 Kuwait MPs call for withdrawal from Arab peace plan | Islam Tribune<br />
http://www.islamtribune.com/2010/06/01/kuwait-mps-call-for-withdrawal-from-arabpeace-plan.html<br />
438 Al Anwar Newspaper-English - Kuwaitis who returned home safely from Israel ‘h<strong>on</strong>oured’<br />
http://www.al-anwar.com.au/english/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&task=view&id=1013<br />
&Itemid=28<br />
439 Dashti seeks to scrap sharia c<strong>on</strong>trols in electi<strong>on</strong> law » Kuwait Times Website<br />
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.phpnewsid=ODQwODU1NDk2<br />
440 “Students discuss ways to secure detainees’ freedom” Kuwait Times 24 February 1999.<br />
441 “Islamic human rights committee asks Pakistan to take in Afghan Arabs” Agence France<br />
Presse – English December 2, 2001<br />
442 Kuwaiti court authorizes probe into torture claims by Islamist suspects” Agence France Presse –<br />
English July 5, 2005 Tuesday 4:12 PM GMT<br />
443 <strong>Muslim</strong> Lawyers<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20011020005602/http://www.muslim-lawyers.net/news/index.<br />
php3akti<strong>on</strong>=show&number=63<br />
444 BURA Bog˘aziçi Üniversiteliler Derneg˘i<br />
http://www.bura.org.tr/haberler/haberoku.asphid=390<br />
445 <strong>Muslim</strong> NGOs to sue <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> generals in European courts | Turkey |<br />
http://en.trend.az/news/world/turkey/1433819.html<br />
446 Arab Media <str<strong>on</strong>g>Report</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <strong>on</strong> Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom,<br />
Determined to Reach Gaza or Die<br />
http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm#_edn2<br />
447 IMRA - M<strong>on</strong>day, June 7, 2010 MEMRI Narrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Struggle and Jihad in Statements By<br />
Islamist Participants in Gaza Flotilla<br />
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3id=48367<br />
448 ‘Gaza heroes’ welcomed home » Kuwait Times Website<br />
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.phpnewsid=NDg0MzQ1OTYy<br />
449 Office <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> United Nati<strong>on</strong>s High Commissi<strong>on</strong>er for Human Rights<br />
http://hmak.org/main/p=238<br />
http://hmak.org/main/p=262 :خبر صحفي 450<br />
451 “Kuwaiti Islamic groups calls for ban <strong>on</strong> shopping festival” Agence France Presse - English,<br />
November 18, 1998 09:35 GMT<br />
452 Broederschap gelieerd aan H<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>stadgroep - telegraaf.nl [Binnenland]<br />
http://web.archive.org/web/20071028104553/http://www.telegraaf.nl/<br />
binnenland/60959961/Broederschap_gelieerd_aan_H<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>stadgroep.html<br />
453 The politics <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hate: http://www.<strong>the</strong>nati<strong>on</strong>al.ae/news/<strong>the</strong>-politics-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-hatepageCount=0<br />
454 “s Lands grootste moskee is bijna af, en nu écht... “ Algemeen Dagblad October 1, 2010<br />
455 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefafioereport1008.pdf<br />
456 IMRA - M<strong>on</strong>day, June 7, 2010 MEMRI Narrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Struggle and Jihad in Statements By<br />
Islamist Participants in Gaza Flotilla<br />
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3id=48367<br />
457 Kuwaiti MP seeks popular interacti<strong>on</strong> with Gaza relief campaign<br />
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.<br />
aspxLanguage=en&id=2090700<br />
458 Kuwaitis from flotilla speak <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> ‘crimes’<br />
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.aspxfile=data/middleeast/2010/June/<br />
middleeast_June81.xml§i<strong>on</strong>=middleeast<br />
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459 IMRA - M<strong>on</strong>day, June 7, 2010 MEMRI Narrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Struggle and Jihad in Statements By<br />
Islamist Participants in Gaza Flotilla<br />
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3id=48367<br />
460 Attacked ships were 100-km away from <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> waters: Mutawa<br />
http://www.arabtimes<strong>on</strong>line.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/155237/<br />
reftab/96/Default.aspx<br />
461 Attacked ships were 100-km away from <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> waters: Mutawa<br />
http://www.arabtimes<strong>on</strong>line.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/155237/<br />
reftab/96/Default.aspx<br />
http://www.alraimedia.com/ :جريدة الراي - محليات - وقفة وفاء... ل»تركيا النُبل واإلباء« - - 16/06/2010 462<br />
Alrai/Article.aspxid=209960<br />
463 Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - First Page<br />
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.aspcu_no=2&item_<br />
