(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/6/2008) - A prominent national Islamic
civil rights and advocacy group said today that the resignation of a
recently-appointed Muslim community liaison for Sen. Barack Obama's
presidential campaign is symptomatic of a nationwide effort by Islamophobes who
seek to deny Muslims access to the political process.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR) said it is "ironic" that Chicago attorney Mazen Asbahi resigned
following Internet attacks on his ties to the mainstream Muslim community, an
attribute that would seem to be a requirement for his position.

SEE: Obama Muslim Coordinator Resigns (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/06/AR2008080601081.html
"Muslim-bashers play a 'six degrees of separation' game of
guilt by association with any Muslim who dares to engage in positive social or
political activism," said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR's Chicago chapter. "As
Americans, we should not allow intolerant and agenda-driven extremists to
succeed in their tactics of exclusion based on smears and mischaracterizations
of leaders or institutions at the forefront of civic engagement."

He said CAIR chapters nationwide promote Muslim voter
registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. Rehab added that CAIR
maintains a website devoted entirely to encourage American Muslim political
participation.

The CAIR election site offers the latest news and opinions
relating to Muslims and elections nationwide. It also outlines positions of the
presidential candidates, provides examples of anti-Muslim rhetoric from
candidates for all levels of public office and links to the websites of Muslims
running for public office.

SEE: CAIR 2008 Elections Website
http://www.cair2008election.com/news.php

Rehab also noted Muslims' concern over recent congressional
hearings at which Islamophobic speakers, including the controversial
self-described "terrorism expert" Steven Emerson, urged government officials to
avoid dealing with mainstream American Muslim groups, but failed to name any
credible alternatives.

For background on Emerson's history of anti-Muslim bias,
see: "Steven Emerson's Crusade" (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting)

He suggested that the rise in rhetorical attacks on Islamic
leaders and institutions may be the result of increasing Muslim political
activism and involvement.

CAIR, America's
largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide
and in Canada.
Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue,
protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that
promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor,
202-384-8857; CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166; CAIR
National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726,
E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin,
202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com