no=366138&versi<strong>on</strong>=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56<br />
464 Islamic scholars plan Gaza trip with new Turkey flotilla [ WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY<br />
NEWS, WORLD NEWS ]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=60725<br />
465 Press c<strong>on</strong>ference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> muslim scholars general council<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>unity.org/en/index.phpopti<strong>on</strong>=com_c<strong>on</strong>tent&view=article&id=43<br />
4:press-c<strong>on</strong>ference-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-internati<strong>on</strong>al-uni<strong>on</strong>-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-muslim-scholars-general-council-<br />
&catid=9:press&Itemid=8<br />
466 <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars urge Islamic world to back Turkey <strong>on</strong> Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-214281-100-muslim-scholars-urge-islamicworld-to-back-turkey-<strong>on</strong>-gaza.html<br />
467 Gündem - I˙slam alimleri, yardım gemisiyle Gazze’ye gidecek - ZAMAN GAZETESI˙<br />
[I˙nternetin I˙lk Türk Gazetesi]<br />
http://www.zaman.com.tr/haber.dohaberno=1001101&title=islam-alimleri-yardimgemisiyle-gazzeye-gidecek<br />
468 Islamic scholars plan Gaza trip with new Turkey flotilla [ WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY<br />
NEWS, WORLD NEWS ]<br />
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.phpid=60725<br />
:األخبار - دولي - “احتاد العلماء” يطالب برفع حصار غزة 469<br />
http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3E719FDF-FE92-4713-AE47-A1B25AA3BAAD.htm<br />
:البشير » األخبار » القرضاوي يوجه نداءً لتوحيد األمة اإلسالمية 470<br />
http://www.islamtoday.net/albasheer/artshow-12-135230.htm<br />
471 I˙slam alimlerinden Türkiye’ye destek haberi - 21 Haziran 2010 / 13:15<br />
http://www.risalehaber.com/news_detail.phpid=80492<br />
:أكادميية إعداد القادة )1( )تركيا( - منتدى موقع الدكتور عمرو خالد 472<br />
http://forum.amrkhaled.net/showthread.phpt=326296<br />
473 “Help cure West’s ills, <strong>Muslim</strong>s told” The Tor<strong>on</strong>to Star 6 January 2003<br />
474 <strong>Muslim</strong> scholars urge Islamic world to back Turkey <strong>on</strong> Gaza<br />
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-214281-100-muslim-scholars-urge-islamicworld-to-back-turkey-<strong>on</strong>-gaza.html<br />
475 Internati<strong>on</strong>al Uni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Muslim</strong> Scholars to Establish Relief Ship in its Name | IslamToday -<br />
English<br />
http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-235-3696.htm<br />
476 http://www.nefafoundati<strong>on</strong>.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefauni<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>good0109.pdf<br />
477 Al-Qaradawi announces plan to join Gaza c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
http://www.middleeastm<strong>on</strong>itor.org.uk/news/middle-east/1244-al-qaradawi-announcesplan-to-join-gaza-c<strong>on</strong>voy<br />
موقع جريدة األنباء - محليات - الطبطبائي: عمرو موسى زار غزة وكأنه داخل »من القادسية إلى الفيحاء« ويتمشى في شارع احلب.. 478<br />
http://www.alanba.com.kw/AbsoluteNMNEW/templates/local2010.a :وكلها من بركات أسطول احلرية<br />
spxarticleid=119780&z<strong>on</strong>eid=14&m=0<br />
116
About <strong>the</strong> Author<br />
Steven Merley is an investigative researcher with a specialty in political extremism.<br />
Since September 11, 2001, Mr. Merley has been collecting and analyzing informati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Muslim</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood and its networks in Europe and <strong>the</strong> US. Clients for his<br />
work have included NGOs, U.S think-tanks, documentary film makers, and <strong>the</strong> Wall<br />
Street Journal.<br />
About <strong>the</strong> Jerusalem Center for<br />
Public Affairs<br />
The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs is a leading independent research institute<br />
specializing in public diplomacy and foreign policy. Founded in 1976, <strong>the</strong> Center has<br />
produced hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> studies and initiatives by leading experts <strong>on</strong> a wide range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
strategic topics.<br />
President - Dr. Dore Gold<br />
Director General - Chaya Herskovic<br />
Jerusalem Center Websites<br />
www.jcpa.org (English)<br />
www.jcpa.org.il (Hebrew)<br />
www.jcpa-lecape.org (French)<br />
www.mesi.org.uk (United Kingdom)<br />
www.jer-zentrum.org (German)<br />
Board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Directors<br />
Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld, Chairman<br />
Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Rela Mintz Geffen, Assoc. Secretary & Treasurer<br />
Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Arthur I. Eidelman, Member<br />
Zvi R. Marom, Member<br />
Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Yakir Plessner, Vice Chairman<br />
Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Shmuel Sandler, Secretary<br />
Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Efraim Torgovnik, Treasurer<br />
117
Jerusalem Center Programs<br />
Iran and <strong>the</strong> New Threats to <strong>the</strong> West – Preparati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a legal document jointly with<br />
leading <str<strong>on</strong>g>Israeli</str<strong>on</strong>g> and internati<strong>on</strong>al scholars and public pers<strong>on</strong>alities <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> initiati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
legal proceedings against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to<br />
commit genocide and participate in genocide. This program also features major policy<br />
studies by security and academic experts <strong>on</strong> Iran’s use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> terror proxies and allies in<br />
<strong>the</strong> regime’s war against <strong>the</strong> West and its race for regi<strong>on</strong>al supremacy.<br />
Defensible Borders Initiative – A major security and public diplomacy initiative that<br />
analyzes current terror threats and Israel’s corresp<strong>on</strong>ding territorial requirements,<br />
particularly in <strong>the</strong> strategically vital West Bank, that Israel must maintain to fulfill its<br />
existential security and defense needs. (www.defensibleborders.org)<br />
<strong>Global</strong> Terrorism – Using previously unpublished documents, Jerusalem Center<br />
President Dore Gold explored <strong>the</strong> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saudi Wahhabism <strong>on</strong> 9/11 in <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Times bestseller Hatred's Kingdom: How Saudi Arabia Supports <strong>the</strong> New <strong>Global</strong> Terrorism<br />
(Regnery, 2003).<br />
Institute for C<strong>on</strong>temporary Affairs (ICA) – A diplomacy program, founded in 2002<br />
jointly with <strong>the</strong> Wechsler Family Foundati<strong>on</strong>, that presents Israel’s case <strong>on</strong> current<br />
issues through high-level briefings by government and military leaders to <strong>the</strong> foreign<br />
diplomatic corps and foreign press, as well as producti<strong>on</strong> and disseminati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
informati<strong>on</strong> materials.<br />
<strong>Global</strong> Law Forum – A ground-breaking program that undertakes studies and advances<br />
policy initiatives to protect Israel’s legal rights in its c<strong>on</strong>flict with <strong>the</strong> Palestinians, <strong>the</strong><br />
Arab world, and radical Islam. (www.globallawforum.org)<br />
Anti-Semitism After <strong>the</strong> Holocaust – Initiated by Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld, this<br />
program includes c<strong>on</strong>ferences, seminars, and publicati<strong>on</strong>s discussing restituti<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
academic boycott, Holocaust denial, and anti-Semitism in <strong>the</strong> Arab world, European<br />
countries, and <strong>the</strong> post-Soviet states. (www.jewishaffairs.org)<br />
Jerusalem in Internati<strong>on</strong>al Diplomacy – Dr. Dore Gold analyzes <strong>the</strong> legal and historic<br />
rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Israel in Jerusalem and exposes <strong>the</strong> dangers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> compromise that will unleash a<br />
new jihadist momentum in his book The Fight for Jerusalem: Radical Islam, <strong>the</strong> West, and <strong>the</strong><br />
Future <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> Holy City (Regnery, 2007). Justus Reid Weiner looks at Illegal C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
in Jerusalem: A Variati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> an Alarming <strong>Global</strong> Phenomen<strong>on</strong> (2003). Researcher Nadav<br />
Shragai assesses <strong>the</strong> imminent security threats to Israel’s capital resulting from<br />
its potential divisi<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fers alternative strategies for managing Jerusalem’s<br />
demographic challenge in his m<strong>on</strong>ograph Jerusalem: The Dangers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Divisi<strong>on</strong> (2008).<br />
New Models for Ec<strong>on</strong>omic Growth in Israel – This comprehensive, 10-year project<br />
has studied <strong>the</strong> applicati<strong>on</strong> and impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> privatizati<strong>on</strong> policy and o<strong>the</strong>r financial<br />
innovati<strong>on</strong>s in Israel. Sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong> Milken Institute, <strong>the</strong> project includes nine<br />
published volumes in Hebrew and English.<br />
118
Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs<br />
המרכז הירושלמי לענייני ציבור ומדינה )ע"ר(